Preaching for Adult Conversion and Commitment

by Walter Schmithals and Frank G. Honeycutt

Book Overview

The central purpose of this book is to answer a seemingly simple question: How does preaching assist the Holy Spirit in the ongoing conversion of adult Christians? Honeycutt takes a close look at... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0687023149
• ISBN13: 9780687023141
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Abingdon Press
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Preaching for Adult Conversion and Commitment

I found this book refreshing and informative. It reminds us that preaching is more than proclaiming a list of rules to follow to be better people. Preaching, as foolish as it is (according to the Apostle Paul), is the means God has chosen for the transformation of the world. So, we preach in faith, believing that the Holy Spirit will bring about a continual conversion of both we who preach and those who hear us. Preaching for conversion does not come naturally to us - it is much easier to just go with the flow. Thank you Frank Honeycutt for reminding us of our calling and for giving us tools to help us fulfill that calling.

Authentic Christianity

Frank Honeycutt presents us with authentic Christianity. He sees conversion not as a one time decision that "takes care of everything" but rather conversion is a life long journey of transformation at the hands of of Jesus Christ. Too often today the church produces "Jesus fans" instead of "Jesus followers". Fans sit in the stands and cheer for Jesus but they never get out onto the playing field. Disciples can make a profound difference in the world. Frank is committed to making disciples not just church members.

we are all, nearly always, in need of conversion

Within the pages of the book Honeycutt provides several brief analyses of conversion, a few practical models and methods for shaping sermons, several examples of sermons created with the hope of assisting the Holy Spirit, and a brief analysis of six preachers, including himself, who write such sermons. Depending on experience and training, readers will find some of what is presented as easy to use and understand, while the rest of it will take further inquiry and exploration. As a support to sermon writing, it includes much more than can be absorbed in a single reading. For someone who wishes to preach for conversion, the book is a useful resource. The several perspectives offered can be practiced independently or jointly, mined for their gems of wisdom, and further enhanced with supplemental materials, of which many are recommended. Can we go so far as to assume that conversion preaching, at least from time to time, is needed and expected by God's Holy Spirit? Should we go so far as to say that, as the institutional church is needed; as the Bible is needed; as fellowship, testimony, and interpretation is needed in the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, so is conversion preaching needed? Even if we are not sure of the answer, Honeycutt would want us to accept, that among all of the ministries of the church, conversion preaching can be among the most important. Throughout the book, and what holds the presentations together, is Honeycutt's consistent declaration that conversion "depends on the whole ministry of the church, particularly the Holy Spirit."