Preaching in an Age of Distraction - by J Ellsworth Kalas (Paperback)

About the Book

How do we preach when all of us--hearers and preachers alike--are constantly distracted? J. Ellsworth Kalas offers wise insights for effective preaching in an age of distraction. He explores how God can meet people precisely at the point of their distraction, connecting through pastoral attentiveness, creativity and excellence.

Book Synopsis

Preaching's Top Books on Preaching

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.-- Proverbs 4:25-26

Preaching is difficult enough under the best of circumstances. But what are we to do when it seems that all of us--hearers and preachers alike--are constantly distracted?

Veteran preacher and homiletics professor J. Ellsworth Kalas offers wise insights for effective preaching in an age of distraction. He examines how people have been distracted in every era and explores how God can meet people precisely at the point of their distraction. Regardless of whatever new technologies come our way, this call to pastoral attentiveness, creativity and excellence provides avenues for connecting with congregations with a countercultural clarity of focus.

Rediscover how the proclamation of the Word still speaks profoundly to distracted hearers. Invite your congregation to a renewed attention to the things of God.

Review Quotes

"Preaching in an Age of Distraction is solid and helpful counsel from a long-time pastor who has taught pastors for many years. Wise pastors will take his insights to heart as we face the challenge of preaching in this distracted age."

"Dr. Kalas's lucid insights into the distracted culture we live in, the variety of congregations and congregants pastors serve, and the challenges we face in combining pastoral and administrative duties with preaching weekly are true to life. Some books can make me feel overwhelmed by the pastoral task. But reading Preaching in an Age of Distraction provided a lens to review my work and my people, and left me refreshed and renewed, wanting to pursue this high and holy calling without distraction."

"I have spent many hours on both sides of the lectern and therefore eagerly read, Preaching in an Age of Distraction by J. Ellsworth Kalas. A 2014 release of InterVarsity Press, 'Preaching' is based on the premise that 'what gets our attention gets us.' . . . I recommend this book as an encouraging word for Christian speakers in these changing times."

"In any endeavor, in every field, knowing and practicing the basics in integral to success. In Preaching in a Age of Distraction, J. Ellsworth Kalas reminds us that life-giving and life-claiming preaching involves knowing our times, loving our people, immersing ourselves in the Word, living lives of awareness and being 'distracted' by the ultimate Creator. Excellent preaching is not just about bringing prepared words, but bringing a prepared life."

About the Author

Ellsworth Kalas is senior professor of homiletics at Asbury Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky. He is the author of many books, including Preaching the Calendar (Westminster John Knox) and Faith from the Back Side (Abingdon).