Congregations should offer more feedback on sermons - book

More constructive feedback from church congregations would help priests better shape their sermons for the needs and challenges of today's society, argues a new book from the Church of England's official publishers.

The new practical guide for priests, Preaching with Humanity, suggests churches set up weblogs which churchgoers can use to offer their feedback on aspects of the sermon such as quality, content or style of delivery.

It also suggests that clergy create the opportunities for the congregation to contribute to forthcoming sermons.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard, has welcomed the recommendations in the book, penned by communication trainer Geoffrey Stevenson and Spurgeon College's Tutor in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology, the Rev Stephen Wright.

The Bishop said, "I do think the Church could offer its ministers more guidance on what they value about preaching. 'Nice sermon, vicar' is always pleasant to hear, but doesn't really help priests shape their sermons to share Jesus' message for today.

"This book encourages all Christians to take preaching seriously - and to help us all to raise our game."

Preaching with Humanity aims to support clergy as they help people relate the meaning of being created in the image of God to their every day lives.

The book offers a number of tips to priests on how to enhance their sermons, including the use of digital projection equipment, breathing and voice-warm exercises, and reflections on preaching in various denominational settings. It is, the authors add, "a book of theory that expects to be put into practice, and of practice that needs to be reflected upon afterwards".

Bishop Pritchard added: "This is a thoroughly accessible and energising book to feed the preaching of both the new enthusiast and the more experienced practitioner. It answers the questions you only half dared articulate, and is sure to stimulate those who preach to fresh resolve. This book should be on every preacher's reading list."

See www.chpublishing.co.uk/product