The Word Fitly Spoken

Abstract

Carl F. Bolle’s paper “The Word Fitly Spoken” offers seasoned reflections on preaching, drawn from over fifty years in the pulpit. Using Proverbs 25:11 as a thematic anchor, Bolle explores the art and discipline of sermon preparation and delivery. He critiques dull, irrelevant preaching and urges pastors to strive for clarity, sincerity, and enthusiasm. Bolle emphasizes prayerful study, early preparation, structured outlines, vivid illustrations, and dialogical engagement with congregational concerns. He advocates for authenticity in the pulpit, warning against monotony, poor diction, and artificial tones. Drawing on Luther, Thielicke, and other homiletic voices, Bolle encourages preachers to communicate the Gospel with conviction, humility, and joy. The paper concludes with Luther’s Sanctuary Prayer, underscoring the divine dependence and sacred responsibility of the preaching office. Abstract generated with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).