Those who preach have been called to deliver the truth, and must do so with a conviction that every truth demands a response. J. Josh Smith aims to start a conversation about the role of exhortation in preaching. With emphasis on the biblical and theological foundation for exhortation, and attention to how exhortation is used in both Old and New Testaments, Smith makes a compelling argument that preaching must include both explanation and exhortation. Preaching for a Verdict also provides practical steps to implement effective exhortation in preaching, and offers a variety of biblical models of exhortation to equip the reader to deliver the message of Christ with authority. Text-driven preaching demands text-driven exhortation.

A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Christian Communicators. This extensive encyclopedia is the most complete and practical work ever published on the art and craft of biblical preaching. Its 11 major sections contain nearly 200 articles, comprehensively covering topics on preaching and methodology, including: Sermon structure and “the big idea.” The art of introductions, transitions, and conclusions. Methods for sermon prep, from outlining to exercising. Approaches to different types of preaching: topical, expository, evangelistic, and more. Best practices for sermon delivery, speaking with authority, and using humor. Leveraging effective illustrations and stories. Understanding audience. and much more. Entries are characterized by intensely practical and vivid writing designed to help preachers deepen their understanding and sharpen their communication skills. The contributors include a virtual Who’s Who of preaching from a cross section of denominations and traditions, such as Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Rick Warren, Warren Wiersbe, Alice Mathews, John Piper, Andy Stanley, and many others. Haddon Robinson and Craig Brian Larson—two of today’s most respected voices in preaching—provide editorial oversight. Includes audio CD with preaching technique examples from the book.

Preeminent biblical scholar and preacher Walter Brueggemann says the book of Jeremiah is not a sermon, but it does sound the cadences of the tradition of Deuteronomy that serve as sermons--that is, as expositions based on remembered and treasured tradition. In this volume, Brueggemann conducts an experiment in homiletics. He wants us to wrestle with the question, What if we allow the canonical shape of the book of Jeremiah to instruct us concerning the shape and trajectory of the sermon? More specifically, he wonders: What if the book of Jeremiah is treated as a long sermonic reflection about the traumatic events that led to exile and displacement for the people of Judah? Why did it happen? Is God faithful? Does God punish? Is there any future? This theme and these questions can also be related to the crucifixion of Jesus and the displacement experienced by his followers. Brueggemann extends his wonderment further to the displacement experienced in modern American culture, as events jolt our notions of exceptionalism and chosenness. All of those same propensities were at work in ancient Israel in the wake of the displacement of Jerusalem, a wake given voice in the book of Jeremiah. Brueggemann analyzes the various parts of the sermon through the organization of the book of Jeremiah, looking at Introduction, Body, and Conclusion, comparing them to Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Resurrection Sunday. The task of the preacher mirrors the task of the prophet who seeks to pluck and tear down, as well as to plant and to build. The preacher cannot, as he says, participate in a cover-up. The preaching task requires honesty about what God requires and a clear proclamation of what God has done and will yet do.

Extremely rare is the preacher whose preaching could not be improved substantially by readdressing his sermon conclusions! Moreover, a sermon conclusion marks the typical preacher’s greatest need for improvement in his preaching. This most significant element of a sermon has been championed for its importance in a sermon and yet the conclusion is trivialized in, if not omitted from, the preaching of sermons. Whether textual, topical, or expository in preaching methodology, the typical preacher has a greater understanding and better implementation of everything else related to preaching in contrast to what is understood and done in concluding sermons. Much is not done, and much more is not understood to conclude sermons with clarity, strength, and persuasiveness. How Effective Sermons End provides a comprehensive approach and thorough examination of the sorely needed and long overlooked instruction regarding that most vital of all elements of a sermon—the sermon conclusion. This book fills the existing void in homiletical pedagogy about concluding sermons, a void that prevents preachers from reaching their full potential of effectiveness in the ministry of preaching the Word of God. The pathway of better preaching is knowledge and skill to effectively conclude sermons and this book floods that pathway with light.

Themelios is an international, evangelical, peer-reviewed theological journal that expounds and defends the historic Christian faith. Themelios is published three times a year online at The Gospel Coalition (http://thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/) and in print by Wipf and Stock. Its primary audience is theological students and pastors, though scholars read it as well. Themelios began in 1975 and was operated by RTSF/UCCF in the UK, and it became a digital journal operated by The Gospel Coalition in 2008. The editorial team draws participants from across the globe as editors, essayists, and reviewers. General Editor: D. A. Carson, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Managing Editor: Brian Tabb, Bethlehem College and Seminary Consulting Editor: Michael J. Ovey, Oak Hill Theological College Administrator: Andrew David Naselli, Bethlehem College and Seminary Book Review Editors: Jerry Hwang, Singapore Bible College; Alan Thompson, Sydney Missionary & Bible College; Nathan A. Finn, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; Hans Madueme, Covenant College; Dane Ortlund, Crossway; Jason Sexton, Golden Gate Baptist Seminary Editorial Board: Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School Lee Gatiss, Wales Evangelical School of Theology Paul Helseth, University of Northwestern, St. Paul Paul House, Beeson Divinity School Ken Magnuson, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Jonathan Pennington, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary James Robson, Wycliffe Hall Mark D. Thompson, Moore Theological College Paul Williamson, Moore Theological College Stephen Witmer, Pepperell Christian Fellowship Robert Yarbrough, Covenant Seminary

An overseer…must be above reproach. 1 Timothy 3:2 Scripture holds leaders and teachers of the Word to an incredibly high standard. And for good reason. Shepherding God’s people into salvation and spiritual growth is an enormous responsibility. Even more now than ever, today’s church needs leaders who faithfully proclaim the Word of God and equip believers to live it out. But great leaders need great role models. Bestselling author John MacArthur has compiled, from the internationally renowned Shepherd’s Conference, the best-ever messages for Christian leaders—now available in a single volume. Alongside MacArthur’s candid, instructive writings you’ll find the works of other proven ministry leaders, including John Piper, Steven Lawson, RC Sproul, Ligon Duncan, and Al Mohler. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or leader in your church, or you desire to be more effective in your spiritual leadership, this book will help you learn how to . . . guide others with integrity and conviction deliver God’s Word with passion and power accurately interpret and apply God’s Word When you accept the challenge to be a leader who follows God’s standard both in ministry and personally, you will become better equipped to fulfill your calling to lead with excellence.

How do you share the Good News of Jesus Christ? The simple steps in this book will show you the effective way in sharing your faith.

The purpose of this module is to: provide a basic understanding of leadership, administration, and congregational development offer tools for maximizing leadership, organization, and resources for faithful and fruitful ministry in various kinds of congregations. Notes: Permission is granted to the purchaser to photocopy for educational purposes. Sorry, this item is not eligible for special promotional and bulk discounts. This is a nonreturnable, nonrefundable product. Other modules also available: Call and Covenant for Ministry: Module 1 The Practice of Ministry: Module 2 Connection for Ministry: Module 4 ** This Module was updated August 2016

“For a guy who has never set foot outside the USA, I feel like a seasoned world traveler, thanks to Alton Loveless who picks me up on his magic carpet called “Monday Moments.” We’ve uncovered history in London, waded in the Jordan River, heard the roar of hunting lions in Africa, and cheered American servicemen at 30,000 feet returning home from far-flung battlefields. Climb aboard—we saved a seat for you.” —Dr. Jack Williams, Director of Communications, FWBBC, Nashville, Tennessee. "Call me a world traveler, yet I’ve rarely crossed the borders of my own country. Still I’ve traveled far and wide in the words of Dr. Alton Loveless over the past few years. Dr. Loveless is an inspiration and wonder, all wrapped up in the flesh of a man. Here’s a man who has visited countless nations, spoke in some of the most exotic and remote churches on the globe, yet when he recounts his travels in print it is as if I am there climbing that mountain, or sitting in that airplane seat looking out over the wing at the mountains and valleys of some remote region. I first met Dr. Loveless when a minister in the town where I manage the hometown newspaper came into my office to introduce me to their new associate pastor. He told me how Dr. Alton Loveless had spent many decades in the printing field — having worked for and managed a publishing house for much of his career. It didn’t take but a couple weeks for me to be introduced to the new minister’s writings. Immediately I was hooked. In the years since, Dr. Loveless became a regular contributor to the local newspaper with a weekly column. He quickly drew a following of faithful readers. Countless times I’ve been thanked by readers for including his works in the local paper by his friends and neighbors ... and in many cases, complete strangers who were drawn to the pictures he painted with words. Whether it be the reader who’s lot in life has kept them from traveling abroad, or the traveler who longs to experience more beyond his or her borders — Dr. Alton Loveless can take you there. I’m sure you will find his travel writings to be every bit as realistic, entertaining and enjoyable as my readers has." --Doug Smith, General Manager, Farmington Press "With an adventurous spirit, Dr. Loveless has journaled his lifetime travels that parallel a rich and inspiring spiritual journey in His Father ́s world. Sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy the ride!" --Dr. Greg Sergent, Pastor, Wise, Virginia. " ́Monday Moments ́ is a favorite read for me. Its short, inspiring narrative is just what I need to begin my week." --Winnie Yandell, Pastor’s wife, Oklahoma. "My wife and I have enjoyed reading all the articles that you have sent out called ́Monday Moments ́. They are always spiritually uplifting and fascinating reading. Please continue writing them." --Gerald & Norma McAllister, Nashville, Tennessee. "I have enjoyed and appreciated the ́Monday Moments ́ articles I have read. Having lived in another country myself for many years, I like the way you often utilize traveling experiences to relate them to God ́s eternal truth and man ́s need. God bless you and thanks." --Earnie Deeds, Oklahoma. Retired Missionary to Brazil. "Dr. Loveless your stories are fascinating and I enjoy reading them." --Dr. Ramakrishna Venkatesh, University of Kentucky Medical School- Professor/Surgeon. "As a bi-vocational pastor I am blessed to be able to receive ́Monday Moments ́ on my PC. It’s refreshing and uplifting to read about Dr. Loveless’ travels and experiences - always given with a perspective of God’s word." --Don White, Pastor, Bristol, TN. "Dr. Loveless’s ́Monday Moments ́ are interesting and his descriptions of places where he and his wife have visited are always vivid and enticing. His writing is refreshing in that it reveals appreciation of God’s glory and grandeur se