This chapter from Robert Little’s book “Re-imagining Preaching and Leading Worship” serves as an introductory guide for aspiring preachers, prompting them to consider their calling and readiness for this role. It explores fundamental aspects of preaching, including overcoming procrastination, discerning a genuine call, developing aptitude and skills, and the significance of the initial preaching environment. The text also examines crucial questions such as what, why, when, where, who, and how to preach, alongside essential characteristics and principles for effective and faithful ministry, emphasising ongoing learning and spiritual discipline.

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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This excerpt from Robert Little’s book (https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/) advises preachers on personal development for effective ministry, stressing the importance of believing in God’s Word and diligent preparation that connects with the audience and offers practical application. It highlights the necessity of continuous learning about content and delivery, suggesting such methods as reading, courses, and listening to other preachers. Furthermore, it underscores focusing on the message over the messenger and provides guidance on sermon construction, including elements such as introduction, tension, truth, application and conclusion. The text also emphasises connecting with listeners through storytelling and clear language, alongside the crucial role of application in driving life change and the value of honest feedback for ongoing improvement.

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Robert Little

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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This excerpt from a chapter of Robert Little’s book (https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/) considers the crucial role of the listener in the act of preaching, arguing that effective communication during sermons requires active engagement from the congregation, not just the speaker. It examines common hindrances to good listening, such as passive reception and pre-existing biases, drawing parallels with historical and biblical examples. The text outlines practical steps for listeners to improve their sermon reception, including prayer, critical evaluation grounded in Scripture, along with regular attendance. Furthermore, it discusses how to approach sermons of varying quality, from dull to heretical, and suggests ways in which congregations can encourage better preaching. Ultimately, the chapter emphasises a shared responsibility between preacher and listener for a meaningful and transformative experience with God’s Word.

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Robert Little

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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This excerpt from Robert Little’s book, ‘Re-imagining Preaching and Leading Worship’ (https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/), explores the essence, purpose and historical evolution of Christian worship. It begins by defining worship as a regular reconnection with God, emphasising that it’s God’s initiative to which humanity responds. The text then outlines key attitudes essential for true worship, such as carefulness, confidence and sincerity. Furthermore, it examines various elements of worship and provides a concise history, tracing its development from patriarchal times through Israelite practices, the synagogue, the early church and into different contemporary Christian traditions, including Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Free Church, Charismatic and House Church worship.

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Robert Little

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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The opening part of Chapter 5 of Robert Little’s book ‘Re-imagining Preaching and Leading Worship’ (https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/), focuses on the essential preparations for those leading worship services. It emphasises that worship leadership is a significant responsibility, requiring the leader to guide the congregation towards God rather than acting as a mere host. Before the service, leaders should thoroughly research the specific church’s traditions and practices to avoid alienating the congregation. Practical considerations such as service timings, musical arrangements (including potential technology and copyright issues), and the involvement of others in readings or prayers need to be clarified beforehand. The text also stresses the importance of the leader’s geographical orientation, familiarisation with the worship space and technology and connecting with the congregation before the service begins. Furthermore, careful preparation of the service structure, including hymnody that balances theological soundness and ‘singability’ while offering variety, is crucial for a meaningful worship experience.

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Robert Little

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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The second part of Chapter 5 of Robert Little’s book, ‘Re-imagining Preaching and Leading Worship’ (https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/), provides practical guidance for those leading worship services, specifically focusing on what happens during and after the service itself. Key areas covered include effective time management to maintain flow and respect the congregation’s schedules, as well as techniques for engaging introductions, meaningful prayer and impactful Bible readings. The text also addresses considerations for special services such as baptisms and funerals. It emphasises the importance of post-service interactions such as offering hospitality, listening to feedback and expressing gratitude to participants. Ultimately, the author offers advice aimed at creating a well-structured and engaging worship experience for both the leader and the congregation.

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Robert LittleAlso by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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Effective preaching, according to Robert Little’s work, ‘Re-imagining Preaching and Leading Worship’ (https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/), positions the preacher as a vital link between God and the congregation, the ancient biblical world and today, and biblical languages and modern ones, thus facilitating a two-way communication. Paul’s instruction to Timothy highlights that Scripture provides a pattern for teaching that requires ongoing application, demanding faithfulness to established interpretations rather than arbitrary ones. Developing expertise involves moving through stages of competence and acquiring skills in sermon research, structuring, shaping and delivery, summarised by the mnemonic CHRISST (Challenge, Hermeneutics, Relevance, Interest, Shape and Substance, True). Furthermore, sermons serve various objectives, such as to announce, evangelise, teach, encourage, or chat, each influencing their character and the preacher’s style, while the shaping process necessitates a clear central point, careful attention to language, as well as thorough rehearsal to ensure impactful and memorable communication.

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Robert Little

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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Effective sermon delivery hinges on the preacher’s presentation, requiring skills to convey even strong content well. Preaching (see https://theendlessbookcase.com/books/re-imagining-preaching-and-leading-worship/) is described as God communicating and acting through the speaker, making it a significant responsibility demanding spiritual and personal preparation. The text acknowledges various forms of God’s communication beyond preaching and discusses the inevitability of criticism. It further outlines a three-part system for effective preaching, encompassing idea generation, content structuring and preparation strategies, underscoring that impactful preaching necessitates dedicated effort and skill development.

Other relevant links:

Robert Little

Also by Robert Little: “Bob’s Exploratory Theological Adventures”

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