The Rhetoric of the Pulpit

The Rhetoric of the Pulpit treats the sermon as the single most important factor in evangelism for a parish, and also the most important factor in the spiritual growth of both the congregation and the pastor. With emphasis on the Word as the foundation, the author adds music and liturgy to the sermon's structure to build a unified worship experience. Recognizing that the Word is truth, but that the truth needs to be made to seem true, the book offers sound, practical advice on sermon preparation based on both classical and contemporary communication theory. Sermon preparation is viewed as a process that begins with downloading the Word, followed by productive meditation. The process then moves through the rhetorical steps, from a search for content to the sermon's delivery. Throughout the book, the rhetorical principles are treated as a subordinate element to the Word, a means of giving effectiveness to the truth. The Rhetoric of the Pulpit aims to reflect the spirit of Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Paul, and Kenneth Burke. ""Jon M. Ericson has done a superb job of matching classical rhetorical lore with the preacher's hopes of arousing the congregation first to understand the Word and then to act on that understanding. The practical everyday tasks of sermon preparation are carefully grounded in time-tested principles. The result is an exciting new approach that should appeal to both the veteran and novice preacher."" --James J. Murphy, University of California, Davis; Fellow, Rhetoric Society of America ""Writing not as a pulpit 'insider' but as a pew-sitting layperson with the exceptional 'ears to hear' of a lifelong teacher of rhetoric, Ericson has given the church a most valuable gift. It's one that, to paraphrase Jesus, encourages those of us who preach to bring out of our treasure 'what is new and what is old, ' that we may each find our authentic voice in proclaiming the Word winningly, with wit and wisdom and truth."" --John Rollefson, Author; Retired ELCA Pastor ""Ericson has done every pastor a great favor in putting into words what every preacher needs to know about the nuts and bolts of sermon construction. This is what is missing in many other books on preaching: the foundation of the hidden science and art of rhetoric, wisdom from the ages applied to how to communicate the Word of God. Jon speaks with warmth, love, and true concern to every priest who is struggling to preach to his people."" --David D. McMillan, Rector, St. Michael and All Angels, Anglican (REC), Kerrville, Texas ""We preachers read many books by experts in homiletics. But here is a rare book written by a layperson and rhetorician that masterfully guides, prods, and encourages those of us who preach. We need this 'view from the pew, ' and Ericson gently and persuasively provides it."" --Jana Schofield, Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Ferndale, WA Jon Meyer Ericson, dean emeritus of the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, has taught rhetoric and public address at Stanford University, Central Washington, and Pacific Lutheran. He has been active in campus ministry and has served on the Board of Trustees at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. Dr. Ericson is now retired and lives with his wife, Amy, in Pacific Grove, California, where he directs his church's adult education program.