The Practices of Christian Preaching

"Great preaching involves a firm grasp of the gospel as well as a keen sense of the moment, a discernment of the crises of this day, and the hungers of particular people at specific junctures of history. In The Practices of Christian Preaching, Jared Alcántara has written a timely and wise book, a book that guides preachers toward sermons born out of the electric encounter between the enduring good news and rapidly moving news of the day."

"The call to preach the good news of Jesus Christ is the same for each generation and in each specific cultural and linguistic context. Jared Alcántara reminds of both the commonality of the task and its transcultural nature. He initially developed The Practices of Christian Preaching in a Latino context and then made sure the book could be used effectively in both English and Spanish (no small feat). He calls us to learn, practice, and perfect what is at the core of this undertaking. In the midst of all the changes to communication styles in a technological world, our vocation has not changed. We are to preach the Christian message with conviction, clarity, creativity, in context, and geared to concrete situations. This is both simple and radical. Alcántara urges us in a straightforward way not to forget the roots of our calling. But he also keeps us connected to the transcultural and multilingual realities many of us face as we seek to be faithful preachers. ¡Gracias, hermano!"

"Biblically and theologically grounded throughout, this book goes beyond mechanics to the practices of preaching as life-giving habits. The book speaks to preachers across cultures--with illustrations, metaphors, and stories that bring clarity and engagement with a variety of voices. Both novice and experienced preachers are invited into lifelong growth and creativity. The work of the Spirit in the life of the preacher and the sermon are beautifully interwoven."

"With conviction, clarity, concreteness, and creativity, Jared Alcántara presents a clear and refreshing approach to the teaching of Christian preaching. It is practice-centered, collaborative, diverse, multilingual, and technologically interactive. This deliberate book brings homiletical pedagogy into the twenty-first century and sows innovative seeds that will bloom homiletical beauty in multicultural pulpits for many years to come."

"In The Practices of Christian Preaching, Jared Alcántara blends perspectives from Hispanic, African American, and Anglo-European homiletic theory in a unique way. Only Alcántara can move so seamlessly within these different preaching traditions and practices. This book is an extraordinary contribution to homiletics in the twenty-first century."

"Rather than offering a method for preaching, Jared Alcántara promotes lifelong habits to develop through practice and over time. His fluid writing beautifully crosses over racial, ethnic, and other boundaries, valuing diversity and fresh perspectives. If every preacher would practice his Five Cs, assisted by the Spirit, the church would be stronger and the world would be a better place."

"Preaching requires practice and the guidance of a wise and trustworthy practitioner; Jared Alcántara is a good choice for this role. Here is one author who follows his own advice. The Practices of Christian Preaching is a literate, diverse, and important addition to the field of homiletics. Just read it!"