Dave Stone
Refining Your Style: Learning from Respected Communicators
(Group, 2004)
$22.91

This is one of the most interesting and practical preaching books we've seen in some time. Dave Ã¢â‚¬â€ who shares preaching responsibilities with Bob Russell at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky. — has identified 13 different communication styles that characterize different preachers. He cites the Creative Storyteller, Direct Spokesperson, Scholarly Analytic, Revolutionary Leader, Engaging Humorist, Convincing Apologist, Inspiring Orator, Practical Applicator, Persuasive Motivator, Passionate Teacher, Relevant Illustrator, Cultural Prophet, and Unorthodox Artist.

The strengths and weaknesses of each style are discussed, with some great insights for preachers who are exploring their own style. And Dave includes an interview with a well-known preacher or teacher who represents each of the various styles. Interviewees include Max Lucado, Bob Russell, Franklin Graham, Kirbyjon Caldwell, and Erwin McManus.

Harold M. Best
Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts
(InterVarsity Press, 2003)
$11.71

"Worship is at once about why we are, about who or what our god is and about how we choose to live." With those words, Best begins this excellent book that will be welcomed by those who are concerned with the state of worship in the Church today.

Best helps readers move beyond thinking of worship in terms of musical styles and liturgical formats to see worship in a more holistic way. He defines worship as "the continuous outpouring of all that I am, all that I can do and all that I can ever become in light of a chosen or choosing god." As the definition makes clear, all human beings are worshipers at all times; the critical question is how and whom they worship.

Best deals with worship as it relates to the life of the believer and the Church, its relationship to preaching, music and the arts. It is a well-written and interesting book that will enable the reader to think about the role of worship in his or her own life.

Eugene Peterson observes, "Worship is simply the most important action in which any of us will ever engage. Best tells us why."

J. Ellsworth Kalas
Preaching from the Soul
(Abingdon Press, 2003)
$14.67

In this interesting survey of the preaching craft, Kalas writes out of his 38 years of pastoral experience, in addition to his current insights as professor of preaching at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is an outstanding preacher who now teaches young preachers, and in this book he shares that mentoring with a wider audience.

Kalas observes that, "Soul preaching happens when the speaker seeks to deliver not only a message, but his or her own soul, and to deliver it in such a way that it reaches the soul of the hearer." Such preaching, he says, is personal, passionate, and opens the preacher to become truly vulnerable. It is preaching "that believes so much in the worth of the hearer that he or she risks the baring of the soul."

This brief volume is not one you'll turn to in order to find brand new insights on preaching. Rather, it is a reminder Ã¢â‚¬â€ from the heart of an experienced pastor Ã¢â‚¬â€ of how we go about preparing and presenting sermons that touch the souls of others. The pages are filled with good advice to preachers, such as "Avoid beginning with an apology," along with reminders like, "The introduction … is not the place for complexity."

I particularly appreciated his affirmation near the conclusion of the book: "I think that every sermon ought in some way to be Christ's Second Coming. … It ought to be Christ coming again, sometimes quietly as when he entered a room and the disciples didn't know whence he had come, and sometimes dramatically, as in the clouds of the sky, with the shout of the archangel and the trump of God. And sometimes as he came very simply, meeting our need as when he broke bread for the disciples, cooking a meal for them at the seashore. Somehow we ought to know in the preaching of the Word that Christ, the eternal Word, has come - even to those who do not recognize him or do not want him."

Quentin J. Schultze
High-Tech Worship? Using Presentational Technologies Wisely
(Baker Books, 2004)
$9.90

One of the major trends among American churches is the increasing use of technology. Go into a church built in the last decade and you may or may not find a pulpit, but you will almost certainly find projection screens.

Now Shultze, a Calvin College communications professor and Christian Internet expert, provides valuable guidance to church leaders as he explores the use and misuse of such technology in the church. His book wisely offers helpful insights for church leaders as they explore this field.

Schultze is neither a cheerleader for technology nor a mindless opponent; rather, he helps church leaders think through the issues and options for themselves. This little volume is an essential read for today's pastor.

Preaching to a Shifting Culture
edited by Scott Gibson
(Baker Books, 2004)
$13.51

Reading this book is like sitting in on a lively conversation with a group of insightful preachers discussing their craft. This excellent volume brings together the contributions of a team of outstanding preachers and teachers of preaching, including Haddon Robinson and Bryan Chapell. Those who are called to proclaim the Word in a contemporary setting will benefit from the analysis and suggestions offered in this outstanding collection.

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