A Way with Words: Preaching That Transforms Congregations

by Adam T. Trambley, Sean W. Rowe (Foreword by)

Overview

A vital resource for pastors who seek to transform the culture of their church

A Way with Words demonstrates the power of the weekly sermon to change the culture of a congregation. Using the analogy of language learning, Adam Trambley shows how a consistent ministry focus over an eighteen-month period can help a church address areas that inhibit growth even as the pastor preaches on a diversity of subjects or uses a lectionary. The author explores how important focused preaching can be to moving church development forward and offers a long-term strategy particularly helpful for pastors looking to take full advantage of the opportunities their weekly sermons provide. Each chapter includes discussion questions and practical exercises that can be used as part of a preaching group or seminary class, or to aid the solo pastor in preparing dynamic sermons.

This is a topic not generally taught in seminary, but vital for pastors who wear many hats as preachers, pastoral caregivers, and administrative leaders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781640652545
Publisher:	Church Publishing, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/17/2020
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

ADAM T. TRAMBLEY has been a solo pastor in two traditional Episcopal churches for a total of 15 years. In both churches, he successfully used focused preaching to deal with particular congregational issues. He has also led strategic planning processes for his parishes and diocese. He blogs at The Black Giraffe (adamtrambley.blogspot.com) and has written articles for a number of local and national publications. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.

The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission.  

He was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 after serving as rector of St. John’s in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for seven years. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and from 2019 to 2024, he led a partnership between the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York. 

Rowe holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University. He has served as a leader of many civic and churchwide organizations and governance bodies, and as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops. 

 

Table of Contents

Foreword The Rt. Rev. Sean W. Rowe ix

Introduction xiii

Part I The Long-Term Sermon 1

Chapter 1 Teaching a New Language 3

Chapter 2 Imparting New Language Elements 15

Chapter 3 Providing Theological Rationale and Practical Vision 27

Chapter 4 Explaining How to Take the Next Steps 41

Chapter 5 Discerning the Next Stage 57

Chapter 6 Long-Term Sermon Templates: Spiritual Gifts and The Way of Love 71

Part II Preaching with Prayer, Passion, Personality, and Physicality 89

Chapter 7 Prayer 91

Chapter 8 Passion 103

Chapter 9 Personality 115

Chapter 10 Physicality 127

Conclusion 139

Appendix A Curriculum for a Long-Term Sermon Preaching Course 141

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“A breath of fresh air for the pastor stymied by the sometimes glacially slow pace of change. By approaching preaching from a long-term perspective, Trambley shows us how we can get our main points not just heard but also embedded firmly into the congregational DNA.” —Dr. Robert E. Logan, author of The Discipleship Difference

“Adam Trambley’s book . . . will help and inspire any preacher in ways that encourage parishioners not only to hear each individual sermon but also to be drawn forward in a focused and ongoing journey of growth.” —Dave Daubert, DMin, PhD CEO/Lead Consultant, Day 8 Strategies, and pastor, Zion Lutheran Church, Elgin, Illinois

"I have read countless books on church growth and leadership, along with a smattering of texts on lectionary preaching, but this delightful book is the first I have encountered that merges the two themes together. It is a helpful resource for pastors seeking the courage to lead their congregants forthrightly into the best version of who they are meant to be."
—Mark O. Wilson, Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC

Editorial Reviews

A breath of fresh air for the pastor stymied by the sometimes glacially slow pace of change. By approaching preaching from a long-term perspective, Trambley shows us how we can get our main points not just heard but also embedded firmly into the congregational DNA.” —Dr. Robert E. Logan, author of The Discipleship Difference

“Adam Trambley’s book . . . will help and inspire any preacher in ways that encourage parishioners not only to hear each individual sermon but also to be drawn forward in a focused and ongoing journey of growth.” —Dave Daubert, DMin, PhD CEO/Lead Consultant, Day 8 Strategies, and pastor, Zion Lutheran Church, Elgin, Illinois

"I have read countless books on church growth and leadership, along with a smattering of texts on lectionary preaching, but this delightful book is the first I have encountered that merges the two themes together. It is a helpful resource for pastors seeking the courage to lead their congregants forthrightly into the best version of who they are meant to be."
—Mark O. Wilson, Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC

From the Publisher