Preachers Edge

The Preacher's Edge puts to work the basic principles of oratory and persuasive speaking with creative pulpit techniques. It is written to be used by preachers for a revival and renewal of their preaching.



From this book one can learn how to reach and hold the attention of this "channel surfing" generation of congregational members.



This book is a celebration and affirmation of the role of preaching as the church moves into the 21st century. Reading it will modify the way in which the preacher delivers his message. And it will improve the attention span of those who hear the Good News in new and exciting ways.



In tune with the communication patterns of the "baby boomer and buster generations," Dr. Schmalenberger advocates preaching in an imagistic, earthy, and rhetorically musical style, and urges us to meet head-on the demand that the church respond to the difficult questions of our society. Both chapters and sample sermons present examples of the techniques he describes, and the book concludes with a clear, step-by-step program for improving one's preaching that could profitably be followed by preachers at any stage in their ministry.

The Rev. Linda L. Clader, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Homiletics

The Church Divinity School of the Pacific

Berkeley, California



Years in demanding pulpits and classrooms have given Jerry Schmalenberger an "edge" that he shares with candor and power. If you are looking for suggestions and possibilities, even a ten-week strategy for improving your preaching, this book is for you.

Richard L. Thulin, Th.D.

Dean and Professor of the Art of Preaching Lutheran Theological Seminary

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania



This volume is a plea and a plan for preaching "close to the ground," using the very best speech techniques that have been discovered over the years. Schmalenberger strongly believes that paying attention to listeners' reactions is a keystone to effective preaching. Building on the extended narrative metaphor, he shows how local history can be a source of gospel parable and how it will more effectively lead to reaching the Baby Boomer and Baby Buster generations.



Jerry Schmalenberger is president and professor of parish ministry at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California. He teaches introductory and advanced preaching courses in addition to practical theology. Professor Schmalenberger has been senior pastor in some of the largest Lutheran congregations in the United States and has appeared regularly on television and radio programs. He is a graduate of Wittenberg University and Hamma School of Theology in Springfield, Ohio. He has received Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Wittenberg and Hamma. Schmalenberger has taught speech and communication at Wittenberg University and Urbana College in Ohio and was a parish pastor for 29 years.