Title: If You Preach It, They Will Come: Preaching The Word For Year A, B, And C As Listeners Like It
Author: Eduardo A. Samaniego
Publisher: Ewings Publishing LLC
ISBN: 979-8890319340
Pages: 394
Genre: Christian
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
Hollywood Book Reviews
If You Preach It, They Will Come: Preaching The Word For Years A, B, And C As Listeners Like It, is a revolutionary Christian resource written by Eduardo A. Samaniego. It comprises 186 sermons which the author deems significant from a three-year Lectionary Readings cycle. Having served in the ordained ministry for thirty-one years, he hopes this book will inspire preachers globally to craft incredibly impactful and fruitful sermons.
According to Samaniego, for ages the Church has witnessed homilies that are mostly performances rather than compelling and inspirational sermons. Only a small number of them have been truly remarkable. In his view, engaging the congregation, grabbing their attention, and offering examples that clearly illustrate and relate to the listener’s experience are all necessary to not only influence the audience with the sermon but also to inspire a stronger feeling of faith, hope, and love. He claims to do all of this and more, preachers need to become experts in telling riveting stories, much like Jesus, whom he compares to a master storyteller.
Samaniego employs Personality Typing to highlight the range of people’s perspectives while pleading with the preacher to always consider how each individual listens. In addition, he offers practical tips to help preachers hone their craft, as well as questions geared to assess their passion. His use of public speaking standards has enabled him to deliver some of the most memorable sermons, which are featured in this unique preacher’s handbook. “Mission Possible,”” Glow With The Flow,” “An Event Or An Experience,” “The Vine That Comforts,” “Teach Like The Master,” and “Be patient! God Ain’t Done With Me Yet!” are a few of them.
This book will transform boring church services into moments of grace that are passionate, inspiring, and full of faith. The author’s query in the opening pages, “Why not use the principles of good public speaking as one prepares to let God speak through the preacher, and why not adopt the principles that dynamic worldly speakers and holy preachers have used for years?” drew me in right away and sparked my curiosity. It has easy-to-follow guidelines and is straightforward to follow. It is one of the most useful pastoral handbooks I have ever come across, and it stands out for providing a methodical approach to homily organization that can be tailored to the preacher’s style preference.
If preachers follow the advice of “If You Preach It, They Will Come: Preaching The Word For Years A, B, And C As Listeners Like It,” sermons may once again be incredibly engaging and pleasant for listeners in the twenty-first century. It greatly encourages creativity and proper preparation, making it one of the core ministry books that every preacher should own.