John Koessler is a self proclaimed “amateur” when it comes to praying, and in this honest and insightful conversation with Mike he speaks about the difference between human and divine conversation, and how it informs his preaching, which he defines as a conversation that he has with people, based on a previous conversation that he had with God. He contrasts prophetic preaching, which can come off as preaching “against” the people, and priestly preaching, which is preaching “for” or “with” the people.
“Preaching is the communicating of divine truth through human personality.” -Phillips Brooks
Dr John Koessler is an award-winning author and retired faculty emeritus of pastoral studies of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. He writes monthly columns for Today in the Word and Mature Living Magazine. John is the author of When God is Silent (Lexham), Dangerous Virtues (Moody), Practicing the Present (Moody), The Radical Pursuit of Rest (InterVarsity), The Surprising Grace of Disappointment (Moody), Folly, Grace & Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching (Zondervan), A Stranger in the House of God (Zondervan) and served as general editor of The Moody Handbook of Preaching (Moody). John has written several other books and articles and serves as a contributing editor for the Moody Bible Institute publication Today in the Word. His podcast, A Stranger in the House of God can be heard on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
Learn more about John’s latest book When God is Silent published by Lexham Press.
Resources Mentioned:
George MacDonald sermon; ” A New Name” : https://www.worksofmacdonald.com/consuming-fire-daily-devotional/2016/2/9/the-new-name
John’s book on Preaching: Folly, Grace & Power: The Mysterious Act of Preaching
John’s book on Praying When God is Silent
Prayer is an awkward conversation with God: https://youtu.be/T9wq_yEf1yg
“Amateur” etymology: https://www.etymonline.com/word/amateur
Recommended Episodes:
Joe Thorn on why John Koessler’s book is the best on preaching that he’s ever read: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/experiential-preaching-nerves-and-leadership-lab-joe-thorn
Scott Erickson on whether it is right to pray “get me out of the way” in preaching: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/ill-be-your-story-sherpa-scott-erickson
Mike Neglia quoting John Koessler in Boise: https://cgnmedia.org/podcast/expositors-collective/episode/preaching-that-cuts-both-ways-with-mike-neglia
Join us for our next in-person Training Weekend for men and women of all ages at The Creek Church in Indianapolis, Indiana!
In this interactive seminar, attendees will learn from experienced practitioners from the stage and meet in groups and build ongoing relationships with coaches and mentors who want to help you grow in your personal study and public proclamation of God’s Word.
Indianapolis, Indiana
October 27-28, 2023
For information and to register visit ExpositorsCollective.com
The Expositors Collective podcast is part of the CGNMedia, Working together to proclaim the Gospel, make disciples, and plant churches. For more content like this, visit https://cgnmedia.org/
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