J. Kent Edwards

J. Kent Edwards’ ambition is to change people’s lives with the Word of God and equip others to do the same. Kent is known for his passion for preaching, and brings over 30 years of Christian leadership experience, as a senior pastor, church planter and educator. He is a popular conference and seminar speaker and lectures regularly nationally and internationally. Edwards is the tenured Professor of Preaching & Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, and the Founder & President of CrossTalk Global. CrossTalk Global equips biblical communicators who do not have access to seminary education, and is currently operating in seven countries and four continents. He directed the Doctor of Ministry Programs at Talbot School of Theology and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for 14 years while serving as Executive Board Member of the Association for Doctor of Ministry Education, and founder/editor of The Journal of Christian Ministry. Edwards is past president of the Evangelical Homiletics Society.

Affiliation Faculty, Alumnus
Position Professor Emeritus of Preaching and Leadership
Degree Ph.D., Cook School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University

Author's books

Deep Preaching: Creating Sermons that Go Beyond the Superficial

J. Kent Edwards recalls a story that late pastor J. Vernon McGee told about seeing children in South Africa playing a game of marbles in the dust with real diamonds. The precious stones were being handled with no regard for their true worth. Edwards fears the same thing happens today when preachers offer Scriptural truth to listeners without being completely overwhelmed by its greatness themselves in the process. Deep Preaching is his call to “rethink” preaching. Edwards helps preachers learn to preach the word in ways that will powerfully change the lives of hearers.

Effective First-Person Biblical Preaching: The Steps from Text to Narrative Sermon

The Steps from Text to Narrative Sermon Presenting biblically centered sermons in a new, creative genre Pastors and teachers are always on the lookout for new ways to expand the effectiveness of their preaching. Sermons delivered in the first-person point of view can weave the power of story and drama into the biblical teaching, making familiar—and not-so-familiar— characters and situations come to life. This book helps students and pastors understand how first-person sermons can be preached with biblical integrity. It extends Haddon Robinson’s “big idea” philosophy of preaching to this new genre. J. Kent Edwards takes a practical approach as he walks readers through the steps needed for creating sermons that are faithful to the text and engaging to the listener. Examples and worksheets enable readers to apply this unique approach to one of their own sermons.

It’s All in How You Tell It: Preaching First-Person Expository Messages

It’s All in How You Tell It provides the tools and insights necessary to help both veteran and novice preachers move from ineffective habits into adrenaline-pumping, dramatic sermon delivery. They will learn to preach by retelling a scriptural account from the vantage point of a biblical character-combining the power of drama with God’s Word. Nationally known preaching expert Haddon W. Robinson and his son, Torrey, examine issues such as exegeting a text for a first-person approach, structuring a narrative sermon, determining how to portray biblical characters, and staging and delivering the sermon itself. With this book seminary and Bible college students have the opportunity to build foundations for engaging, story-filled preaching ministries. The end result will be more preachers who “love to tell the story” and more church members who are hungry to hear it.

Models for Biblical Preaching: Expository Sermons from the Old Testament

This companion volume to the bestselling Biblical Preaching provides models of biblical preaching from Old Testament texts. This allows students of preaching to see the theory of Robinson’s classic work fleshed out in actual sermons from exemplary preachers. Following each sermon, Robinson offers a brief commentary and interviews the preacher, providing students with practical insight into ministry life and sermon preparation.

The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators

This extensive encyclopedia is the most complete and practical work ever published on the art and craft of biblical preaching. Its 11 major sections contain nearly 200 articles, comprehensively covering topics on preaching and methodology. Entries are characterized by intensely practical and vivid writing designed to help preachers deepen their understanding and sharpen their communication skills. The contributors include a virtual Who’s Who of preaching from a cross-section of denominations and traditions, such as Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Rick Warren, Warren Wiersbe, Alice Mathews, John Piper, Andy Stanley, and many others.

The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today’s Communicators – Audiobook

This extensive encyclopedia is the most complete and practical work ever published on the art and craft of biblical preaching. Its 11 major sections contain nearly 200 articles, comprehensively covering topics on preaching and methodology. Entries are characterized by intensely practical and vivid writing designed to help preachers deepen their understanding and sharpen their communication skills. The contributors include a virtual Who’s Who of preaching from a cross-section of denominations and traditions, such as Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Rick Warren, Warren Wiersbe, Alice Mathews, John Piper, Andy Stanley, and many others.