Some may feel as though preachers who proclaim a challenging word are The Clint Eastwoods of the Pulpit. Lee Eclov, though, says that prophetic preachers are far more than the gunslingers of the church. They bring a necessary, no-nonsense word to God's people.

This article wraps up our skills theme on prophetic preaching. Our 2011 skills theme will be a look at the theme that fascinates us preachers, namely, how we go about the never-ending challenge/delight of actually writing sermons each week. Stay tuned for help with Sermon Preparation.

While still on the note of prophetic preaching, in our age of narcissism Bryan Loritts brings a timely word in the sermon It's Not About You.

Preaching Christ,

Brian Larson
Editor, PreachingToday.com
blarson@christianitytoday.com

Craig Brian Larson is the pastor of Lake Shore Church in Chicago and author and editor of numerous books, including The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching (Zondervan). He blogs on Knowing God and His Ways at craigbrianlarson.com.