Includes bibliographical references (p. 225-241) and index.

The truth and truthfulness : theological reflections on preaching and performance / Marguerite Shuster -- Preaching, performance, and the life and death of "now" / Paul Scott Wilson -- At the intersection of Actio divina and Homo performans : embodiment and evocation / Alyce M. McKenzie -- Performative language and the limits of performance in preaching / John M. Rottman -- Reversal of fortune : the performance of a prophet / Mary Donovan Turner -- Performance and the New Testament in preaching / Ronald J. Allen -- The use of the body in the performance of proclamation / Todd Farley -- Finding voice in the theological school / Richard F. Ward -- The preacher's creative process : reaching the well / Jana Childers -- What comes next? performing music and proclaiming the Word / Clayton J. Schmit -- The musicality of Black preaching : performing the Word / William C. Turner, Jr. -- Performance study in service to the spoken Word in worship / Charles L. Bartow.

While there is no shortage of texts offering advice on the writing and delivery of sermons, most adopt a fairly traditional approach to the subject. This volume takes a unique approach by examining the role of performance in preaching. The contributors, who teach in seminaries and divinity schools across the nation, bring a variety of theological and denominational perspectives to the subject. They are united, however, in their concern for the importance of the performance of the sermon--not in a shallow or theatrical sense but as an essential aspect of bringing God's word to life for the congregation. To that end, these wide-ranging studies examine theological, artistic, and musical aspects of a compelling performance. This volume inaugurates the Engaging Worship series from Fuller Theological Seminary's Brehm Center for Worship, Theology, and the Arts. It offers an innovative approach and alternative perspectives to the subject of preaching that will engage and challenge clergy who are already in the pulpit as well as students in seminary classes. The volume comes with a companion DVD that complements the text, which contains over three hours of material and covers practical subjects that range from warm-up exercises to the mechanics of oral presentation. - Publisher.