Preaching to a Divided Nation: A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity

A Model to Empower Reconciliation and Unity in Fractured Churches

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. It includes:

● a seven-step model that empowers leaders to bring healing and peace to their fractured churches;
● questions for reflection, salient illustrations, and an accountability covenant; and
● useful appendixes on preaching themes, preaching texts, and sample sermons from leading preachers.

An Outreach 2023 Resource of the Year (Leadership)

Matthew D. Kim (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of practical theology and holder of the Hubert H. and Gladys S. Raborn Chair of Pastoral Leadership at Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University. He is the award-winning author of Preaching to People in Pain and Preaching with Cultural Intelligence. Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is senior pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport, Rhode Island. He serves on the Oversight Board for the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region, is an adjunct professor at Barclay College, and is the author of Reconciling Places.