Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task. Daniel Overdorf. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregal, 2022. 240 pages. Print, $17.80.

Summary

Given the importance of the proclaimed word in the ministry of a pastor, Daniel Overdorf, in his book Preaching: A Simple Approach to the Sacred Task, seeks to contribute a simple method for the art of sermon preparation. Overdorf desires to present a clear, concise, and understandable approach to the task of preaching, one that comes from the foundation of training he was given and the refinement of his own teaching methodology (14). This book serves as a great resource for those just starting their study of sermon preparation and delivery, and the author makes the content useful and understandable for such individuals. Overdorf serves as Professor of Ministry Leadership and Director of Preaching Programs at Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this book, he brings together his experience of being raised in a pastor’s home, a decade in pastoral ministry, and studies in theological education to address the topic of preaching. Overdorf has written two other books about preaching, as well as other books and articles on various topics. 

Flow of Book

Overdorf’s book follows an eight-step methodology for sermon preparation, beginning with the shared beliefs that ought to drive a preacher and ending with the actual delivery of a sermon (17). At the end of each chapter, he designed tangible exercises to help students work through each element of sermon preparation. In between each chapter, he includes various practical articles designed to help the preacher along the way in preparation of sermons.

Analysis

The author begins this book by discussing the convictions and philosophy behind preaching (18). He discusses various presuppositions that ought to drive a preacher relating to God, Scripture, preaching, and preachers (18-28). Here he provides a helpful foundation for how to approach the task of preaching, and he believes every preacher must begin with this shared understanding of what preaching is and what it does. From there, the author progresses along various elements of the sermon preparation process. Some of the content he includes could fall under the category of hermeneutics, as he addresses how to research the text and approach various literary forms, but these sections are still important and applicable to sermon preparation (49-59). The author addresses other practical aspects of the sermon structure, such as building a question and thesis statement, shaping the flow of thought in a sermon, developing the various divisions of a sermon, and how to write introductions and conclusions (17). He also gives valuable discussion on the presentation of a sermon and how a preacher’s body language can enhance the delivery of his message. In between each of the chapters, the author provides constructive articles that address various elements related to sermon preparation, such as prayer, plagiarism, preaching Christ, and how to evaluate one’s own sermon (11). These articles are very useful and serve to balance the instruction side of homiletics with the real-life element.        

Points of Contention

Though I found the bonus articles helpful, their placement in between each chapter was a hindrance for me. Some did fit well in between the chapters, but I would have preferred they be included as appendices so as to not disrupt the flow of progression in each chapter.

While I appreciate the attempt to be simple and understandable for a beginning preacher, I felt like Overdorf may have oversimplified some aspects of his content to the point where he did not explain enough for his readers. For instance, in chapter 4 he gives a discussion on keywords and their usage in a sermon (92-93). He mentions keywords only briefly and gives very little space to explain what keywords are and how or why to use them. I found several other elements like this throughout the book and think Overdorf could have expanded his discussion in areas like these so as to further explain their importance and usage while still keeping the simplicity he pursues throughout the manuscript.   

Recommendation

This book is written specifically for beginners, and the author makes no attempts to hide this. His goal is to make discussions on sermon preparation attainable to those who may not have much training or experience in preparing sermons. Though it is not a book on hermeneutics, the author does provide some content that could fall into the category of Bible interpretation, making it especially useful for those who may have little or no training in hermeneutics as well. I would recommend this book chiefly as a training tool for pastors or professors who want to train elders or competent men in sermon preparation and delivery. This book is perfect for those who have not had the opportunity to go to Bible college or seminary, and it would make a great mentoring tool for training lay church members or those who feel called into ministry. As such, I think this book will make a great discipleship tool to be used in providing a foundation of preaching philosophy and practicum for those who may not have such a foundation.   

 *This book review was originally published in the Journal of Ministry and Theology, copyright © 2023 by Baptist Bible Seminary. You can access the Journal of Ministry and Theology HERE.