Tag Archives: Preaching

Why preaching, even in a post-Christendom context, should be more than teaching

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Mark Love

In 1979, Fred Craddock sparked something of a revolution in homiletics with the publication of his book, As One Without Authority. He argued that preachers faced each week a congregation overly familiar with the themes and texts of Christianity. This … Continue reading →

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Preaching the startling news

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Mark Love

So, if part of the saving work of the gospel is to startle us into a new perception of the world (see my two previous posts), then what should the aim of preaching be? Preaching, every week preaching, should be … Continue reading →

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Dylan on a Friday: The Musicares Speech and Preaching

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Mark Love

As readers of my former blog know, I used to write a weekly piece entitled, “Dylan on a Sunday” where I would riff on some lyric or theme or related theological topic in the Dylan world. I’ve written a few … Continue reading →

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What counts as biblical preaching? Jen and Ben know

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Mark Love

I heard two great sermons at Streaming this past weekend. And it occurred to me that both qualify under my definition of biblical preaching. Jen Christy and Ben Ries both preached texts from Hebrews (in keeping with the theme of … Continue reading →

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The surprise of preaching texts

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Mark Love

I preach texts. Almost always. By that, I mean that my sermon is governed by the selection of one text. In fact, I think of my sermon as a performance of the text, not as a way of talking about … Continue reading →

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Preaching: In weakness and much trembling

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Mark Love

As you get older, your self-perception changes. My fiancé will tell you that I tend to regale my former athletic accomplishments ad nauseam, because now to look at me and the way I move you could scarcely believe that I … Continue reading →

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Clarification on My Comments About Preaching and Change

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Mark Love

I committed the sin of bloggers–making a point without sufficient nuance. And a reader was right to call me on it. I made the overheated suggestion that if you are seeking change within your congregation, you shouldn’t preach a sermon … Continue reading →

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I’ll Be Better When I’m Older: my so-called life as parable

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Mark Love

I preach 30 Sundays a year for the Church of Christ in Lake Orion, Michigan. They’ve been kind to me and I have benefitted from their grace and love through challenging times in my life. I often wish I had … Continue reading →

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More Words to Young Preachers: wearing the text as a garment

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Mark Love

My post a few days ago on advice to young preachers certainly evoked a big response. Well, big for my little corner of the blogging world. And a few of you asked what I meant specifically by the phrase, “wearing … Continue reading →

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A Word (or two) to Young Preachers

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Mark Love

No one asked me. And I know that some young preacher could no doubt write a blog, “A Word (or two) to Old Dudes Still Hanging On to their Old School Preaching Fantasies (especially, Mark Love).” And I no doubt … Continue reading →

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