Pitfalls in Preaching

David G. Buttrick
—Vanderbilt Divinity School
"If every preacher read Richard Eslinger's book, the pulpit could be an exciting place again. The book is practical, truly helpful, yet theologically smart. Pitfalls in Preaching is a must for anyone who would speak the gospel!"

David Greenhaw
—Lancaster Theological Seminary
"Preachers beware! In this book you will recognize mistakes you have made and make still. You will find yourself saying, 'Hey, I do that. That's not so bad, or is it?' In struggling with pitfalls in your preaching you will also discover strengths in your preaching. After all is said and done, it is strengthening the preaching of the church that has led Richard Eslinger to write this helpful book."

Eugene L. Lowry
—Saint Paul School of Theology
"Richard Eslinger has done it again. This careful reviewer of current theories of preaching here reviews our practice of preaching in a quite perceptive and user-friendly way. Eslinger's A New Hearing named the shapes of the 'new homiletic.' His Narrative and Imagination provided an in-depth scholarly treatment of the current scene in North American homiletics. And now Pitfalls in Preaching — quick, clear, and telling. This is not just a list of negatives. It should be called 'Pitfalls and Pathways' for its positive contributions for the practicing preacher. This book will be particularly helpful to seasoned pastors who need someone to help them identify points of needed progress. Perceptive. Easy to swallow. Wonderful humor. I plan to use it in my word."