The Heart of the Preacher: Preparing Your Soul to Proclaim the Word

“No one will be able to take from the shoulders of responsible pastors the heavy loads of ministry. But Rick Reed writes from pastoral experience and leadership to help us understand what will test the pastoral heart and what God provides to strengthen it. Pastors who are willing to look clearly and unflinchingly into the challenges for continued ministry that reside in their own hearts will find The Heart of the Preacher invaluable and re-invigorating for ministry.”

“Preachers like me need their hearts tested and strengthened. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have as a mentor and guide through this process than Rick Reed. There's so much helpful counsel in The Heart of the Preacher on everything from redeeming ambition to dealing with Blue Mondays to practicing soul care to making the most of Saturday nights. I plan to require this book for the preaching classes I teach. First, though, I need to read it again to prepare my heart for the task of proclaiming God's Word.”

“There are plenty of books to teach you how to prepare a sermon, but there are few books that will teach you how to prepare your heart to preach a sermon. Building out of a lifetime’s experience, Rick Reed has addressed this extra level of mastery in preaching. Your heart is worth paying attention to, and so is this book.”

“In The Heart of the Preacher, Rick Reed comes alongside preachers to encourage and challenge them to reach their potential and fulfill their high calling. As you read this book you will benefit from Reed’s wisdom, but more than that, you will encounter his heart—a heart that beats with grace and truth.”

“The Heart of the Preacher is as easy to read as it is hard to hear. With refreshing and unrelenting honesty, Rick Reed gifts those of us who preach with a disturbingly accurate MRI of our souls, and then helpfully guides us forward. Every pastor needs to buy this book. And give a copy to a colleague. ”

“Henri Nouwen once said, ‘If we don’t have a hidden life with God, our public life for God cannot bear fruit.’ This thoughtful book is a useful tool for encouraging and equipping preachers toward this end. I’m thankful for Rick Reed’s desire to help develop healthy and sustainable ministers of the gospel.”