Preaching to a Shifting Culture by Gibson

¶ … Preaching to a Shifting Culture" by Gibson

In his informative and intriguing compilation titled Preaching to a Shifting Culture:

Perspectives on Communicating that Connects, editor Scott M. Gibson deftly assembles the writing of many renowned preachers, including Haddon Robinson and Bryan Chapell, into a practical framework designed to guide both current church leaders and the next generation of clergy. Employing a direct yet casual style, Gibson communicates directly to readers through the book's Introduction, and when he states unequivocally that "the purpose of this collection of essays is to explore some of the issues confronting evangelical preaching at the turn of the millennium,"1 Gibson provides a clear statement of his fundamental thesis. The concept that gradual cultural shifts have occurred while escaping the notice of preachers and churches is not novel by any means, but the way in which Gibson manages to capture this sentiment is entirely unique, as he seeks to motivate his readers with a direct challenge. Gibson's assertion that "preachers have choices to make: engage the culture, ignore the culture, capitulate to the culture, or even challenge it"2 is a clarion call to those who have pursued the higher calling of evangelism, because unless preachers are capable of understanding and empathizing with their

1. Scott M. Gibson, ed. Preaching to a shifting culture: 12 perspectives on communicating that connects. Baker Books, 2004. p. 12.

2. Ibid, p. 12.

flock, genuine spiritual development is difficult to attain.

One of Gibson's central premises is evidenced by the organizational structure of the book, as the editor has elected to begin with modern interpretations of the Old Testament in a chapter authored by Ray Lubeck, before moving on to the New Testament in Vic Gordon's second chapter. It is the book's fourth chapter, however, that first touches on the phenomenon of cultural change, and when Gibson states in his Introduction that "the present era has been a sea change of ideas, morals and practice & #8230; (and) the sea change can be seen in the congregations in which we preach,"3 he appears to echo the sentiments offered by Haddon Robinson's contribution to the overall work. By considering the previously audacious idea that preachers should work to reflect the evolving nature of their congregation, rather than worshippers struggling to shape themselves into a preacher's singular vision, is quite compelling indeed, and Gibson strives to include relevant essays on the subject without becoming ideologically intrusive. By providing Preaching to a Shifting Culture: 12 Perspectives on Communicating that Connects with a sense of balance and clarity, through his inclusion of essayist who do not necessarily espouse the same worldview as himself, Gibson has crafted a meaningful contribution to the overall literary discussion of evangelistic spirituality. His final message to fellow preachers encapsulates Gibson's modern approach to evangelism, and when he expresses the hope that "when preachers read this book they will be encouraged, challenged and instructed,"4 his optimism is rewarded by the thoughtful and courageous contributions made by his colleagues.