A Time to Preach: Preaching Occasionally or on a Fill-In Basis - Softcover

Sewell, Zach

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1729114792 ISBN 13: 9781729114797

Publisher: Independently published, 2018

Synopsis

Many people have low expectations for the day when the main preaching minister or pastor isn't available to preach. But the sermon on a fill-in Sunday can be effective and compelling. This book explains how you, the occasional preacher, can make the most of an opportunity to prepare for and deliver a message.

About this title

Review

• "At a time when many Protestant denominations are in need of lay people to assist in pulpit work, Zach Sewell has provided an excellent book that responds to that need.  Here is a down-to earth introduction to preaching for those without specialized seminary training. This book is clear, well-grounded, and easy for any thoughtful person to digest. I urge every church to invest in copies of this book to pass along to lay men and women who could respond to a call to fill the pulpit."
  Dr. Joseph M. Webb, Professor of Communication, Gardner-Webb University
  Boiling Springs, North Carolina 
  Author, Preaching Without Notes

• "There is little advice out there for those who preach occasionally or on a fill-in basis. Zach Sewell identified that void and created a practical resource for those who need such advice. In tackling such topics as outlining, length, and preaching terms, he has provided a book that will serve preachers and congregations well. As one who mentors women and men who preach occasionally, I will use Sewell's book to guide our conversations."
  Dr. Sara Barton, University Chaplain, Pepperdine University
  Malibu, California 
  Author, A Woman Called: Piecing Together the Ministry Puzzle 

• "A Time to Preach should be a required read for ministry staffs around the country. This has so many practical insights for those of us in ministry who are called upon to fill in for the preacher from time to time. Zach Sewell has provided helpful strategies to prepare ourselves and our sermons. He also helps us appreciate the significance of standing on holy ground as we speak to our faith community.  Before you preach, you need to read this book. The people in your church will be blessed because you did!"
  Robert Oglesby Jr., Director of the Center for Youth and Family Ministry, Abilene Christian University
  Abilene, Texas 

• "I love this book! Zach Sewell has provided a valuable resource for anyone who might have the opportunity to preach on an occasional basis. His simple structure takes the guesswork out of preparation and provides an easily accessible roadmap from initial idea to sermon delivery. Since public speaking is one of the most common human fears, it is not hard to understand why the invitation to preach on occasion can be intimidating, if not overwhelming. But this book will help many people to overcome their fears and move confidently into the task. Zach effectively communicates both method and motivation for occasional preaching, providing a resource that is truly valuable." 
  Dr. Amy Bost Henegar, Associate Minister of Family Life and Spiritual Enrichment,
  Manhattan Church of Christ 
  Manhattan, New York 
  Contributor, Trusting Women: The Way of Women in Churches of Christ 

• "Zach Sewell is my occasional preacher. Believe me, as the main preacher of a church I can say with confidence that there is an art to preaching occasionally, and Zach has truly learned that art. He preaches well. If you don't want your Sunday as the fill-in preacher to feel like a throw-away Sunday, read this book and let Zach share with you the lessons he has learned from his experiences filling those shoes."
  Gilbert Kerrigan, Preaching Minister, Overland Park Church 
  Overland Park, Kansas 

• "This is a much-needed resource for anyone in a role of 'pinch-hitting' in the pulpit every now and then. The time people entrust us when we have an opportunity to preach is precious. Zach's transparency--coupled with accessible, practical reflections when it comes to the process of discerning what to say and how to say it--is so very helpful."
  Chris Seidman, Senior Minister, The Branch Church
  Dallas, Texas
  Author, Heaven on Earth: Realizing the Good Life Now (co-authored with Josh Graves)

• "While full of practical tips, this book also provides overarching vision for how preaching occasionally benefits the entire family of God. A Time to Preach is an important and needed voice in the conversation of church health and effective ministry.
  Hannah Parmelee, MS MFT, Oasis Campus Minister at Arizona State University for the Tempe Church of Christ
  Tempe, Arizona 
  Author, Relationship IQ Leader's Manual (relationshipiq.org) 

• "I have been an 'occasional preacher' for twenty-five years at the same church. (One of the occasions lasted for fourteen months.) All that Zach Sewell presents in this book is true and helpful. I've read some good books on the topic of preaching over the years, and I am glad to see Zach add his contribution.You'll notice two things immediately about the author. First, he is amazingly open and honest about his own journey. Second, he is equally amazing in the insights he has gleaned from his experiences. Zach draws from quite a few experts in the field of homiletics, but he doesn't present himself as another of the experts."
  Dr. Dan Knight, Minister of Spiritual Formation, Overland Park Church
  Overland Park, Kansas
  Author, Grace Gifts: Discovering the Unique Joy God Has for You

• "Virtually every church hears the 'fill-in' preacher from time to time. Zach gently raises the bar, suggesting the fill-in sermon is not just a time to 'get by' but carries possibilities of real growth and blessing for church and preacher. But this growth does not happen by accident. It requires prayer, planning, intention, and of course, the Holy Spirit."
  Randy Harris, Spiritual Director of the College of Biblical Studies and the Siburt Institute, Abilene Christian University 
  Abilene, Texas
  Author, Daring Faith: Meeting Jesus in the Book of John (co-authored with Greg Taylor) 

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1729114792
• ISBN 13: 9781729114797
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 103