10 of those

What is preaching? Why is some preaching arresting and powerful, and some boring and flat? How do you prepare a sermon?

In his classic text, Stuart Olyott insists that a sermon should be rooted in accurate exegesis, characterised by doctrinal substance, Christ-centeredness and supernatural authority, as well as being clear, direct, vivid, helpful and moving.

Designed as a foundational introduction, but also a valuable refresher to seasoned preachers, this book presents a biblical model for exegetical preaching and includes a closing section that outlines a suggested method of sermon preparation.

Like the preaching of its author, this book is warm, clear, forthright, and straightforward. Stuart Olyott preaches with a deep care for his listeners and a passionate love for Jesus. I am glad this book has been made available for a new generation of preachers. It will do us good. Christopher Ash, Former Director of the Cornhill Training Course, London

Some few preachers learn how to preach on their own. Most of us need help and so we turn to books on how to preach. When one of the finest expository preachers of his generation puts pen to paper and lays out a theory and a method for preparation and preaching, you would be a fool to ignore it. Stuart Olyott is very prescriptive in this little book and few will want to follow every jot and tittle of what he recommends, although it would do no harm to try. Most will want to adapt what he teaches here and work out their own pattern. However, until his method has been examined and absorbed, you are needlessly putting yourself on the back foot. Get the book; read it; read it again and then implement its teaching, as best you know how. Who knows what good might come if more ministers were willing to do that. Gary Brady, Pastor of Childs Hill Baptist Church

This book is so much more than a mere ‘how to’ manual. Stuart knows what preaching is, and he gives us tools to pursue it. Briefly, clearly, warmly, practically, spiritually, scripturally, it sets out a lively and substantial framework for the preacher of God’s Word. Young men will find a foundation upon which to develop their gifts; more seasoned ministers will enjoy reminders and prompts to refresh and reinvigorate their public labours. God-honouring, Christ-exalting, Spirit-dependent preaching can be and should be pure and simple—Stuart’s excellent book brings the Bible to bear to help make it so. Jeremy Walker, Author and Pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley