Preaching for Spiritual Formation to Postmodern Listeners 

  Abstract

This work focuses on the question: How can preaching
facilitate spiritual formation in postmodern listeners? In order to answer that question three specific topics demand research: preaching, spiritual formation, and postmodernism. 

Preaching in today’s culture is different than preaching in the past. The reason is simple. The surrounding culture is postmodern. Understanding what this cultural shift means is vital if preachers hope to reach the current and subsequent generations. Preachers must realize that postmodern listeners are unique in several ways.  Discovering what makes them unique is, in part, the reason for this project.

In addition, to recognizing cultural nuances, this thesis reviews the goal of preaching.  Identifying the reason for preaching and the goal of it helps preachers evaluate the effectiveness of their preaching. In this regard, spiritual formation comes to the forefront.  Examining the process of spiritual formation helps preachers prepare and deliver messages crafted to change lives. The human heart is complex. Learning what the Bible says about the heart is fundamental to effective preaching.