Effective Preaching: A Manual for Students and Pastors. By Deane A. Kemper. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1985. 136 pages. Paper, $10.95.  

Deane A. Kemper is Professor of Ministry, Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, Massachusetts. “Sound exegesis is a prerequisite to sound sermons,” Kemper declares, but good exegesis represents only about one third of the work required for effective preaching. The sermon also must be written and delivered. The focus of this volume is on the latter two-thirds of the task; it sets out a working pattern for preparing and delivering sermons.  

Kemper has eight chapters which cover the basics of sermon preparation. Two of them are especially helpful — chapter three on planning a preaching schedule and chapter six on making the meaning clear. He provides some examples for consideration. Excerpts from Martin Luther King’s famous sermon “I Have a Dream” illustrate the power of words and repetition in preaching. Another strength is the list of suggestions for further reading. Much of the material though is restatement of practical suggestions found in most preaching texts.  

By design this book is intended to be a popular and readable treatment of the subject of preaching. It is practical and well written, and the busy pastor will welcome this review of the basic principles of sermon preparation.