THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER

BOOK REVIEW: JAMES EARL MASSEY

THE BURDENSOME JOY OF PREACHING
NASHVILLE: ABINGDON PRESS, 1998, $16

SUBMITTED TO DR. MARK A. LOMAX

IN PARTIAL COMPLETION OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
CAM 846: INTERMEDIATE PREACHING

BY

ANTHONY D. CLINKSCALES

ATLANTA, GEORGIA
DECEMBER 10, 2009

James Earl Massey acknowledges that Christian preaching is a celebratory event that requires
disciplined efforts by the preacher. Massey likens the preachers task to a burdensome joy. Preaching is
burdensome because of the amount of skill and preparation it takes in order to craft and deliver a good
sermon. It is difficult for preachers to speak about God and for God. Preaching is a joyous task because
the aim is to make people better through acknowledging Gods provision, and understanding Gods plan
for our lives. Massey has sought to draw attention to the rhythmic flow of the inward and outward side of
preaching that engages hearers and meets them where they are. Preaching is a purposeful event where
people are inclined to respond. For Massey, preachers have to come to grips with their limitations and
realize that God is assisting men and women who have been called to preach in spite of perceived
shortcomings. The call of a preacher should be enough to quell all doubts and fears and should motivate
preachers to continually seek to improve their task. Where traditional homiletical studies have focused on
the organization of content that make a sermon, Massey emphasizes the pulpit experience including
mental preparation, psycho-social responsibility, and biblical accountability. Emphasis is placed on the
eventfulness that preaching was ordained by God to effect.
Massey begins his discussion by explaining the Hebrew term massa, which was used by the Old
Testament Prophets to describe the weighty responsibility of their prophetic task. This term sums up the
contents of chapter one as he discusses the inward side of preaching. Not only did the prophets of old
struggle internally, but world-renowned preachers of yesterday and today have had to deal with the reality
of inner struggle. Some show signs of anxiety/depression before delivering a sermon while others show
signs of anxiety/depression afterwards. After unpacking the burden of felt limitations, Massey stresses
the importance of trust for preaching. He provides a useful list of books to refer to for further discussion
of the art of preaching, but warns us to avoid the pitfall of identifying preaching as mere artistry.
Essentially, preachers should trust the presence of God and draw strength by recalling their initial call
to preach in order to have an affirmative voice. Togetherness is a term which applies to Masseys
discussion of the outward side of preaching in chapter two. Preachers have the distinct pleasure of being
heard, seen, and felt by the congregation. Because of the vulnerability of the preacher and the sensitivity
of the congregation, preachers have to be honesttruly concerned about the welfare of hearers, having
their best interests at heart. The preacher is both a fellow worshipper and an anointed servant. The
anointing is a divine enablement that is evidenced by the following: sense of assertiveness in ones
actions that is supported by the acknowledgment of ones own godly identity, displaying intensity in ones
service, and good instincts for what is being done i.e. ones natural response is appropriate and timely in
ministerial activity. Ones call to the ministry reflects the aforementioned but adds a personal creativity
piece that distinguishes the preacher from others in ministry. Chapter three further discusses achieving
togetherness through preaching. Togetherness is achieved when the preacher has earned the
congregations trust by evidencing honesty, integrity, and a solemn faithfulness to the task. Afterwards,
Christian preaching is fulfilled once the faith community regards Christ as the center, and individuals
relate meaningfully through Christs love that is, love of God and love for one another. Moreover,
hearers should be inclined to respond to the preachers personal and pertinent appeal. The eventfulness of
preaching is elaborated upon in chapter four. Essentially, there should be an intelligent and practical
grasp of the biblical message. A preacher has the responsibility of knowing the Word that God has for the
people so well that he or she is able to regurgitate it so that it is palatable, tailor-made within the preached
moment. Moreover, preachers have to be aware of distinct truths and concerns within various
congregations. Each sermon has to be intentional about responding to current issues at the heart of the
hearers. The aim of preaching is to cause a happening much like Peters preaching on Pentecost day.
Chapter five encompasses Masseys sermon, The Face of Jesus, which substantiates his notion that the
person and work of Jesus is the central figure of our faith.
Overall, I think Massey has done a tremendous job in his discussion of preaching. I really like
the dialogue with the biblical narrative, gospel accounts, Pauline letters, and contemporary scholarship.
His discussion was quite engaging and I found his incorporation of musicians and the musical witness
very intriguing. This salient contribution addresses real issues that all homileticians presumably consider
predominant concerns. Furthermore, Massey highlights age-old pitfalls to be avoided. A good read!