Preaching to Strangers: Evangelism in Today's World

Rating:
Summary: A Theologian and a Pastor Join Forces!
Review: This book offers an ingenious example of how pastors and theologians may benefit from mutual dialogue. The book consists of twelve sermons Willimon preached at Duke Divinity School chapel over the course of a semester. Following each sermon is a reply/critique by the theologian Hauerwas. The book functions well on several different levels. First, Willimon's sermons (as always!) are compelling gospel testimony, as much a delight to read as they are to hear. Second, Hauerwas' responses to Willimon are frequently compelling and demonstrate how the craft of preaching is informed by theological concern. One can almost see the stretching of minds that is occurring not only among the readers of the book but with Hauerwas and Willimon as they dialogue about the manner in which preachers "preach to strangers." Not all of the sermons are as compelling as the best in the book, but as a whole the series stands up very well.

This book will be most helpful to preachers interested in exploring practical models for preaching and the role theological reflection plays in shaping Sunday proclamation.