The Mystery of Preaching

‘Preaching is the natural overflow of our religion. We have received good news, and we long to tell it to others. The reason and passion of preaching the only reason and passion is that a great and wonderful thing has come into our lives in the love of God through Jesus, and we can find no rest until we tell the world.’ Black’s classic book on preaching, first published in 1924, remains a valuable guide for ministers and students of theology. Originally delivered as a series of lectures the book covers the many facets of preaching from choice of subject, through the hard work involved in careful preparation, to the importance of delivery. The final chapters are devoted to the planning of worship and the conduct of services. Preaching as the title implies is not the art of following prescribed rules. There is always an element of mystery, bound up with the greater mystery of personality.