Developing a Transformative Theology for Preaching

The purpose of this article is to put forward a new paradigm for understanding the preaching event and what the overall purpose of preaching should be in a post-Christian context. It will first examine traditional sermon structures that facilitate preaching as a “performed event.” This then segues into discussing the author’s understanding of the functions of preaching (Instruction/Reflection/Application/Transformation), offering summaries of sample sermons for each function. The article concludes with an argument for why a new definition of preaching is needed, seeing preaching as a momentary encounter that leads to spiritual transformation over time.