How to Preach: Times, Seasons, Texts and Contexts by Samuel Wells
/REVIEWER: Rev Peter Crumpler
BOOK: How to Preach: Times, Seasons, Texts and Contexts
(Canterbury Press, 2023) 320pp, paperback, £22.99
This book shows you how to preach, using examples from the author’s ministry. He sets the context for the sermon, presents it as delivered, often with some further thoughts. Wells writes about preaching on politics, society, freedom, war and disability. He writes about preaching through the year, from Advent Sunday to Ascension and Pentecost. He addresses themes including miracles, parables and Old Testament narratives – and gives advice on preaching at funerals, weddings and baptisms.
On funerals, Wells counsels ‘The purpose of the sermon is to express what the deceased showed us about God. We can’t see the dead person any longer but we can still come face to face with God, even – perhaps especially – in the face of profound loss.’ He adds ‘Brevity is golden. Even the best funeral sermon can be ruined by saying too much.’ Most of his are, he says, around five minutes.
This book is a gold mine for any preacher. It is especially helpful where ministers are expected to use a script and to speak for around 12 or 15 minutes. Indeed, Wells shows how in-depth and thoughtful exposition can be achieved successfully within these parameters.
I found myself being drawn into the sermons and learning much from them. Reading this book is both instructional and devotional, so it’s best not to be read through it at a canter, but to savour each address and learn from it.
Wells explains the book derives from 30 years ‘of taking preaching seriously, seeking to enrich it from intentional study and eclectic observation.’ Preaching is a vocation, and the book is written for those wishing to enhance that calling. Wise and challenging words for all who dare to present and interpret God’s word, in our specific context, now.
Reviewer: Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, and a writer and broadcaster.