Preaching to a Divided Nation

Outreach 2023 Resource of the Year (Leadership)We live in angry times. No matter where we go what we watch or how we communicate our culture is rife with division and polarization. Unfortunately Christians appear to be caught up in the same animosity as the culture at large. While our faith calls us to Christian unity the hard fact remains: our churches are tragically divided across class ethnic gender and political lines. As these social chasms grow--both inside and outside the church--the role of the preacher becomes paramount.This book issues a prophetic call to pastors to use the influence of their pulpits to promote reconciliation and unity in their churches and communities. Two scholar-practitioners who are experts in homiletics and reconciliation present a practical seven-step model that empowers faithful leaders to bring healing and peace to their fractured churches and world. The book includes questions for reflection salient illustrations and an accountability covenant. It also includes useful appendixes on preaching themes preaching texts and sample sermons from three leading preachers: Ralph Douglas West Rich Villodas and Sandra Maria Van Opstal.