ABOUT

What is Text-Driven Preaching?

Substance

Structure

Spirit

Text-Driven Preaching is the interpretation and communication of a biblical text in a sermon that re-presents the Substance, Structure, and the Spirit of the text.

The Substance of the text is what the text is talking about, and this must be the focus and drive of the sermon.

The Structure of the text is how the author develops the passage (i.e. with points, scenes, or parallelism, etc.) This is influenced by the genre of Scripture, but is further influenced by the semantic structure and syntax as well.

The Spirit of the text is the author-intended "feel" or emotive tone of the text, and that "feel" is born of the genre. Our preaching should reflect the genre of the text.

Dr. Matthew McKellar
Editor
Professor of Preaching, George W. Truett Chair of Ministry

Dr. Christopher Osborne
Editor
Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry, James T. Draper Chair of Pastoral Ministry

Aaron Potts
Editorial Assistant