Preaching and Intimacy: Preparing the Message and the Messenger

Intimacy has multiple meanings for preaching. It affirms the crucial role a messenger has in the message. It is the quality that helps to establish a relationship between the hearer and the speaker. It is a holistic approach to preaching. Designed to help both the student and the practicing minister communicate more effectively, Preaching and Intimacy begins with the preacher as a person before moving through the components that are essential to preaching. Preaching and Intimacy gives attention to a minister’s relationship with God, his/her feelings about himself/herself, how to imaginatively engage a biblical text, how to think of the listeners, and how to use these tools to address and deliver a sermon. Emphasis is put on the preacher’s investment in the sermon so that when it is spoken, it is authentic and real.