ABSTRACT
In terms of communication, the 1960s saw the widespread marginalization of the sermon, precisely because the monologue seemed a grossly inadequate tool of communication. Experimental forms of communication took centre stage. There has been a return to the scriptures as the proper subject matter for preaching. This is not to say that topical and thematic sermons are never to be found, but writing on preaching increasingly finds home ground in the biblical text. There has been a renewed interest in the sermon as proclaiming a word of grace, rather than giving information or offering the listeners second-hand opinions on current political issues or ethical debate. This development has reinstated the ministry of the word and has located the sermon firmly within worship. The pulpit is a place of power and it is not surprising that much writing has concentrated on the role of the preacher.
