Making a Difference in Preaching offers a collection of Haddon Robinson's shorter writings on preaching, penned over a forty-year period. Now available in paperback, the book provides readers with a helpful understanding of Robinson's preaching theory, method, and practice. This collection, edited by Scott Gibson, illuminates the key differences between good preaching and poor preaching. Each chapter contains discussion/reflection questions and a list of books for further reading. The book is well-suited for pastors looking for refreshing insights into their preaching, as well as seminary students or lay speakers.
Haddon W. Robinson (PhD, University of Illinois) was the Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching and senior director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. He authored numerous books, including It's All in How You Tell It and Making a Difference in Preaching.
This book is really a compilation of articles that Robinson had contributed to a number of different periodicals. As such, the book lacks a central focus, or to say it another way, it does not develop a main idea. Still, the subject is preaching and the articles are grouped around three headings. These are first, the preacher, second, the preacher and preaching, and finally, the preacher and people. I have read this book before, back in 2003, and remember being very impressed with it. I remember wishing it were longer, I wanted to garner more wisdom from Robinson.
I am not sure why Robinson is such a compelling writer to me. I know that many of the ideas he presents I have seen in other places. Maybe, it has something to do with the way that he presents them. I also think that he must have a good sense of humor. I am sure that I will read this book again, and that I will recommend it to some of my preacher brethren. I hope to get it autographed by Robinson at the Forum 11 this next Spring.