J. Ellsworth Kalas (1923–2015)

This is not really a 'how to' book. Kalas doesn't have a formula for delivering whimsical sermons which grip the congregation. Instead he shares from decades of experience as preacher and professor and draws heavily on his Evangelical heritage (especially in a Wesleyan key). And this book is full of practical insights for anyone climbing into the pulpit.

Preaching in the Age of Distraction divides into ten chapters. Here is a look at the book in skeletal form: Chapter one and two discuss the distractedness of our age (and others). Chapter three discusses the internal distractions that preachers bring with them into the pulpit, and chapter four describes some of the causes of the congregation's distractions. Chapter five discusses the benefits born out of distraction. Namely, Kalas sees the distractiveness of our age as a catalyst to strive for greater homiletic quality. Chapter six argues that excellence acts as a counter-force against the problem of distractions. Chapter seven and eight unpack how to craft sermons creatively and how to find your preaching style (or the style that best appeals to your context). But lest you think that Kalas is focused on 'technique,' chapter nine argues for the importance of sermon content. The best way to hold a congregations attention is to have something worth saying and there is nothing more worth saying than the Gospel. Finally, in chapter ten Kallas says that the preacher's 'secret resource' stems from the care she has for the congregation.

I really liked several things about Kalas's book. First of all, I think he names the problem of distraction incisively and a clear sense of the purpose of preaching. He states:

Those of us who preach, teach or write are in constant battle on the field of distractions .We are engaged in the struggle for the souls of humankind: we compete daily for their time, their attention, their feelings and eventually theri commitment and conduct. For us, distraction is not just a personal problem with which we, like the rest of our race, must contend. It is much more, because of our calling and because of the talents we hope we possess, we must enter the distractions competition.We're not satisfied that the race should go by default to those who have the largest budgets the best polling data or the most sophisticated facilities. We feel compelled to make our case because we believe that, quite simply it must be made (18-9).

As this passage makes clear, Kalas has a high view of preaching and the pastor's role in speaking truth in the midst of this distracted age.

Secondly, I think he offers many practical insights on crafting and creating good sermons. The book is full of suggestions (from Kalas and from other ministers whose quotations pepper the text). Kalas suggests attention to our context, attention to scripture, and our craft. He also describes disciplines which will help train us into people with a broad appeal (such as reading poetry and fiction-p. 74-5). In the preaching moment, he gives suggestions on how to make sermons more interact and involve congregants more in the process.

Finally I really appreciated his final chapter. In it Kalas urges that pastors foster connections with their congregation through regular conversations and pastoral care (152) and pulpit vulnerability, where as pastors we can admit our own sinfulness (158). Long ago Aristotle observed that an effective public speaker had logos (thoughtful content), ethos (moral character) and pathos (care for his audience). Kalas's antidotes to distraction speak to the preachers ability to wed thoughtful exposition with demonstrative care for Christ's church. This book packs a punch! I recommend this book for preachers (lay preachers and professional clergy) who are seeking ways to hone their craft. Kalas is a wise guide. I give this book five stars: ★★★★★.

Thank you to IVP for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review.… (meer)

NCLA Review - The will of God is the most frequently discussed of all theological questions. The author has spent a lifetime of ministry helping people understand and struggle with questions of God’s will for their lives. He says, first of all, that he believes that God’s will for you and me is good. God’s will for history is good. God’s will for our planet is good. Always. Why should we pray for the will of God? The author says when we pray, several things happen–our own sensitivity is heightened and we may see how we can contribute to a solution or we may come to a better, more thoughtful understanding. Most importantly, changes within the one who is praying may play a part in bringing an answer to our prayers. When we pray, we become agents in bringing the will of God to pass. Pastors and laity will all benefit from the reflections of this author and theologian as he explores the concept of the will of God in a shattered world. Rating: 4 —SV… (meer)

NCLA Review - The author says he purchased a house on Gratitude Street some years ago and made it his property by cultivating it. The longer he lives there, the more he has invested in it. He imparts insights gathered over the years through different means. One insight is to make friends of your regrets. Proper regret leads to gracious and more productive living; unhealthy regret makes for a kind of interior suicide, a self-loathing that hurts its victim and a good many innocent bystanders. Another is fall in love with your rainy days. Every life has its share of the inclement. It is not the weather—or the particular fortunes and misfortunes of life that determine how people feel. It is the attitude we bring to our circumstances. The people who live victoriously are those who learn to fall in love with their rainy days. Every day we can bring the kingdom of God closer to someone’s life by something we say, do, or write. A group study discussion guide is printed in the back of the book. Rating: 4 —SV… (meer)