What Preachers are Saying

"In Sermon Science, Gregory Cizek’s impressive background in instructional design is brought to bear in helping pastors strengthen their approach to preaching. Thinking of one’s listeners as learners will equip the preacher to develop effective sermons that will not only instruct but spark spiritual growth—a goal that any preacher would want to accomplish in his or her preaching. Cizek provides a unique and valuable perspective on sermon effectiveness from an educational point of view.”

Scott M. Gibson, D.Phil.

Professor of Preaching

David E. Garland Chair of Preaching, Director of the Ph.D. Program in Preaching

Baylor University’s Truett Seminary

"After years of success teaching teachers, Cizek has brilliantly transcended the line between academic teaching and biblical preaching.  His writing on how to apply instructional design to sermon writing offers pastors powerful new insights for creating and delivering more meaningful, impactful sermons. The goal? Sermons that not only resonate with listeners but also provide them with the ability to retain invaluable theological truths and apply them in life. This book is a gift to pastors who strive to write and deliver sermons that will spur spiritual growth and impact the life of those who hear them.”   

Rev. Susanne Priddy, MDiv

Lead Pastor, Wesleyan Chapel UMC

Wilmington, NC

“It is rare that a book challenges my thinking about who is listening—what their needs are, what their experiences and biases and interests might be. In Sermon Science, Cizek helps readers to focus on our responsibility as preachers and teachers to our listeners. The book is a refreshing and insightful aid for accomplishing the direction of Paul in Ephesians “to equip [God’s] people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” I strongly recommend getting this book into the hands all all who are responsible for the public teaching of/in/for the church.”

Commander Michael Beasley

Chaplain, US Navy

"In Sermon Science, Gregory Cizek brings together the science of teaching and the call of preaching in an engaging, practical, and immediately actionable way. I appreciated most of all his passion for preaching refocused not on listeners to sermons, but on learners about Jesus. I wholly endorse publication of this book, so that this needed perspective gets into the hearts and hands of as many of my fellow priests as possible."

Fr. Joseph J. Krupp, MDiv

Pastor, St. Mark the Evangelist and Holy Family Catholic Churches, Grand Blanc, Michigan

Columnist (20 years), “In the Know with Father Joe”, Faith Magazine 

Founder, Joe in Black Ministries

“Cizek’s emphasis, explication, and exhortation on preparation and focus on a sermon’s thesis alone make it worth reading this book. But there is much more. Dr. Cizek offers judicious doses of subtle humor, handy graphics, engaging historical tidbits, and tangible examples that are especially helpful for those who are not highly abstract or academic in applying what has been learned. His ideas and strategies will help hone the skills of even those who are best at what this veteran teaching professor is addressing. I urge you to read this unique book.”

Brian D. Ray, Ph.D.

President, National Home Education Research Institute

“Gregory Cizek invites preachers to reflect on what they do in a manner that is practical rather than pragmatic; what is helpful for making mature Christians instead of what is useful for getting results.  An experienced listener himself, Cizek reminds preachers of the essential need to be critically attuned listeners of their own sermons as well as speakers.”

Michael Pasquarello III, MDiv, PhD

Current: Methodist Chair of Divinity; Director, Robert Smith Jr. Preaching Institute; Director of Doctor of Ministry at Beeson Divinity School; ordained elder, United Methodist Church

Previously: Granger E. and Anna A. Fisher Professor of Preaching, Asbury Theological Seminary; Lloyd J. Ogilvie Professor of Preaching, Fuller Theological Seminary 

“This engaging book will have a broad audience. It will be especially helpful for clergy since it is written from the perspective of a lay person; we clergy don't get enough of the kind of thoughtful and helpful perspectives that Cizek provides. Sermon Science is instructive without being critical, directive without being preachy. It is also written in a way that can benefit clergy, ministers, and teachers from all denominations. I believe it will have wide appeal and practical use.”

Rev. Monsignor Charles Pope
Holy Comforter - St Cyprian Roman Catholic Parish, Washington, DC

“All good preachers want to get better at preaching.  Here is surprisingly fresh help from a humble but perceptive listener in the pews. Cizek brings insights from a different but instructive discipline. Every humble preacher will want to read this book.”

Gerald McDermott, PhD

Anglican Chair of Divinity, Emeritus, Samford University, Beeson Divinity School

Distinguished Professor of Theology, Jerusalem Seminary

Author: Oxford Handbook of Evangelical Theology (Oxford University Press); Everyday Glory: The Revelation of God in All of Reality (Baker Academic); The Great Theologians: A Brief Guide (IVP Academic); A New History of Redemption: The Work of Jesus the Messiah through the Millennia (Baker Academic)