I am deeply humbled by the kind
endorsements Preaching with Empathy has
received from some of the most thoughtful homileticians, leaders, and preachers
around. If the book has impact it will be, in large part, because of their
support. Please pray with me, that God would use this book to cultivate the
empathy of "Christ in us, the hope of glory."
“The best preachers have a heartfelt concern for the listening
congregation as they prepare their sermons. The tone and tenor of this empathic
sensibility can be honed and sharpened. In Preaching with Empathy, Lenny
Luchetti shows us how to accomplish this task.”
—Cleophus J. LaRue Jr., Francis Landey Patton Professor of Homiletics,
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ
“Luchetti gets specific in his analysis of how empathy fosters
intimacy between pulpit and pew and motivates listener response. And he gets
practical in his exploration of the obstacles to empathy and his strategies for
cultivating it. Preaching with Empathy is a welcome addition to the homiletical
literature and a useful resource for both new and seasoned preachers.”
—Alyce McKenzie, Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship; Altshuler
Distinguished Teaching Professor; director, The Perkins Center for Preaching
Excellence, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas,
TX
“As preachers we can become so immersed in the text, so consumed with
a creative idea in delivery or illustration, or so captivated with a message
delivered by another that we unintentionally miss profoundly connecting with
those receiving the message. Empathy is a bridge between God’s living and
active word and the deepest longings of those who listen. Preaching with
Empathy equips us to build that bridge.”
—Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church, Indianapolis,
IN
“Lenny Luchetti has provided a new approach to an old problem, but one
not frequently associated with preaching. That is the problem—and necessity—of empathy
in the pulpit. Luchetti gives to preachers a practical and theological framework
against which we may measure our preaching, our ministry, and our own hearts.
This is a valuable book for us all.”
—Richard Lischer, James T. and Alice Mead Cleland Professor Emeritus
of Preaching, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC; author, The End of Words and
Stations of the Heart
“Do not read the title and think this is only for preachers. Empathy
has become a lost ingredient of our culture, and this book speaks to what has
been lost. In addition, the science, theology, sociology, and biblical depth of
the subject of empathy is explored.This phrase jumped off the page to me: ‘We
are wired for empathy created in God’s Image’—powerful words of hope. At the
same time, Dr. Luchetti gives practical and specific methods in which a
preacher may increase empathy by drawing upon models of the past and current
exercises. This book should be at the top of one’s reading list and, of course,
especially for preachers. Compelling and inspiring for times like these!”
—Jo Anne Lyon, ambassador, General Superintendent, Emerita,
The Wesleyan Church, Indianapolis, IN
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