The Homiletical Question

The Homiletical Question offers preachers, from beginning students to the most experienced, a concise introduction to lectionary-based preaching in liturgical contexts familiar to Anglicans, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and others. The book demonstrates how, by answering a single, simple question each time a sermon is prepared, preachers can respond fully and faithfully to the biblical text, the needs and issues of the audience, and the challenges of a changing world. Chapters explore the practice of homiletical exegesis, creation and illustration of the moves that shape the sermon, crafting introductions and conclusions, and preaching baptisms, weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. As Thomas G. Long writes in the foreword, ""That the homiletical question should yield answers that are beyond the reach of the preacher, answers that manifest preaching as an event of surplus and abundance, answers that point toward the mystery that is the Holy Spirit, answers that take us to our knees in prayer before they take us into the pulpit, would come as no surprise to Brosend. That very mystery, that very abundance, is at the heart of Brosend's theology of preaching, and, therefore, at the heart of this book.""

""One of the virtues of this new volume in homiletics is that William Brosend has the wisdom to take a deep breath, to step back from the homiletical fray, and to ponder what constitutes the central core of preaching. He does so by posing what he calls ""the homiletical question,"" a powerful query that animates the entirety of this text: What does the Holy Spirit want the people of God to hear from these texts on this occasion? This question brings much clarity to the discussion, operating like a magnet, pulling all the disparate iron filings of the preaching event into true alignment.""
--Thomas G. Long, from the foreword

""Bill Brosend, a great preacher and teacher of preachers, gives us preachers a most helpful set of questions whereby we can move from the biblical text to faithful, engaging, Christian proclamation. Particularly helpful is Bill's location of the sermon in its liturgical context, something that makes this very practical book unique.""
--Will Willimon, Duke Divinity School

""The fruit of William Brosend's many years of preaching and teaching are on display in this lively, insightful, and well-illustrated exploration of what it means to preach, and how to and not to do it. Those called to break the bread of God's Word in sermon or homily will draw much profit from the author's experience and wise counsel.""
--Frank T. Griswold, XXV Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church


William Brosend is Professor of New Testament and Preaching at the School of Theology, the University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. He is the author of The Preaching of Jesus, Conversations with Scripture:  the Parables, and James and Jude.