Listeners Dare: Hearing God in the Sermon

Discipleship and witness are not self-sustainable. Preaching equips Gods people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11).The gospel is news that passes from the lips of one who has heard to the ears of one who has not yet heard then (God willing) it burrows in the soul energizing the hands in daring response to a word received. Preaching is instigated by an astounding claim: Good news; God has spoken to us. The Christian life is what you get when ordinary folk respond: I have heard.The book (a companion to Preachers Dare) is for anyone who listens to sermonswhich includes preachers since theres no way to preach without gaining skills as a listener. Listening is a human skill but as Gods word is proclaimed the hearer experiences a vocal mix of preacher listener and God.Praise for Listeners Dare Books about preachinghow to research write and deliver sermonsare legion. But books about how sermons are heard internalized and acted upon by ordinary Christians in the pews are rare. Willimon addresses this elusive yet critically important task with his usual wit acumen and pastors heart. A few hours pondering this thought-filled work will pay handsome dividends come Sunday. Grant Wacker Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor of Christian History Duke Divinity School Durham NCThere is no shortage of resources out there for how to prepare and preach a sermon and yet faith comes from hearing. In turning our attention to the homiletical process of listening Willimon has given clergy and laity alike a true gift. Together we get to listen for Gods daring Worda word that in our hearing brings about holy obedience persistent hope and daring discipleship. Karoline M. Lewis Marbury E. Anderson Chair of Biblical Preaching Professor of Biblical Preaching Luther Seminary; Program Director Festival of HomileticsListening to a sermon is a spiritual disciplinethat is the simple profound insight that underpins this rich offering from Will Willimon. Lauren F. Winner Associate Professor Duke Divinity School Durham NC