Let the Earth Hear His Voice: Strategies for Overcoming Bottlenecks in Preaching God's Word

“Why is my preaching not powerful? is a question that all preachers ask from time to time. In this book, Greg Scharf both asks and answers this question. Having defined preaching as God speaking through people to people, Scharf then focuses on the obstacles, or bottlenecks, that restrict the flow of Gods Word in this speaking ministry, leaving it ineffective. While such a framing of the issue sounds negative, the outcome is positive, realistic, and enabling. This is because Scharfpart sage, part seer hereworks away to stabilize the readers faltering convictions, and then to soak them in biblical insight, before tackling each obstacle head- on and strategizing on a way forward that is marked by practical ideas and simple exercises. Moreover, the gentle and humble manner that Scharf has exhibited to his readers in the past continues to be present here. As this book works its way into the lives of preachers around the world, maybe there will be a second question on which to reflect, with gratitude: Why is my preaching now powerful?”

See All

“Greg Scharf writes with the wisdom and balance of years of pastoring and teaching. Preachers will be awed by the holy and powerful work that God has called them to do, and will find specific and realistic guidance for doing it well. This is an insightful and helpful book.”

See All

“Robustly biblical and refreshingly practical, this book is a must-read for all who preach Gods Word. Starting from the conviction that when Gods Word is faithfully spoken, Gods voice is truly heard, Greg Scharf sets out what we need to know, believe, and do in order to be the kind of preachers through whom the earth will hear his voice. If the core conviction of this book were more widely believed and its clear strategies were more consistently practiced, preachers, preaching, congregations, and churches would be transformed.”

See All

“The strong contributions of Let the Earth Hear His Voice begin with the high biblical view of preaching presented by Dr. Scharf. Then we are helped by the identification of potential bottlenecks to the practice of this understanding of faithful biblical preaching. Dr. Scharf then delivers the goods by both pastorally and professionally detailing strategies to help us to be the kind of preachers through whom the Word of God is heard today. We are indebted to Dr. Scharf for providing a tremendous amount of homiletical help that is framed by a passion for Gods voice to be heard. The book beautifully blends theological foundations and practical advice concerning biblical preaching, and the volume is laced with numerous biblical references. It is hard for me to think of any conscientious preacher who could not benefit from reading and studying Let the Earth Hear His Voice, especially in the light of the breadth of issues addressed in this helpful resource.”

See All

“The hope of Africa, and indeed of the whole world, is to hear the voice of God in all its clarity. There is no more urgent need than this. Yet according to the Bible, Gods voice is already captured in the Scriptures and is released in a unique way when preachers do a good job in their sermon preparation and delivery. The author of Let the Earth Hear His Voice holds us by the hand and takes us step by step in the process of sermon preparation and delivery, helping us to deal honestly and humbly with the bottlenecks that hinder the gushing forth of Gods Word upon his people. If you are asking, Why is my preaching not having the effect that Gods Word ought to have on its hearers?, I urge you to read this book with a torchlight on your own heart. There may yet be hope!”

See All

“In a richly biblical and insightful volume, Greg Scharf uncorks the bottle, polishes the glass, and celebrates good preaching! With a wealth of practical wisdom and warmth of spiritual application, he clears away those things that can hinder the effectiveness of preaching and provides immensely helpful advice for everyone who teaches Gods Word. A hugely welcome book.”

See All

“Many books on preaching are merely speech texts dressed up for church. Greg Scharf has given us something different. Instead of taking us over the same overworn territory, he has written a homiletics text that manages to be both theological and practical. Scharf is a preacher and a skilled teacher of preachers, so he knows the pitfalls. He writes with the theological sensitivity that you would expect from someone who has been mentored by John Stott. When Greg Scharf speaks on this subject, preachers need to listen.”

See All

“Too often, works in practical theology are long on the practical and short on the theology, or vice versa. Greg Scharfs Let the Earth Hear His Voice holds the practical and the theological together, grounding coaching in the concrete tasks of preaching (exegesis, structure, illustration, application, delivery) in a rich biblical theology of preaching as the Word of God. Scharf deftly diagnoses bottlenecks that obstruct the free flow of Gods Word through preachers, and he offers specific prescriptions to remedy and remove those blockages. Both preachers-in-the-making and seasoned shepherds who want people to hear Gods voice through their sermons will benefit from digesting this book slowly and thoughtfully, in frank self-examination and much prayer.”

See All

“Perhaps the greatest challenge to contemporary preaching is not the everchanging nature of our audience, peoples listening ability, or even our method of delivery. Perhaps the largest hurdle to effective Word-based ministries lies closer to home: the preacher himself. In this insightful and deeply challenging book, Greg Scharf tackles head-on overlooked bottlenecks that often stifle our proclamation ministries. With years of theological reflection and pastoral experience under his belt, Scharf offers penetrating clarity on common problems that hinder our preparation and ultimately minimize the sermons effectiveness. More than identifying problems, however, Scharf offers wise and accessible ways forward in thinking through sermon development. Whether you are a seasoned pastor or one entering the ministry, Let the Earth Hear His Voice offers judicious insight that will richly aid your homiletic endeavors and in the end be to the benefit of those who hear you speak.”

See All

“Greg Scharf has written a marvelously wise book. It is both full of biblical and theological counsel for pastors themselves and laden with practical counsel on development and presentation of excellent messages. This book will instruct the beginner and refresh the seasoned pastor.”

See All

“Recognizing that the weekly work of sermon preparation and delivery is often challenging and even daunting, Greg Scharf draws on his years of experience in both the pulpit and the classroom to provide thoughtful and helpful instruction for studentsyoung preachers and seasoned ministers alike. In this well-designed volume, readers are invited to envision fresh ways to develop and improve their faithful and effective proclamation of Gods Word to Gods people. By adeptly and ably addressing the major bottlenecks that so often divert preachers from their calling, Scharf offers much wisdom and ample encouragement for those who will put into practice the insightful guidance found in Let the Earth Hear His Voice. It is a joy to recommend this excellent book.”

See All

“I think highly of this book! Three of its strengths are biblical/theological grounding, practical exercises, and a lack of posturing. Greg Scharf takes his craft very seriously, but not himself. He models humility, zeal, and wisdom as he pastors pastors in Let the Earth Hear His Voice.”

See All