Preaching in Demonstration of the Spirit and Power. By John Mason Stapleton. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1987. 91 pages. Paper, $4.95.  

Stapleton is minister of the Trinity United Methodist Church in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and has served as a seminary professor. He writes to help answer the question: How do we bring the Word of God to expression in human words?  

The central issue in the introduction (p. 12) is whether the right words in the right order make a difference when the preacher seeks to preach in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Cor. 2:4)?  

The word demonstration is a technical term used in formal rhetoric. Paul’s use of it does not imply that “how we say what we say is unimportant but that when Christian preaching is most effective, it may manifest a certain rhetoric . . .of its own” (p. 13). This rhetoric of the Spirit manifests itself in four ingredients: (1) the dynamics of the gospel, (2) its passionate expression by the preacher, (3) artistry of form, and (4) caring for others… (p. 14). The four chapters of the book discuss the ingredients.  

This volume is well informed by recent homiletical thought as well as biblical, theological research and its implications for ‘ ‘preaching.” Stapleton provides illustrations from his own sermons. He cites good references and provides directions for additional reading. His book is good reading on the serious nature of the task which confronts the preacher in the use of language in preaching. It makes a significant contribution to a helpful series for students and pastors.