A vital resource for pastors who seek to transform the culture of their church
A Way with Words demonstrates the power of the weekly sermon to change the culture of a congregation. Using the analogy of language learning, Adam Trambley shows how a consistent ministry focus over an eighteen-month period can help a church address areas that inhibit growth even as the pastor preaches on a diversity of subjects or uses a lectionary. The author explores how important focused preaching can be to moving church development forward and offers a long-term strategy particularly helpful for pastors looking to take full advantage of the opportunities their weekly sermons provide. Each chapter includes discussion questions and practical exercises that can be used as part of a preaching group or seminary class, or to aid the solo pastor in preparing dynamic sermons.
This is a topic not generally taught in seminary, but vital for pastors who wear many hats as preachers, pastoral caregivers, and administrative leaders.
Read an excerpt
“A breath of fresh air for the pastor stymied by the sometimes glacially slow pace of change. By approaching preaching from a long-term perspective, Trambley shows us how we can get our main points not just heard but also embedded firmly into the
congregational DNA.”
—Dr. Robert E. Logan, author of The Discipleship Difference
“Adam Trambley’s book . . . will help and inspire any preacher in ways that encourage parishioners not only to hear each individual sermon but also to be drawn forward in a focused and ongoing journey of growth.”
—Dave Daubert, DMin, PhD, CEO/Lead Consultant, Day 8 Strategies, and pastor, Zion Lutheran Church, Elgin, Illinois
"I have read countless books on church growth and leadership, along with a smattering of texts on lectionary preaching, but this delightful book is the first I have encountered that merges the two themes together. It is a helpful resource for pastors seeking the courage to lead their congregants forthrightly into the best version of who they are meant to be."
—Mark O. Wilson, Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC
Foreword by Bishop Sean W. Rowe
Introduction
Part I The Long-Term Sermon
Chapter One Teaching a New Language
Chapter Two Imparting New Language Elements
Chapter Three Providing Theological Rationale and Practical Vision
Chapter Four Explaining How to Take the Next Steps
Chapter Five Discerning the Next Stage
Chapter Six Long-Term Sermon Templates: Spiritual Gifts and The Way of Love
Part II Preaching with Prayer, Passion, Personality and Physicality
Chapter Seven Prayer
Chapter Eight Passion
Chapter Nine Personality
Chapter Ten Physicality
Appendix A Curriculum for a Long-Term Sermon Preaching Course
