According to Keller the ministry of the Word can be broken down to three levels. Level 1 covers informal conversations between one another. Level 2 involves teaching, mentoring, etc. and involves conveying biblical content to a wider audience. Level 3 is the traditional sermon that’s prepared and delivered to the congregation. This book aims to be a guide for Level 2 and 3. 

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There are three sections in the book. The first is ‘Serving the Word’ and the second is ‘Reaching the People’. This is followed by a third, short section on preaching and the Holy Spirit. An Appendix contains practical steps on how one can craft an expository message encapsulating the main points that have been fleshed out throughout the book.

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The first section describes Keller’s view of expository preaching. He borrows from a definition from Hughes Old: expository preaching is the systematic explanation of Scripture. However, he is quick to point out the value of the latter and how both can be used effectively together.

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Next, the book pushes for the importance of including the Gospel in every lesson. In Keller’s eyes, this refers to the narrative of God’s grand plan and love to save mankind through Jesus. The two reasons that he gives for this are: only then can we show how the Bible fits together, and this reminds everyone that Christianity is not a moralistic religion where we can earn our way to heaven with our deeds. Expanding on this, he masterfully offers practical examples of how we can preach Christ from different genres, themes, major figures, and deliverance storylines. 

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The second section teaches the reader how to preach to different cultures, our minds (with a focus on the late modern mind), and our hearts. He offers six methods to bridge the divide between cultures: using accessible vocabulary; employing respected authorities; understanding doubts and objections; affirming in order to challenge cultural narratives; pushing a culture’s pressure points; and highlighting Gospel motivation for life change. 

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Keller’s observations about the modern mind are nothing short of fascinating. They give a reader more food for thought on how to craft words and illustrations to reach our intellect. As for touching the heart, he offers several ways – affectionately, imaginatively (through illustrations), wondrously, memorably, Christo-centrically, and practically.

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In the last section Keller does not mince words. He argues that the most important message that one can preach is not through the pulpit but through lives. The spoken message must be believed and lived out for it to be effective and life-changing.

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Keller is very clear on the intended audience of the book. It is to help frame conversations. In broadening his reach to Level 2 conversations, Keller challenges the mindset that preaching is limited to the pulpit or those who are gifted oratorically. Having said that, the title of the book leaves little to imagination; without spending time on the introductory pages, one may easily dismiss the book as one for preachers alone. Could a better title have been chosen?   

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The structure of the book makes it clear that the Gospel of Jesus must lie at the core of the Christian message. Rightly so. Keller dedicates a significant portion of the book to this theme in the first section, ‘Serving the Word’. Though repetitive at times, this section drives home the importance of preaching Christ to all audiences, regardless whether doing so is considered offensive or not. 

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The language used in the book is simple and easy to follow. The sentences flow smoothly across points to paint a vivid picture of the message. A reader quickly gets the sense of urgency and passion behind Keller’s words. These are not just mere facts he is passing on, but facts believed and practised. However, although many practical examples are given on how to preach certain points, or how to reach certain groups of people, I still find that the book lacks personal examples of what Keller has actually done throughout his ministry. Such examples could have added more strength to his points. 

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A reader may find the Appendix the most helpful part of the book. Here, Keller gives a practical step-by-step guide on how to prepare an expository message. He suggests a four-step process: discern the goal of the text, choose a main theme, develop an outline, and flesh out each point. On the other hand, putting this guide in the Appendix seems to be an injustice given the amount of good advice that Keller offers in this book.