Sample Chapter

About

Uniting theological encouragement with practical advice, Greg Scharf identifies eight common bottlenecks that can clog a sermon’s fruitfulness and faithfulness—humanly speaking—and gives diagnoses, strategies for addressing the problems, and exercises to overcome them. Seminary students, occasional preachers, and seasoned pastors will be given profound tools and insights for preaching faithfully, clearly, and applicably. A cross reference allows the book to be easily used alongside Bryan Chapell’s Christ-Centered Preaching.

Endorsements

"If you are asking, ‘Why is my preaching not having the effect that God’s Word ought to have on its hearers?,’ I urge you to read this book with a torchlight on your own heart. There may yet be hope!”

—Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church, Chancellor of the African Christian University, Lusaka, Zambia

“Recognizing that the weekly work of sermon preparation and delivery is often challenging and even daunting, Greg Scharf draws on his years of experience in both the pulpit and the classroom to provide thoughtful and helpful instruction for students—young preachers and seasoned ministers alike. In this well-designed volume, readers are invited to envision fresh ways to develop and improve their faithful and effective proclamation of God’s Word to God’s people. By adeptly and ably addressing the major bottlenecks that so often divert preachers from their calling, Scharf offers much wisdom and ample encouragement for those who will put into practice the insightful guidance found in Let the Earth Hear His Voice. It is a joy to recommend this excellent book.”

—David S. Dockery, President, Trinity International University

“Greg Scharf has written a marvelously wise book. It is both full of biblical and theological counsel for pastors themselves and laden with practical counsel on development and presentation of excellent messages. This book will instruct the beginner and refresh the seasoned pastor.”

—Daniel M. Doriani, Vice President of Strategic Academic Initiatives and Professor of Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary

The Author

Greg R. Scharf

Greg R. Scharf (DMin, MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is chair of the pastoral theology department and professor of homiletics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is a past president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and was previously pastor to three congregations in three countries.

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