Preaching by Ear by Dave McClellan

Preaching by Ear

Speaking God’s Truth from the Inside Out

By Dave McClellan

(I received this book for review purposes.)

Genre- Christian Ministry / Preaching

Published by- Weaver Book Company

Copyrighted- 2014

Number of pages- 173

Age Group- Adults (Ministers), it would also be good students in college

Description of Book- paperback, ISBN 978-1-941337-02-8, $15.99

Preaching by Ear, by Dave McClellan, is filled with useful information on why and how pastors should have orally based sermons.  Providing information from Augustine, Quintilian, and more, McClellan show how important it was to develop sermons without writing them down and reading off of notes (because they did not) and how it is still relevant today. 

Sample of the Book!

About the Author- Dave McClellan is married and has two adult children.  He an adjunct professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and John Carroll University.  He is also a pastor of The Chapel at Tinkers Creek.

My thoughts- I thought this was an excellent book.  It was easy to read, understand, and dealt with a topic which I think is important.  I was even reading parts of it to my nine and ten-year-old children.  I thought they should learn how important it is to be able to tell stories and be able to write about different things.

One of the most interesting parts of this book to me was learning about Augustine and Quintilian.  I have never studied ancient history in depth, so while I may have heard about these two men, I knew nothing about them.  It was from them that I learned that it is important, as a preacher to be able to have an orally based sermon.  When I was learning about this I thought of Kevin Weatherby, from Save the Cowboy.  I do not know for sure how he prepares his sermons or if this is a method that he uses, but I think he must.  His sermons always flow well and I do not see him actively checking for notes.

I think this is a book that all pastors need to read.  It should also be required reading for those who desire to become pastors.  I highly recommend it. 

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Preaching by Ear, by Dave McClellan, for free through Cross Focused Reviews.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.