Stumbling Over the Cross: Preaching the Cross and Resurrection Today

In this review of Stumbling Over the Cross: Preaching the Cross and Resurrection Today, the reviewer finds a thoughtful guide aimed at preachers wrestling with how to present the crucifixion and resurrection in a skeptical, pluralistic age. The book is best for pastors, seminary students, and church leaders who need pastorally sensitive, theologically grounded guidance rather than formulaic sermon templates. Its central strength is practical reflection that treats preaching as both craft and vocation, helping readers reconsider why the cross and resurrection remain central to Christian proclamation.

Key Features

• Pastoral focus: Offers guidance that respects congregational doubts and models preaching that engages real questions rather than avoiding them.
• Theological grounding: Reconnects sermons to the central claims of Christianity so preachers can present doctrine clearly and compassionately.
• Contemporary context: Addresses current cultural suspicion of doctrine and the pull of vague spirituality, helping preachers respond effectively.
• Practical orientation: Emphasizes how to preach without defaulting to cliches, encouraging thoughtful exposition and pastoral application.
• Resource for leaders: Useful for sermon planning, discussion in preaching cohorts, and formation of church leadership around core Christian events.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at parish pastors, preaching students, and church leaders who regularly prepare sermons and want to handle the themes of crucifixion and resurrection with integrity and relevance. It is especially helpful for ministers serving congregations where listeners raise hard questions or drift toward a pluralistic spirituality and need clear, compassionate theological teaching.

It is less suited for readers seeking a step-by-step homiletics workbook with timed outlines or those expecting devotional reflections for personal quiet time; the emphasis is on preaching practice and public proclamation rather than private meditation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Addresses difficult cultural objections directly, equipping preachers to meet skepticism with substance.
• Balances theological depth and pastoral sensitivity, making doctrine accessible to congregations.
• Encourages preachers to reclaim the central events of Christian faith as opportunities rather than burdens.

Cons

• Does not serve as a quick-fix sermon template, so readers wanting plug-and-play outlines may be disappointed.

Specifications

Title	Stumbling Over the Cross: Preaching the Cross and Resurrection Today
Series	Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching
Primary authors	Joni S Sancken, Paul Scott Wilson
Subject focus	Preaching on the crucifixion and resurrection in contemporary contexts
Intended audience	Pastors, seminary students, church leaders
Approach	Theological reflection combined with pastoral application

Our Verdict

Stumbling Over the Cross is a valuable resource for preachers who want to preach the central events of Christian faith with honesty and theological clarity. It is good value for clergy and church leaders seeking to move beyond cliches and meet congregational doubt with thoughtful proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book provide sermon outlines?
Answer. The book emphasizes theological and pastoral guidance rather than offering plug-and-play sermon outlines.

Who wrote this book?
Answer. The primary contributors are Joni S Sancken and Paul Scott Wilson, and it is part of the Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching series.

Is this appropriate for lay study groups?
Answer. It can be used by lay leaders and study groups focused on preaching or church leadership, though its main focus is equipping those who preach publicly.