{"product_id":"stumbling-over-the-cross-preaching-the-cross-and-resurrection-today","title":"Stumbling Over the Cross: Preaching the Cross and Resurrection Today","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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 \u003cstrong\u003ecross and resurrection\u003c\/strong\u003e remain central to Christian proclamation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePastoral focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers guidance that respects congregational doubts and models preaching that engages real questions rather than avoiding them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheological grounding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reconnects sermons to the central claims of Christianity so preachers can present doctrine clearly and compassionately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContemporary context:\u003c\/strong\u003e Addresses current cultural suspicion of doctrine and the pull of vague spirituality, helping preachers respond effectively.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical orientation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Emphasizes how to preach without defaulting to cliches, encouraging thoughtful exposition and pastoral application.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResource for leaders:\u003c\/strong\u003e Useful for sermon planning, discussion in preaching cohorts, and formation of church leadership around core Christian events.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAddresses difficult cultural objections directly, equipping preachers to meet skepticism with substance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalances theological depth and pastoral sensitivity, making doctrine accessible to congregations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEncourages preachers to reclaim the central events of Christian faith as opportunities rather than burdens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes not serve as a quick-fix sermon template, so readers wanting plug-and-play outlines may be disappointed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStumbling Over the Cross: Preaching the Cross and Resurrection Today\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeries\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary authors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJoni S Sancken, Paul Scott Wilson\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePreaching on the crucifixion and resurrection in contemporary contexts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended audience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePastors, seminary students, church leaders\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTheological reflection combined with pastoral application\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStumbling 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book provide sermon outlines?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The book emphasizes theological and pastoral guidance rather than offering plug-and-play sermon outlines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho wrote this book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. The primary contributors are Joni S Sancken and Paul Scott Wilson, and it is part of the Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this appropriate for lay study groups?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnswer. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joni S Sancken, Paul Scott Wilson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48235821564123,"sku":"1498287905","price":40.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61LEdxw_11L._SL1500.jpg?v=1770758299","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/stumbling-over-the-cross-preaching-the-cross-and-resurrection-today","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}