Old Wine in New Wineskins: Doctrinal Preaching in a Changing World: Erickson, Millard J., Heflin, James L.: 9780801021138: Amazon.com: Books

This book was required reading for one of my seminary preaching courses. I'm so glad it was. I really enjoyed the book and the insight the authors have into preaching doctrine in the modern world.The book is divided into four sections: Understanding the Issues, Gathering the Doctrinal Contnet, Delivering Doctrine in Sermonic Form, and Getting it Done.I found the third section, Delivering Doctrine in Sermonic Form, to be the most helpful. The authors discuss four preaching styles: Expository, Topical, Narrative and Dramatic. In this section they address changes in our culture and how different sermon styles meet the needs of different hearers. Most preachers only use the first two styles, but the later two are equally valid and important. The authors give some biblical basis for these styles. I have ventured into the narrative sermon, but have yet to work with the dramatic style.The final section on Getting it Done has some great info on keeping track of the sermons you've preached in order to make sure you're not ignoring some doctrines and focusing too heavily on others. It's a great help the authors provide in this section.Anyway, variety is the spice of life. Variety in sermon delivery styles will help to spice up the worship service and keep your people interested - wondering what you'll be doing this week. Anticipation - it's a good thing.So, if your pastor's preaching needs a little spicing up, get him a copy of this book. Tell him it's a hint. I think he'll enjoy the book, though maybe not the hint.