JESUS CHRIST
The Prince of preachers
By Mike Abendroth. Day One. 172 pages. £8.00
ISBN 978-1-84625-108-5
Mike Abendroth calls preachers to ask themselves an excellent question as they prepare sermons, H.D.J.P. (How did Jesus preach?). In over 66 evangelical books he owns on preaching he only has four chapters addressing this essential issue.
The headings chosen for his chapters on how Jesus preached are well selected (with the clear influence of his Bible seminary, ‘The Master’s Seminary) and were both an encouragement and challenge to my ministry. The chapters I found the most helpful were ‘Jesus preached discipleship’ and’ Jesus preached for a verdict’ (6 & 7).
What benefited each chapter was an array of excellent, insightful and substantial quotes from great preachers of the past. Each chapter also gives clear practical applications for preachers, lay people and congregations, always helpful.
The book is not as fresh and creative in its style as it could be and begins negatively, perhaps coming across too harshly at times. The author is obviously passionate about the subject — rightly so — we desperately need to hear more preaching like Jesus the preacher everywhere. Preaching not like Jesus should be banned! I trust it is not only read by the ‘converted’ because of the style and stance. This is a shame, with great principles given for our help, preachers and listeners alike.
By the way, adding Ministering like the Master by Stuart Olyott to his library would nearly double his chapters on preaching like Jesus.
Wesley McNabb,
pastor, The Slade Evangelical, SE London
