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.
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McDill, Walter, (2015), 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching. B & H
Publishing Group (p. 3.)7
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Forrest, Benjamin K. (2019).7 A Legacy of Preaching, Volume Two:
Enlightenment to the Present Day. (p. 31).
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