A Philosophy of Pastoral Preaching

“‘We have a discipleship problem in the church today, and it begins in the pulpit.’ As an accomplished practitioner and inspiring instructor, David Christensen has provocatively and persuasively grabbed the expositional bull by the homiletical horns. In a world of meme-styled, clickbait sermons, Christensen unpacks how a return to expository, pastoral preaching is the dire need of the contemporary church. This book is an important and significant addition to every pastor’s preaching library!”


—Russell Cotnoir Jr., founder, First Light





“In an age full of sermonettes and pep talks that are loosely tied to the Bible, A Philosophy of Pastoral Preaching is like a splash of cold water on a hot day, both refreshing and needed. This book should be mandatory for any pastor who preaches as well as those that listen to them.”


—Mark Labacz, senior pastor, Galilee Church





“In an age of preaching for the applause of crowds, this call to a return to pastoral preaching is refreshing and renewing. David Christensen very carefully and persuasively lays out the biblical blueprint for preaching that produces authentic spiritual transformation in the local church. Those currently in pastoral ministry and those sensing a call to pastoring will benefit greatly from a careful reading of this volume.”


—Jonathan E. Yoder, executive director, Alliance of Mennonite Evangelical Congregations





“A Philosophy of Pastoral Preaching will prove tremendously helpful for pastors wanting to excel at skillfully shepherding their flocks. It is not about methods; it is about motives. It is not about process; it is about the product of lives transformed through preaching that is truly pastoral. It is a timely book for current pastors, and it should become required reading for those preparing for pastoral ministry. Simply stated, it is excellent!”


—James E. Culbertson, senior pastor, Veracity Chapel





“‘Pastoral Preaching is the engine that drives pastoral ministry,’ and there’s never been a better time than the present for pastors to get an engine tune-up. David Christensen is the pastoral preaching mechanic who shares with us key truths to help our preaching engines hit on all cylinders.”


—Scott Brady, church consultant, TEAM





“This book provides every preacher with a biblical framework for developing a philosophy of preaching. David Christensen argues that a biblical philosophy of preaching must view biblical exposition as the foundation and catalyst that is to influence every other aspect of pastoral ministry. He urges us to preach as disciple-making preachers who preach through the power of God’s Spirit with the conviction that the ultimate goal of expository preaching is Christ-like transformation to the glory of God.”


—Mark J. Crocco, director of ministries, The Rephidim Project





“This is David Christensen’s best work yet. Pastors like me can tend to wonder if the sequential ministry of the word to their sheep really makes a difference. Christensen unpacks how the Great Shepherd’s word faithfully taught and applied under the power of the Spirit to a specific audience in a long-term relationship forms his sheep to the hope of glory. Stick with it.”


—Jamie Bickel, pastor, South Hope Community Church





“Well done, David Christensen! This volume speaks to pastors in a refreshing way, reminding us that preaching should be (and biblically is) the heart of ministry. Each chapter is grounded in Scripture, practical in application, and encouraging to the heart. This book is must-reading for pastors who love God, love God’s people, and desire to see God’s people have Scripture as the foundation of their lives.”


—R. Larry Overstreet, author of Persuasive Preaching





“Discipleship is often seen as a program or a list of things done in churches to help jump-start Christian growth. It’s often reduced to a thirteen-week course where participants can check the box when they finish. David Christensen shows that through competent, well-focused, and continuous ‘pastoral preaching,’ the lifelong practice of discipleship can form believers into kingdom citizens who faithfully grown in Christ-likeness.”


—Rick Francis, New England consultant, Cecil B. Day Foundation