Preaching and Social Issues

Drawing from solid research, rich examples, and relevant sources across a variety of disciplines, Leah Schade offers a welcome set of tools and strategies for preaching about social justice across a wide range of congregational settings--as well as different preachers' own strengths and vulnerabilities. This wise and practical book should be at every preacher's right hand as we craft sermons that will speak the gospel wherever we are called to serve!

--The Rev. Pamela Cooper-White, CB Johnson Professor Emerita of Psychology and Religion, Union Theological Seminary, New York

Gospel-talk about social issues by pastors of congregations in a polarizing society requires consideration, study, and skill. Rev. Dr. Leah Schade presents Gentle, Invitational, and Robust options that allow preachers to bring a Christian heart and mind to the intersection of any congregation with society. Schade offers data about congregational life and shares the work of several scholars of social gospel preaching. I advise readers to put on an ecumenical hat and take time for careful study.

--Rev. Gregory Heille, Aquinas Institute of Theology, editor of Preaching Racial Justice

Many ingredients go into effective preaching on social issues: analyzing the issue, engaging in situational and congregational study, reading biblical and theological resources, deciding what ethical and homiletical approach to take, and consulting the helpful wisdom and model sermons of those who have gone before us. Leah Schade helps the reader gather all these ingredients in one accessible place. Preaching and Social Issues is a timely, wise, and immensely helpful book!

--John S. McClure, Charles G. Finney Professor of Preaching and Worship, Vanderbilt Divinity School

There are few voices with the moral clarity, spiritual depth, and profound insight of Leah Schade. Preaching and Social Issues is a must read for any who desires to speak to the prophetic urgency of our times.

--Frank L. Thomas, Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary