William H. Willimon

Listener's Dare William H. Willimon

Discipleship and witness are not self-sustainable. Preaching equips God's people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11). The story of Moses and the talking bush is a story of anybody who dares to listen, and in listening, hears, and after hearing steps forth (albeit kicking and screaming in Moses's case), serving God on the basis of what has been heard. Daring divine speaking and intrepid human listening are at the heart of the faith of Israel and the church. "Reveal yourself!" we cry to God down through the ages. God spoke Jesus, The Word tenting among us (John 1:1). And what's Jesus's main occupation? Jesus came preaching (Mark 1:14). The gospel is news that passes from the lips of one who has heard to the ears of one who has not yet heard, then (God willing) burrows in the soul, energizing the hands in daring response to a word received. Preaching is instigated by an astounding claim: Good news; God has spoken to us. The Christian life is what you get when ordinary folk respond: I have heard. The book is for anyone who listens to sermons--which includes preachers, since there's no way to preach without gaining skills as a listener. Listening is a human skill, but as God's word is proclaimed the hearer experiences a vocal mix of preacher, listener, and God. Listeners Dare shares a love of preaching and also lets listeners into some of the secrets of why preaching is inherently connected to the Christian faith as one way God has chosen to relate to us and to disclose God's will for each of us. Settings for use include college, course of study, and seminary preaching classes, a pastor's Bible study, an inquirer's class led by a pastor, and inquisitive individuals who yearn to get something out of the sermon. Preachers profit from the book by becoming more astute listeners to preaching, and listeners would be able to increase their ability to get something out of sermons or examine their distractions that block this vital means of grace through worship together. Bits and pieces of biblical sermon events as well as contemporary sermons are used for illustrative purposes.