Thursday 2 January 2014

A review of Saving Eutychus by Gary Millar and Phil Campbell. Published in Australia by Matthias Media.

It is hard to imagine a stronger endorsement of a book than the one written by Don Carson in the foreword to Saving Eutychus. He writes, “If I could, I would make this little book mandatory reading for seminarians everywhere, and then urge them to read it a couple of more times during the course of their ministry”. And, as usual, it is very hard to disagree with Don Carson. Or, indeed, the wider chorus of praise from international preachers and theologians, like Dale Ralph Davis and Bryan Chapell, who also thoroughly commend this book.

If you’re passionate about preaching, you’re going to love this book. It’s written by an Irishman, Gary Millar, and an Aussie, Phil Campbell; two very different men united by their love of Jesus and their passion for hearing Him proclaimed.

What’s so rare about this book is the genuine piety of the authors, and their reverence towards God, which seem to fill almost every page. In their jovial, humourous, self-deprecating way, they don’t waste a word in setting down the fundamentals of great preaching—as they see it. As careful students of great preachers, and doubtless, very gifted communicators in their own right, the authors succeed in demystifying much of the art of great preaching.

The book reads like a great sermon. It’s engaging, passionate, succinct, accessible, thoroughly grounded in God’s word, and, from start to finish and right throughout, utterly dependant on prayer. There are mentions of Edwards, Spurgeon, Keller and Driscoll, but most of all in this book we find the reflections of two humble men sharing very pointed and practical advice on being the very best gospel preacher that you can be.

Saving Eutychus (for a wry smile at the title see Acts 20:7-12), makes no attempt at being a comprehensive reference work on preaching. Its eight short chapters focus on the heart of what the authors believe makes great preaching: prayer, preaching that reaches people’s hearts, clarity, the ‘big idea’ in context, movement to the gospel (especially from the Old Testament), delivery techniques, and thorough weekly feedback (two chapters, a real focus).

I found many aspects of this book very attractive. I really enjoyed the unfeigned humility and candour of the authors. I was affected by the way the whole volume and all its advice on sermon craft is so thoroughly soaked in prayer. Every preaching book says prayer is of the most fundamental importance but this is one of the few that I’ve read that sounds like it really means it. I was convicted of the importance of seeking out detailed feedback on every sermon I preach, no matter how uncomfortable it may feel.

I also particularly enjoyed the chapter on preaching the gospel from the Old Testament. The chapter highlighted the importance, and difficulty, of moving from an Old Testament passage to Jesus, in non-repetitive and biblically faithful ways. The nine suggested pathways will prove incredibly helpful in my own preaching.

Another highlight was the ‘Stand and Deliver’ chapter. In only a couple of pages Phil shares his observations on the delivery styles of some of the great preachers of today. Most importantly, he shares his insights on how to emulate them.

If I had a criticism of the book it’s that I wanted more. The authors have offered such sage advice in several key areas that I can’t help but wonder why they did not cover the other key areas of preaching. I would be fascinated, for example, to hear their further thoughts on sermon illustrations, which were barely touched on. Another chapter or two on engaging sermon introductions, and sermon outlines or structures, would also have enriched the work. I hope they write a companion volume.

On balance, I thoroughly recommend this book. If you are a Bible college student, a regular preacher, or someone passionate about preaching God’s word, then clear an important place on your bookshelf for this impressive little book. And hopefully another, should Gary and Phil be convinced to write a sequel.

Paul White is a student at Moore Theological College in Sydney and a graduate of the Cornhill Sydney Preaching College.