A Little Handbook for Preachers: Ten Practical Ways to a Better Sermon by Sunday
No function of the pastor is as visible and stress inducing as preaching. Being a good preacher requires learning the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical skills needed to effectively share God's word with a congregation. It demands a commitment to the craft of preaching. But few pastors feel adequately prepared for this high-stakes responsibility when they begin their ministries.Mary Hulst knows what it takes to preach well. Forged by her experiences as a pastor, preaching professor and college chaplain, she recognizes the challenges of the pulpit. In this uniquely practical book, Hulst provides foundational concepts and tips that all pastors can use, whether they are ministry newcomers or seasoned professionals.Preaching can bring both you and your congregation great joy and satisfaction, week after week. And A Little Handbook for Preachers can help you deliver a better sermon by Sunday.
Earn by promoting books
Earn money by sharing your favorite books through our Affiliate program.
Become an affiliateMary S. Hulst (MDiv, Calvin Theological Seminary; PhD, University of Illinois) is the college chaplain at Calvin College. She previously served as a professor of preaching at Calvin Theological Seminary and as senior pastor of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, Andrew Kromminga.
Mark Labberton is president of Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He previously served as Lloyd John Ogilvie chair for preaching and director of the Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute for Preaching. Labberton came to Fuller after sixteen years as senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, California. He has served as chair of John Stott Ministries (now Langham Partnership) and co-chair of the John Stott Ministries Global Initiative Fund. Today he continues to contribute to the mission of the global church as a senior fellow of International Justice Mission. He is the author of The Dangerous Act of Loving Your Neighbor and The Dangerous Act of Worship.
"Mary Hulst knows what it takes to preach well. Forged by her experiences as a pastor, preaching professor and college chaplain, she recognizes the challenges of the pulpit. In this uniquely practical book, Hulst provides foundational concepts and tips that pastors can use, whether they are ministry newcomers or seasoned professionals."--The Light, May 2016
"Rarely does a book communicate such important truths in such an accessible, real-world way. Through engaging stories and an articulate understanding of the gospel, Mary Hulst provides a look behind the curtain of how a preacher's sermon takes shape. As a layperson, A Little Handbook For Preachers also gives you tools to be a better congregant--and maybe even pastor your pastor!"--Ryan Struyk, political journalist
"First-year preaching students to seasoned veterans will find Hulst's book . . . a helpful guide to improving their preaching quickly."--Justin L. McLendon, The Journal of the Evangelical Homiletics Society
"Three words came to mind as I read this book: honest, practical and personal. Honest because this little gem of a book reminds those of us who have been preaching a while as well as those new to preaching that we can improve our preaching. Many of us will find ourselves in the stories she shares about preaching gone wrong. Practical because Mary doesn't just tell us that we could be doing better, she shares with us how we can improve. She guides us through small steps that will yield big dividends. And Personal because, as someone who knows Mary, preaching matters to her and she is good at it. I can hear her voice as I read through the pages. The words on these pages are from a person who cares deeply about the Word and who cares about those who proclaim it. This book is a must-have for anyone who proclaims the gospel."--Michelle R. Loyd-Paige, Dean of Multi-Cultural Affairs, Calvin College and president of Preach Sista!
"A Little Handbook for Preachers is an outstanding resource for those called to preach the gospel today. Much like the author and her sermons, the book is clear, insightful and inspired. Mary S. Hulst provides the essential principles for biblical preaching and offers practical and poignant advice on how to prepare a sermon that connects with the changing landscape of listeners in our churches today."--Josiah Chung, pastor, Living Water CRC, Grand Rapids, MI
"Why would anyone other than a preacher read a handbook for preachers? While this book is packed with clear, practical encouragement and suggestions for preachers, it also offers a quick educational course for those in the pews. . . . This is a great resource for worship committees and councils, especially as they seek to support those who stand behind the pulpit each Sunday."--Kristy Quist, Banner, June 3, 2016