In contrast with the widely popular interest in narrative styles, Thompson shows that Paul's letters offer a different model for preaching today. He demonstrates how the manner of preaching used in the pre-Christian culture of Paul is valid and effective in our contemporary postmodern Christian culture. Unlike a lot of books on preaching, this volume focuses not on technique but on the goal of preaching - forming gospel-centred Christian communities who live in the light of the eschaton. This is a much needed missing component in contemporary homiletic discussion. The book concludes with Thompson's own attempts to preaching Paul's sermons after him; these are of varied usefulness but some are helpful.
Contents
Introduction: The Pauline Gospel in a Post-Christian Culture
1. Paul as the Model for Preaching
2. Paul's Evangelistic and Pastoral Preaching
3. The Shape of Paul's Preaching
4. What is Pastoral Preaching?
5. Explaining Ourselves: Preaching and Theology
6. Preaching as Remembering
Conclusion: Reflections on Paul and the Preaching Ministry
Appendix: Preaching Paul's Sermons after Him.