Preaching as Local Theology and Folk Art (Fortress Resources for Preaching)

A "must-read" for anyone preaching or giving feedback to those who do. The importance of understanding the needs, culture, life etc. of the congregation you are speaking to is well presented. Also included are tips to evaluate and tailor your sermon or homily to reduce communication barriers. Written in a style easily read and understood. Good for reference when reflecting on what contributed to a sermon's success or failure.

Great book to teach contextualizing the sermon. Well researched and well written. Every pastor should read this book and regularly too.

Nora is a wonderful, caring individual. It comes across in her works.

Enjoyed this book.

great resource

good read.

did not find this book helpful. Most preachers know to create sermons with their hearers in mind.

Tisdale explores an interesting activity for preachers that is what she calls exegeting the congregation. The author highlights the significant need for preachers to understand the culture, demographics, theological background and expectations of the congregation to whom they minister. Tisdale provides many different approaches for how to gain insights about the congregation that will enhance the positive impact of the preaching. I think there is a plethora of elements for readers to consider and evaluate for their own ministry of preaching.Tisdale considers preachers to be local theologians. She writes, "Congregational preachers are also local theologians, called to craft theology that is shaped for very particular communities of faith...preaching as local theology insists that we begin with a searching examination of our own culture."Exegeting the culture, according to Tisdale, complements Biblical exegesis and helps the pastor - parish relationship. The impact of cultural difference is severe in some cases and probably exaggerated in others. Where Tisdale seems deficient is in two areas in my opinion. One is that I think she neglects the responsibility of Christians congregations to act like Christians rather than often being snide, impatient judges of preachers. I think she could have written about how congregations are not sitting as judge and jury of preachers but as recipients of the gospel and word of Christ. Too often, authors seem to imply that finger pointing is allowed if pastors don't measure up to arbitrary expectations like being culturally sensitive and acclimated and amenable to all of the congregations' expectations.The second area that I think Tisdale neglects is when the preacher is called to prophetically confront the culture of the congregation that is opposition to what God is doing. For example, a parish may be steeped in patriotism and expect the pastor to preach Americanism along with the gospel. This would include inserting all American holidays into the liturgical calendar. The preacher may be aware of this and consider it something to be confronted rather than adopted and adhered to. Mixing political action and agendas with the mission of God may be another expectation of a parish culture. Tisdale doesn't write about confronting such cultural DNA. I think that would have been helpful. Sometimes the congregation is wrong and the preacher is called to confront them and the culture.I did not find the concluding chapter of the book on preaching as folk art very helpful. That seems less substantial or clear than previous topics of the book.Overall this is an interesting book that is worthwhile for preachers to consider.

This book deserves to be read by anyone who wants to be involved in communicating the Bible and its message, whether to a next-door neighbour or on another continent.

arrived quickly and in good condition, it is a training recommendation and will read it when i have a minute!