Alan Kelchner

Collegial Preaching: Hearer and Preacher As Colleagues in the Creation of Meaning Alan Kelchner

This book proposes a new paradigm for preaching in which the sermon is characterized as a conversation among colleagues, which inevitably leads to uncertain outcomes and multiple meanings. In the past, homiletics has focused on what the preacher says rather than what the hearer hears; however, contemporary communication theory marks a shift toward the listeners. Collegial Preaching is based on the search for truth through authentic conversation, with an emphasis on the unique authority of the preacher, as well as the role and responsibilities of listeners as colleagues in the creation of meaning. This new homiletic has the potential to shape how preaching is taught and how preachers preach, by encouraging a more fluid, inclusive, and listener-centered approach to the preaching moment.