Based upon my reading about the different scholars, it is clear that McDill and
these writers have similarities when it come to breaking down a text especially
when trying to make relative presentations to an audience. According to my
research “Simeon’s thoughts on preaching is that he was a pastor who wanted
his sermons to make a real difference to his listeners” (Forrest, 2019, p. 40).
This is something that McDill wanted as well which is why preaching while
being a critical thinker went along way especially it comes to approaching the
obvious in the text as well as what is possibly hidden in the text. For example,
using figurative wording to bring relevancy to those who were listening allowed
the audience to expand in thought of reflection which is why according to
research the author advised “I need a way to find the texts that will help with
my text” (McDill, 2015, p. 53). This meant if he was going to be an effective
preacher, then spending time with the text will be the best way for this to
happen which is how people like Charles Simon displayed one general rule, and
that was to demonstrate how texts should be treated naturally (Forrest, 2019,
p. 39). This model played an important role when it came to the type of
message McDill wanted to preach. This philosophy of having a solid
theological and homiletical approach when delivering the message would bring
the message more to life as far as substance goes. This would also create
more things for preachers to bring out in the text which would also help
sharpen their skill when it came to sermon preparation. McDill as well as the
other preachers felt the need to have things like small group Bible sessions so
they could fellowship with other preachers so they could bounce their ideas
and thoughts on the text as well what type of audience approach would help
them. According to my research McDill believed that “sermon material
functions in four ways: explanation, illustration, argumentation, and application
(McDill, 2015, p. 3). All of these preachers possess this quality because they
believed that if they prepare the way they need to, then they would get the
results when it came to the responses of those who they were preaching to.
During this development they all would gain an understanding of could help
them as well those that would be listening find something in the text they
might have seen been before, or could possibly rise some critical tension.
McDill along with these preachers felt it would be possible and necessary to
study the text as well as get other references to compound with what they had
discovered in the text. All these things made their preaching moment a
enjoyable one for those who needed to hear the Gospel.
McDill, Walter, (2015), 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching. B & H
Publishing Group (p. 3.)
Forrest, Benjamin K. (2019). d A Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two:
Enlightenment to the Present Day. (p. 31).
