Paul Borden provides helpful insights into how to apply a "big idea" emphasis to narrative preaching. Operating with distinct exegetical and homiletical processes, he sets forth a "dramatic" methodology in which the point of the story is discerned. The homiletical formula Borden develops moves from need to remedy. The Biblical narrative is indicative of some similar need in the lives of contemporary listeners. The narrative becomes illustrative of how God's people have dealt, either successfully or unsuccessfully with the dilemma from God's perspective.

Terry Mattingly demonstrates how contemporary culture can provide insight for preaching to the real needs of people. Bruce Shelley provides an anchor point in helping preachers to realize that there is a big idea in the Bible itself, of which the sermon's "big idea" is one facet. In preaching the multi-faceted big idea of the Bible, Shelley maintains that the big idea must be developed as a personal truth. As Robinson defines the preacher's task as restating, explaining, proving, and applying the truth, Shelley takes it a step further and says that the preacher must feel the truth as well. This is not to subjectivize the truth into a sloppy sentimentality. Rather, it means that truth communicated most effectively and powerfully will bring with it emotional impact.

The final section of the book gives guidance in assembling a sermon that presents the big idea of Scripture. The ability to discern the "big idea" of Scripture is not enough. One must be able to communicate that idea effectively. One of the first strategic decisions one must make is whether to attempt an inductive or deductive approach to the communication of the message. Donald Sunujkian offers a means of synthesizing each approach and a discussion of how to think through that process. John Reed maintains that illus-tration is the key to transmission of the "big idea" and uses Dwight L. Moody as an example of one who was a master of sermon illustration. In conclusion, Scott Gibson shows the adaptability of big idea preaching.

Big idea preaching is not wedded to any one form. Evangelical preachers are indebted to Haddon Robinson for his life and contributions to the field of evangelical preaching. This festschrift in his honor will be helpful to those who have an appreciation for his life and ministry. It will remind you, "What's the big idea?"

Sweet, Leonard; Soul Tsunami: Sink or Swim in New Millenium Culture: 10 Life Rings for You and Your Church, Grand Rapids:, Zondervan, 1999

I have become a big fan of Leonard Sweet. I had seen his name in promotional materials for conferences but knew little about him other than that he was affiliated with Drew University in Madison, NJ. Now that I have read his last two books, I can see "what all the fuss is about." In 1998, he released Eleven Genetic Gateways for Spiritual Awakening in which he seeks to trans-culturate the best of his Wesleyan heritage into principles that churches today can use for greater effectiveness in their mission. In Soul Tsunami, as the title would indicate, he is writing to prepare churches for the seismic changes in culture and society which are now underway as we make the transition to a postmodern culture.