Election is a strange word when used in theology. It brings to mind old debates about what God might or might not have done before the foundation of the world. But viewed apart from that historical baggage, the word election is about a central gospel idea: that in Jesus not only does God choose to be God for us but chooses us to be for God. The calling of the disciples in the gospels is a story of election, of how God chooses to transform the world by choosing us to be messengers and agents of that transformation.

So it is, says William Willimon, that election becomes not just the content of our preaching but the means as well. God chooses preachers. How unlikelyhow oddis it that God should entrust the proclamation of the gospel to, well, us? This unpredictable, electing God reaches out to save the world and then leaves it in the hands of preachers to get the word out? Through us, through our stammering tongues and faltering hearts, the preached word becomes the Word of God. If you wonder why you drag yourself into the pulpit every Sunday, if you worry that your sermons aren't reaching past the front pew, then read this book and be encouraged. God chooses; God chooses preachers; God chooses you.

About the Author
William H. Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Ministry at Duke University Divinity School. A retired bishop of The United Methodist Church, he served previously as Dean of Duke Chapel. Recognized as one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world, he is the author of several books, including A Guide to Preaching and Leading Worship and The Collected Sermons of William H. Willimon, published by Westminster John Knox Press.

Reviews
"Karl Barth once wrote that, for us moderns, theology cannot be re-established except with audacity. That is a good description of Will Willimon's writing-he is audacious (or with a Southern inflection, bodacious). He is never afraid to offend us, or make us cry, or laugh. He cuts through our defenses for the gospel's sake. How odd of God to choose Willimon to be a messenger on behalf of Jesus Christ. Yet how wonderful of God to do so." -Joseph Mangina, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto "William Willimon has long since established himself as one of the premiere preachers of our time. In this new book he shows how strong preaching is impossible without strong theology to undergird it. This is a masterful text to be studied and savored by all who care about the renewal of theology and preaching in today's church." -George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary



Book Information
ISBN 9780664259747
Author William H. Willimon
Format Paperback
Page Count 206
Imprint Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.
Publisher Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.