I also wrote about Rodney “Gipsy” Smith. What an interesting life he led! I
respect his desire to learn and his determination to accomplish the goal. He
also did not take himself too seriously. “One Sunday I entered a turnip-field
and preached most eloquently to the turnips. I had a very large and most
attentive congregation. None of them made an attempt to move away.”[1] His
preaching style included the use of emotion, gestures, and movement. The
use of humor was characteristic of his sermon style, and when combined
with his use of analogies and illustrations, he was able to reach many for
Christ.[2] I believe he demonstrated McDill skill five, bridging text to sermon.
Although he did not use a manuscript and the McDill method was yet to be
developed, I find his intent of the analogies and illustrations to represent this
skill. Curtis writes “Perhaps the most effective element in Smith’s preaching
was his use of illustrations; his sermons were filled with them…he did not
find his illustrations in books, but took them rather from his own ‘experience
and imagination.’ Indeed, it was his use of illustrations that often led his
listeners to respond to his message.”[3] Rodney “Gipsy” Smith had found a
way to infuse contemporary life with biblical principles.I enjoyed reading each
comment on the preachers that you chose. I also chose John Albert
Broadus. Of the six skills that we have read written by McDill, I believe that
Broadus's writing is found in more than one of the six skills.
As a young preacher, he availed himself of every opportunity to improve as
a speaker.[1] Matriculating from the University of Virginia, he determined to
acquire as much knowledge as possible, as he diligently disciplined his
studies.[2] e He did not allow himself not to continue studying. After
graduation, Broadus cultivated his interests in theology, church history,
preaching, language, geography, and "old English divines," like John Owen. An
avowed linguaphile, he mastered Greek, Hebrew, Latin and eventually added
many other languages to his repertoire[3] e e
I agree with you that "It could be argued that Broadus used all six of the
skills found in McDill's text." [4]
In A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, his homiletical tour
de force, Broadus showed himself a master of preaching, not only in practice
but in highly articulated theory. In the introduction, Broadus set his
discussion in a framework that explained how he could remain so profoundly
connected to the plain, simple, and earnest people of local congregations
while instructing both aspiring and highly trained theologians worldwide in the
craft of sermon building. [5]
I chose "Noting the Text Details" Broadus's sermons reflected the skill of
McDill's as stated by Forrest et al. concerning his sermons and preaching;
"He believed in a method of preaching that respected the text and sought to
serve it. He gave a disciplined lifestyle of studying the Word of God in great
detail. e He believed in the total truthfulness and authority of the Bible as
being the Word of God, and he sought to teach preachers to respect, love,
study, and preach the Word[6]. I chose a few others for the three of them but
we both chose Spurgeon. His preaching was perfectly designed to impact and
influence the common people. I have learned a lot by studying Spurgeon's
sermons. His wisdom of expository preaching for his time is also something I see
needed in today's day and age. He was someone who preached with power and
precision. Isn't it something how all these men throughout the last two centuries
followed a similar outline when it cam to preaching. I think this is due to the
unity of the Spirit of the Lord that would have been inspiring these men to
preach. It;s hard to deny the validity of the skills McDill lists as it pertains to
these men and their preaching. I often wonder if the men and women of old, who
were mightily used by God, would add to these 12 skill sets. McDill has done an
awesome job at studying and carefully examining many of these people and their
sermons and outlines. Instead of designing from scratch, McDill was able to look
back in observation and ascertain a common practice and outline being used.
Anyway, great choices and explanations. I too chose Spurgeon but instead of
comparing skill 1 I said that he used Skill 4. As I read your post I can see
where skill one could come to mind. Skill 4 is naming the text idea which is, "to
discover the writer's central idea in the text and designating it with precise
terminology"[1] I chose this because of Spurgeon's deep dive into theology and
that comes with knowing the words that are used by the writer. I do see how
skill 1 would have been used by Spurgeon and how his dive into scripture
because of the breakdown of scripture and seeing the real meaning of the text. e
You did an outstanding job at covering some of the legacy preachers that I
didn't touch and gave a perspective I didn't see when I was reading the
material. I think you are right when it comes to Karl Barth; the was one that
best fit the "bridging the text to the sermon" step. We know that Barth had
very structured messages that is one element you can see when it comes to
bridging the test to the sermon. I really like the quote you mentioned, "The
preacher need only uncover that point of contact within the listener's self
and build a bridge to that innate point of contact." [1] Doing this is what
Barth did throughout his ministry.
The only area of improvement is adding a little bit of personal touch to why
these preachers stuck to you the most. Was it because it aligned with the
steps more clearly on your end? Was it because some of their preaching
styles are familiar to your very own preaching styles. You did a fantastic job,
but adding a personal touch would have put the cherry on top.
[1] Thomas J. Nettles. Why every preacher should know John Broadus. March
31, 2020Why every preacher should know John Broadus — Southern Equip
(sbts.edu) Links to an external site.,
[2] Ibid,
[3] [Benjamin K Forrest A Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two: Enlightenment
to the Present Day. (2019). e 211.. Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com
[4] Words from Discussion of Andrian Bojoriquez
[5] Why every preacher should know John Broadus — Southern Equip.
https://equip.sbts.edu/article/every-preacher-know-john-broadus/ Links to an
external site. 2019
[6] [Benjamin, K Forrest. A Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two: Enlightenment
to the Present Day. Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com
Bibliography
Nettles, Thomas J. Why every preacher should know John Broadus. March 31,
2020Why every preacher should know John Broadus — Southern Equip
(sbts.edu) Links to an external site.,
Forrest Benjamin K. A Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two: Enlightenment to
the
Present Day
. (2019). Retrieved from
https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com
