Small Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Make You a Better Preacher
Is bigger always better?
It’s not often that we hear the virtues of the small. Our culture teaches that bigger is better—and that includes church ministry and preaching, too. But what if rather than swinging for the fences, preachers focused on improving their sermons through small habits, practices, and exercises? What if smaller is better?
In a world where “small” isn’t always celebrated, Jonathan T. Pennington provides Small Preaching, a short book of simple tips that can have revolutionary effects over time. Pennington offers preachers 25 words of wisdom that will help shape their preaching for the better.
Praise for Small Preaching
In this delightful little book, Jonathan Pennington proves himself at home in the library and the pulpit.
–Dan Doriani, Professor of Theology and Vice President, Covenant Theological Seminary
This book beautifully combines the renowned exegetical and hermeneutical skills of an eminent New Testament scholar with the heart and passion of a shepherd who loves God's flock.
–Hershael W. York, Dean of the School of Theology and Victor and Louise Lester Professor of Preaching, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Senior Pastor, Buck Run Baptist Church
This book will help preachers who are just starting to hone their skills and seasoned ministers alike.
–JT English, Lead Pastor, Storyline Fellowship
Small Preaching may be small in size and length, but not in the practical wisdom of which all pastors desire and need. I commend it to every pastor.
–Brian Croft, Founder/Executive Director Practical Shepherding
Top Highlights
“What is the distinction? We can define preaching as the invitational and exhortational proclamation of biblical and theological truth. Teaching, by contrast, is the explanation and explication of biblical and theological truth.” (Page 30)
“I suggest that how you handle criticism will most often be the deciding factor in whether you survive at a church and in ministry overall.” (Page 13)
“first of all, decide that you will not respond immediately” (Page 14)
“Encaustic preaching as a metaphor casts a vision for taking a long-arc view of preaching, a layer-by-layer, slow approach to your life as a preacher.8 Preachers should view each sermon they preach as but one layer of wax, one color for one bit of the overall picture.” (Page 34)
“simplicity in preaching that is rooted in depth of understanding.” (Page 60)
- Introduction
- The Person of the Preacher
- Handling Praise Carefully and Gladly
- Handling Criticism Carefully and Humbly
- Band of Brothers Preaching
- Pastoring as Conducting
- Be God’s Witness, Not His Lawyer
- Distinguish between Preaching and Teaching
- Encaustic Preaching
- Preparation for Preaching
- Manuscript Writing as Thinking
- Sermon Writing as Sculpture
- Snack Writing
- The Rhythm of Education and the Jigsaw Puzzle
- Kill Your Darlings
- Iceberg Preaching
- “This Sermon Stinks”
- Practice of Preaching
- The First Minute of a Sermon
- The Last Minute of a Sermon
- Preaching the Church Calendar
- Preaching the Cultural Calendar
- The Power of Predictions
- Every Sermon a Story
- Make Music in Your Sermon
- Always Exposition?
- The Unexamined Sermon Is Not Worth Preaching
- At Weddings and Funerals, Be a Guide
- Stealing as Sub-Creating
- Conclusion
- Title: Small Preaching: 25 Little Things You Can Do Now to Make You a Better Preacher
- Author: Jonathan T. Pennington
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2021
- Pages: 104
- Format: Logos Digital, Hardcover
- Trim Size: 5x8
- ISBN: 9781683594710
Jonathan T. Pennington is associate professor of New Testament interpretation and director of research doctoral studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also a preaching pastor at Sojourn East Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Pennington is the host and coproducer of the video series Cars, Coffee, Theology and the author of numerous books, including Reading the Gospels Wisely and Jesus the Great Philosopher.
Reviews
10 ratings
Max Diener
5/9/2023
Bruce Goldsmith
5/4/2023
John W.Ealoms
4/26/2023
John Armstrong
8/27/2022
Even if you read half of this book, and put some of that into practice, your preaching effectiveness will be greatly improved!
Matt DeVore
7/16/2022
Willie Arbelaez
10/3/2021
This book has been a great blessing to me. I read one chapter a day and after being a preacher for so many years , I find myself learning and recognizing how much more I need to learn. I highly recommend it to anyone who preaches and want to improve his preaching. Every chapter is an eye opening to understand and view our work with a deeper perspective.
Steven Yates
8/19/2021
Jake Davidson
7/23/2021
Glenn Crouch
7/16/2021
This is a fine small book with useful tips/advice on preaching. I would advise (as I did) to read just one of the short chapters at a time, to allow yourself some time to mull on it. Probably would also work to add it to your devotional time :) As someone who has been preaching for over 40 years, I applauded many of the chapters, and some were much needed reminders - and yes there were some that I disagreed with - which is also good. It makes you think, and a bit of self-examination of preaching practices is very worthwhile. Highly recommended to fellow preachers - especially those who are starting out.
