Ministry of the word - Taylor - V - Lecture 5

Required reading
Ministry of the word by William Taylor (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Lecture V (The qualities of effective preaching - in the sermon).

My summary
Today we read Lecture V which is about the qualities a sermon should have for effective preaching.

According to Taylor, a sermon should have:
(i) definiteness of aim - every sermon should have a distinct object in view;
(ii) precision of language;
(iii) clearness in arrangement;
(iv) not an inordinate length.

What grabbed me
A fairly straightforward reading this week about making your preaching straightforward.

I liked the emphasis on using clear arrangements in preaching: 'In every discourse there must be method in order to movement, and one portion should succeed another in such a way as to carry forward the hearer gently yet inexorably to the conclusion. Arguments are like soldiers, they must be massed and marshalled in such a way as to overcome all opposition. Resting upon a broad base, they must be made to bring all their force to bear upon the main purpose which the preacher has in view.'

Line up your points and let them fight together with ever increasing force.

Next week's reading
Read Lecture VI (The qualities of effective preaching - in the preacher).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.