A Second Look at Inductive Preaching, Article Review Example

In this article, William H. Shepherd of Emory University discusses the inductive form of preaching which according to Frederick B. Craddock, one of the most influential contemporary homiletical theoreticians, leads the audience “in a certain direction rather than stating and then proving a conclusion.” This form which dates back many years provides the listener with the “freedom to think for themselves and come to their own conclusions” as contrasted with adhering to a strict biblical authoritarian approach. In many ways, inductive preaching is open-ended, meaning that the conclusion leaves room for further interpretation. It is also based on the “preacher’s own reading of the biblical text” which aids in revealing its overall meaning and connotation. However, as Shepherd points out, the inductive form of preaching has fallen out of favor in many of today’s evangelical churches. ¹

Shepherd opens with some levity by describing the typical Sunday sermon which usually starts with some kind of an amusing anecdote which is then followed by a grouping of generalizations concerning “what the gospel is saying to us this morning.” The use of metaphors is usually part of the sermon and ends with predictability. For most listeners (especially today), this type of preaching or delivering the Gospel seems outdated and as Shepherd puts it, is “downright boring” and as “old as the pulpit itself.” ²

Shepherd also compares inductive preaching to the narrative approach which almost always utilizes storytelling as a way to support and defend a specific exegesis of biblical text. Certainly, this technique or style places the preacher “in touch with our shared human imagination” via a familiar plot which most listeners can relate to. Therefore, the narrative preaching style has become more popular than the inductive approach, due in part to the continuing fascination with stories that help in many ways to illuminate the lives and times of biblical figures and events. ³

In effect then, the narrative style of preaching appears to be little more than a form of entertainment, rather than as a lesson with often life-altering consequences. For the preacher who chooses to present a sermon in the inductive style, Shepherd relates that it helps the listener to make connections and to “engage in thoughtful, often painful reassessments of our circumstances” in life. It also allows the listener to think about all of the evidence presented in the sermon and to come to a personal verdict. ⁴ Perhaps in some ways, this preaching style draws the listener in and like plots in certain films, leaves the viewer dangling which forces him/her to arrive at their own conclusions.

Overall, this article provides the reader with some refreshing ideas and just might help to stimulate some fascinating future sermons on the Holy Bible. As Shepherd sums it up, the inductive style of preaching makes each and every sermon different, even when preaching on one of the Gospels of the New Testament which bears a great similarity to another.

References

Shepherd, William H. “A Second Look at Inductive Preaching.” Christian Century Sept. 19-26 (1990): 822-823.