In this volume, Marvin A. McMickle discusses the development of the sermonic claim. By "sermonic claim" McMickle means that central focus and intent of the preacher, which is aimed at claiming the hearers at the deepest existential level possible. Preachers too often spend hour upon hour on exegetically determining what a biblical text says only to rush through the determination of what they want to say it (in terms of developing imagery and a sermonic form). McMickle invites us to slow down and ponder three aspects of developing a claim. Drawing on Aristotle's categorization of types of persuasion - logos, pathos, and ethos - he shows how for every sermon a preacher must decide what to say, how to engage the emotions, and what behaviour to inspire. In other words, this books helps preachers determine what they want a congregation to think, feel, and do during and in response to the sermonic event.
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