How to Prepare Sermons
Overview
This practical book supplies ministers and theological students, as well as laymen who are called upon to preach, with a helpful tool for their ministry. It is not an attempt at a complete and exhaustive treatment of homiletics but rather a clearly outlined guide for study, selection of sermon texts and themes, and sermon building.
How to Prepare Sermons has been written in a conversational tone which will give it wide usefulness. In its preparation, Dr. Evans has drawn upon his extensive education and priceless years of experience as a pastor, preacher, and Bible instructor. The material is personal, practical, and easily understood.
After establishing definition of the terms under consideration, Dr. Evans examines the value of the personality of the preacher, the voice and interpretation of the text and theme, and the gathering and arranging of the sermonic materials employed. He then gives close attention to the introduction, body, and conclusion of the sermon, the various types of sermons, and the use and abuse of illustrations. The concluding section of the book contains sermon outlines which illustrate the material discussed in the preceding pages.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Top Highlights
“He should remember these three general principles when choosing a text; the spiritual needs of the people; the cycle of truth preached; and his own ability to present the subject.” (Page 26)
“the charge is clearly stated, and the verdict announced.” (Page 157)
“Preaching is the proclamation of the Good News of salvation through man to men. Its two constituent elements are a man and a message—personality and truth.” (Page 11)
“Homiletics, then, is the art and science of preaching.” (Page 11)
“He should jot down important thoughts as they come to him, making a note not merely of the reference to the page or location, but working out the headings with the thoughts that suggest themselves to him at the time. The outline should be worked out there and then.” (Page 27)
William Evans was born in Liverpool, England, in 1870, and educated in private schools in England. Upon graduating from Liverpool College, William Evans came to America to continue his studies, first at the Moody Bible Institute, then at the Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Chicago Theological Seminary, all in Chicago.
Following several successful years in various Presbyterian pastorates, he was appointed Director of the Bible Course of Moody Bible Institute, in which office he served for fifteen years. After three years as dean of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles, Dr. Evans devoted his time to directing Bible conferences throughout the United States and Canada. He authored more than forty volumes on biblical interpretation. William Evans died in 1950.
Reviews
2 ratings
Jörg Rüffer
4/19/2023
Darrell Tan
5/26/2022
Classic that I read as a university student many years ago. Helped me at that point. It would be good value at $5, but not $15.