Overview

In 2020, most preachers and congregations were forced into online and hybrid preaching. We had to react quickly. For some, this adventure opened creative forms of preaching--stitches, duets, reels, and VR. For others, it was a season of just getting by--cell phones propped up on books, laptops on dining room tables. We did what we could to proclaim the good news in turbulent times. Five years later, Sigmon invites preachers and congregations to reflect on those experiences as they consider the future of preaching. She helps the reader engage the Gadfly, whose buzzing signals a shift in how we understand relationships, truth, presence, and place in this digital age. Sociologists and historians argue that we are now on the brink of a shift in communication as transformative as the invention of the printing press. No wonder ministry is so challenging right now. Ultimately, this digital age, like previous ages of technological change, presents problems and possibilities to the practice of preaching--and so, ecclesiologically, the shape of the church. What shapes will emerge? Sigmon will empower preachers and congregations to answer that question for themselves through a new media homilecclesiology.

Full Product Details

9781666775570

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Many preachers in the early twenty-first century are vexed by the current vortex of postmodernism, the pandemic, digital media, artificial intelligence, and political partisanship in the churches. Casey Sigmon gives us the first book that makes a theological appraisal of this situation and that offers local preachers practical ways to navigate it. Like its title, the book itself is a gadfly whose friendly bite will stimulate creative responses."" --Ronald J. Allen, professor emeritus of preaching, and of gospels and letters, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis ""The digital age is here to stay! Our approaches to worship and preaching must adapt to the new tools and the new contexts that have emerged since 2020. This does not mean that traditional worship spaces are on the way out, nor does it mean that digital worship and preaching will continue functioning as an appendage. The Spirit is guiding the church in innovative and collaborative ways, if we will follow the Spirit's lead. Casey Sigmon presents a prophetic call to follow the creative force being unleashed by the Spirit. While many of us have offered practical approaches for engaging in digital preaching and worship, Casey offers us what we have been lacking--the theological groundwork to build on. Her concept of 'homilecclesiology' is nothing short of pastoral genius, imagined by one who believes deeply in preaching and exudes creativity. I am blessed to call Casey a friend and believe firmly that this book will guide our conversations for years to come."" --Rob O'Lynn, associate professor of preaching and ministry, Kentucky Christian University ""Engaging the Gadfly shatters the boundaries of traditional preaching, pushing us into the exhilarating, uncharted territory of digital ministry. Casey T. Sigmon delivers a revolutionary approach to homiletics, empowering pastors to disrupt the status quo and embrace the chaos of the digital age. If you're ready to step out of your comfort zone and radically transform how you preach, this book is your blueprint for the future."" --Sunggu A. Yang, associate professor of theology and Christian ministries, George Fox University ""Engaging the Gadfly calls us to consider preaching that attends to the possibilities of technology from a place of depth. It is practical theology at its best--bridging theory and practice so that readers are given the what and why in order to move towards the how more effectively. With wit and innovation, this text is excellent for all preachers who proclaim within the expansive possibilities of technoculture--which in this age is all preachers. --Chelsea Brooke Yarborough, associate director of leadership programming, Association of Theological Schools ""With wit and candor, Dr. Sigmon encourages preachers to expand their understanding not just of what preaching should be, but what it should do. As has been true throughout history, a new era of technology is a chance for the church to reexamine its means and its ends--not as a navel-gazing exercise, but to discover the unfolding possibilities and delights that newness can bring."" --Aimee Moiso, associate director, Louisville Institute

Author Information

Casey T. Sigmon is assistant professor of preaching and worship, and director of contextual education at Saint Paul School of Theology. She is co-founder of TheoTechnics, a team helping congregations engage technology theologically. Sigmon is the project director of the Pause/Play Center for Preachers. Thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Endowment's Compelling Preaching Initiative, Pause/Play is a sacred space for weary preachers to restore their creativity and reignite their imagination through rest and play.

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