The Summons of the Text

""This book is an excellent addition to the corpus of works dealing with preaching, especially expository preaching. Take up and read!"" --David L. Allen, Distinguished Professor of Practical Theology, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary ""The Summons of the Text offers a robust framework for text-driven preaching that grounds homiletical practice in deep theological conviction and biblical fidelity."" --Carl J. Bradford, Dean, Texas Baptist College ""With the mind of a scholar and the heart of a preacher, Dr. Gale addresses not only the need but also the requirement for every biblical sermon to include a call for response, offering practical and specific examples along the way."" --Adam L. Hughes, Associate Professor of Expository Preaching and Pastoral Leadership, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary ""Bruce Gale has given a much-needed gift to the church . . . This is not only a book I will recommend, but a book I will use in the training of pastors and preachers."" --J. Josh Smith, Pastor, Prince Avenue Baptist Church, Georgia ""In The Summons of the Text, Dr. Gale provides text-driven preachers with both the reasoning behind and rationale for summoning their hearers to respond to the meaning of every text they preach."" --Matt Queen, Associate Pastor, Plymouth Park Baptist Church, Texas ""[Gale] provides a historical, theological, and practical understanding of the summons and how it properly calls the listener, both believer and unbeliever, to respond to the biblical text."" --Kevin Ulmer, Evangelism Strategist, Louisiana Baptist Convention ""Dr. Bruce Gale reminds us that Scripture is not merely a source for sermons--it is the source that shapes and drives them. This work calls us back to preaching that is anchored in the text and responsive to its voice."" --Joshua Hughes, Senior Pastor, Beaver Dam Baptist Church, North Carolina ""Bruce Gale hits the mark by expanding the three pillars of text-driven preaching to include a fourth. This book challenges preachers and scholars alike to evaluate the biblical mandate of Scripture while integrating it into their preaching."" --Michael E. Newton, Business and Ministry Consultant ""Dr. Gale brilliantly addresses the heart of why we preach through this book. He calls readers to understand what a passage communicates and the passion the text summons so that they can better convey application. I highly recommend Gale's work for pastors and theologians alike."" --Dave McPherson, Senior Pastor, Southside Baptist Church, Oklahoma ""Bruce Gale's The Summons of the Text is a faithful and invaluable resource for anyone--especially pastors--who desires to rightly handle God's word. It is a strong and convicting reminder that Scripture does not merely inform, but also speaks with divine authority, reveals Christ Jesus, and calls hearers to respond with repentance, faith, obedience, and worship."" --Schylar B. Fields, Lead Pastor, Rosemont Baptist Church, Kentucky ""Through useful illustrations and examples from the word of God, [Gale] challenges us to look afresh at our preparation, presentation, and proclamation of the summons to faith in Christ."" --Bill Connors, Pastor, Eastern Hills Baptist Church, New Mexico