Why We Listen to Sermons

Calvin Seminary is pleased to announce the newest book authored by Scott Hoezee, director of the Center for Excellence in Preaching, called Why We Listen to Sermons. Written with lay people in mind, Hoezee unpacks why churches have sermons in the first place, what makes a sermon good, and how to provide meaningful feedback to the preacher.

“If people don’t have a vocabulary by which to articulate what made a sermon good or less good, the preacher can be stuck,” Hoezee shares. “I hope [this book] generates conversations about preaching that are applicable to preachers who are always looking to improve.”

Drawing from his own experience as a pastor, along with 13 years of teaching experience at Calvin Seminary, Hoezee weaves two main themes into the book’s core: the centrality of the Bible in preaching and preaching being one of the key ways that the Holy Spirit works to get God’s truth across to the Church.

In partnership with the Calvin College Press, Hoezee hopes to reach preachers, search committees, council members, and ordinary lay people who are interested in preaching and desire to continue learning.

Learn more about Hoezee’s new book at the Calvin Seminary Legacy Society Gathering luncheon on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the Prince Conference Center. Hoezee will be interviewed by John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology, and congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Seminary. All attendees will receive a free copy of this book. Stay tuned for an invitation coming soon!