The Heart of Preaching: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher

Format: Paperback

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Availability: Forthcoming

Expected: Jun 16, 2026

Retail Price: $19.99

The Heart of Preaching: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel in the Life and Work of the Preacher

Examining the Role of the Gospel in the Life of the Preacher

Preachers are gospel experts. They have dedicated countless hours to studying the good news during seminary courses and while preparing for sermons. They share its message with accuracy and confidence with the congregation every Sunday. It’s clear they have a strong biblical and theological understanding of the gospel, but what about a functional one?  

In The Heart of Preaching, author Mike Bullmore explores the functional centrality of the gospel to help pastors convey its power in a more tangible way. Bullmore draws on decades of pastoral experience to navigate common heart challenges, clarify nuanced definitions, and provide practical advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning. This book is a valuable resource for those who want to see the gospel animate not only their preaching but their pastoral ministry and the entirety of their Christian life. 

  • Explores the Functional Centrality of the Gospel: Shows how to make the gospel functionally central to preaching, pastoral ministry, and the whole Christian life
  • Written for Preaching Pastors: Pastor Mike Bullmore offers an insider perspective on the real-world challenges faced by preachers 
  • Practical: Provides advice for sermon preparation, delivery, and planning
  • From 9Marks: Dedicated to helping pastors, ministries, and church members build healthy churches 

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 224
Size: 5.5 in x 8.5 in
Weight: 10.0 ounces
ISBN-13: 979-8-8749-0616-0
ISBN-UPC: 9798874906160
Published: June 16, 2026

Table of Contents

Preface: Why This Book?
Introduction: The Functional Centrality of the Gospel
 
Part One: On the Preacher
Chapter 1: The Five Greatest Heart Challenges in Preaching 
Chapter 2: The Surpassing Value of Godliness
Chapter 3: Staying Faithful and Persevering in Ministry
 
Part Two: On Preaching 
Chapter 4: Expositional Preaching – What Is It?
Chapter 5: Faithful Weekly Sermon Preparation
Chapter 6: Sermonic Argument
Chapter 7: Sermonic Application
Chapter 8: Preaching Christ
Chapter 9: Matters of Delivery
 
Part Three: On the Preaching Life 
Chapter 10: Long-Range Sermon Planning
Chapter 11: Training Up the Next Generation
Chapter 12: Some Things I’ve Learned About Preaching (After Having Taught It for Fifteen Years and Practiced It for Forty)

Epilogue: “What Is That to You?”—A Brief Exposition from John 21