Overview
Tim Keller in his book Preaching argues that there are three levels of the ministry of the word. Level one is gospel conversations, level two is a host of teaching opportunities including seminars, classes and counseling. Finally, level three is preaching. Keller’s book is written for those engaged in teaching the gospel at any one of those three levels.[1] Keller also argues that though preaching isn’t the only ministry of the Word it is irreplaceable in the church.[2] Keller’s book is broken up in three sections: (1) Serving the Word, (2) Reaching the People and (3) In Demonstration of the Spirit and of Power. In my own words these sections respectively focus on (1) the sermon, (2) the listener, and (3) the preacher.
Critique
On the negative side, the book at times laid out a standard for preaching that felt unattainable. Keller sets forth a list of imperatives for the preacher after which he writes, “Feel overwhelmed? Me too.”[3] All of his points were eminently helpful, but perhaps, a bit more encouragement would have been good for those preaching the gospel faithfully, albeit imperfectly.
I also wish he would have shared more specifics of his sermon preparation. He outlined sermon preparation in the appendix, but it focused more on putting together a sermon outline. I wanted to know how he consults commentaries, how many extra-biblical sources he reads for a sermon, what his outline looks like that he carries into the pulpit, etc.
Lastly, Keller tries to explain why the Spirit accompanies certain kinds of preaching. He writes, “when instead of merely giving information or showing their learning [preachers] lift up Christ and show people his loveliness – then they are aligning themselves with the Spirit and they can expect him to accompany their message.”[4] I personally thought he perhaps made promises here Scripture doesn’t. As faithful as we are we should be slow to think we can get the Spirit to do what we want. However, Keller’s insight about the similarity between humble, Christ-exalting preaching and the main work of the Spirit was well taken.
Positive
This is an excellent book on preaching. Several sections were helpful.
He has a very practical section on preaching Christ-centered sermons. He explains that the redemptive work of Christ is the message of the whole Bible, and therefore it is also the context of every passage.[5] Also helpful was his section on preaching Christ in every passage whether it be image, figure, theme or genre.[6]
Keller is probably the greatest current preacher to intellectuals, and that showed in his book. His section on engaging with the post-modern person and secularism was wonderful. Particularly he argues that secularism just like any worldview or belief set must be examined and justified.[7]
There were several takeaways for me from the book.
His emphasis on personal holiness in the preacher and a heart transformed by the Gospel was very helpful.[8] If the gospel isn’t affecting a preacher in private, why would it affect them publicly as they preach? This was a good reminder to always be pursuing personal holiness and reminding myself of the gospel daily.
Keller writes that preachers cannot engage with our listeners passionately unless we know the content of our sermon well. Otherwise, we will be preoccupied trying to remember our next point.
Keller also explains that the only way to uncover insights in sermon application is to read widely.[9] There simply is no shortcut to this. I was surprised Keller didn’t add prayer and meditation on the passage to this, but his point about the importance of reading is still well taken.
Overall, Keller’s book was extremely helpful. Keller is widely considered one of the most gifted preachers in reformed evangelicalism and his book is well worth reading.
[1] Timothy Keller, Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Skepticism, Complete Numbers Starting with 1, 1st Ed edition (New York, New York: Viking, 2015). 7
[2] Keller. 6
[3] Keller. 206.
[4] Keller. 194.
[5] Keller. 48
[6] Keller. 76-80
[7] Keller. 132.
[8] Keller. 166.
[9] Keller. 177
Mike McGregor
Mike McGregor (MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is Director of College Ministry at First Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. You can follow him on Twitter at @m5mcgregor.
