Philip Arthur Bence PhD Thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText

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(A discussion of Fosdick's thought on the
"convincin g" nature of the faith must include mention of
the use of "motives" in preaching. A preacher adds
explosive power to his sermon by employing the leverage
of human emotion. "Fear, love, gratitude, self—
preservation, altruism"--the preacher who leaves these
aside may argue well, but his sermons will lack creative
movement. 14-7)
3. The faith must be "communicable." The
preacher's choice of relevant preaching topics ("Start
with a live issue.") commands the hearers' attention
as the sermon begins. His "congenial," "convincing"
presentation of relevant truth maintains that attention.
Although the preacher is alone in the pulpit, the
conversational style of his preaching actively involves
the congregation. The preacher freely raises the
questions and objections appearing in the minds of the
hearers, and answers each one fairly.
How does the preacher prepare his sermons? Fosdick
refused invitations to lecture in detail on sermon
construction, but did write a short essay entitled
"How I Prepare My Sermons." Within this piece, Fosdick
described his routine.
1. "The first step is the choice of an object--not
a subject, but an object."
1 The chosen goal ruled
the entire sermon preparation process.'52
2. Fosdick next found the primary "truth . .
relevant to its (the object's) accomplishment."'"