Both Sides Of The Fence

Dr. Thomas W. Spann
Director of the Intern Program
Perkins School of Theology, SMU

African American preaching has been studied from a variety of angles. It has been celebrated as a unique contribution to the advancement of social justice as well as sustaining the cultural and spiritual gifts of Black people. The rhetoric of African American preaching has been highlighted for its poetry, imagery, narrative elements, congregational involvement and passionate delivery. Due to the works of Henry Mitchell and Frank Thomas, the theme of celebration has been the focus of critical and constructive analysis in academic circles. Celebration continues to be practiced in small and large churches as a way of keeping a cultural and a spiritual phenomenon alive and well. However, as a rhetorical expression, it has come under the careful scrutiny of Professor Cleophus LaRue, who, in his book Rethinking Celebration, has challenged preachers to rethink the purpose and object of celebration in African American worship.

The author of this book, Dr. Johnnie R. Bradley Sr., is a fine practitioner of the art of celebration in the African American tradition. He, however, has distinguished himself in that he is also a student of the art of preaching. He has read widely; attended numerous conferences on preaching; and has completed the Doctor of Ministry degree at Anderson University. Bradley never tires of talking about preaching. He is a mentor to many young preachers. He willingly shares his resources to help other preachers to improve. As this book indicates, Bradley is a proponent of a particular type of preaching-not because it is trendy or lucrative, but because of its inherent pedagogical and evangelistic qualities. Bradley lives and breathes expository preaching!

This book records the purpose, power, and possibilities of expository preaching. It is a short but meaningful book on this subject. It offers a brief history of African American preaching, a summary of ty