Preaching Matters: A Praxis for Preachers

Preaching Matters is a praxis text offering practical strategies to new and experienced preachers. The book responds to the call of the USCCB in its document Preaching the Mystery of Faith for the publication of practical resources that will help renew the preaching ministry of the Church, so urgent at this time (5). It takes the theological reflection of the Bishops document as a launching point for a fresh discussion about what preaching is and why it is important. In addition, Preaching Matters also considers the section on homiletics from Pope Francis apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium. Working from the perspective of the homily as conversational in nature, the book adopts a conversational approach, speaking from preacher to preacher. It discusses the identity of the preacher and listener in relationship, and it offers a method of preaching preparation that focuses on listening for God s voice in the scripture, finding one idea that matters, writing, speaking, and sharing the preaching.