Preaching to a Shifting Culture by Gibson Book Report

Preaching to a Shifting Culture" by Gibson

In his informative and intriguing compilation titled Preaching to a Shifting Culture:

Perspectives on Communicating that Connects, editor Scott M. Gibson deftly assembles the writing of many renowned preachers, including Haddon Robinson and Bryan Chapell, into a practical framework designed to guide both current church leaders and the next generation of clergy. Employing a direct yet casual style, Gibson communicates directly to readers through the book's Introduction, and when he states unequivocally that "the purpose of this collection of essays is to explore some of the issues confronting evangelical preaching at the turn of the millennium,"1 Gibson provides a clear statement of his fundamental thesis. The concept that gradual cultural shifts have occurred while escaping the notice of preachers and churches is not novel by any means, but the way in which Gibson manages to capture this sentiment is entirely unique, as he seeks to motivate his readers with a direct challenge.Gibson's assertion that "preachers have choices to make: engage the culture, ignore the culture, capitulate to the culture, or even challenge it"2 is a clarion call to those who have pursued the higher calling of evangelism, because unless preachers are capable of understanding and empathizing with their

1. Scott M. Gibson, ed. Preaching to a shifting culture: 12 perspectives on communicating that connects. Baker Books, 2004. p. 12.

2. Ibid, p. 12.

flock, genuine spiritual development is difficult to attain.

One of Gibson's central premises is evidenced by the organizational structure of the….....