Book Review “Called to Preach” by Steven J. Lawson
As a practice, I tend to avoid living authors. There are plenty of dead ones whose publications live on, and which have been tested by times and generations of scrutiny. One subject in my reading regimen still has the living, and this is because the subject is my favorite. I love to read about preachers and preaching.
Every generation has its notable preachers and many of them have written books on the subject of preaching. When I found myself perusing the selection at a North Idaho Christian bookstore, there it was in front of me. The book I had been waiting for, from my favorite living preacher, Steven J. Lawson, was exactly what I imagined he would someday write for those who appreciate his preaching prowess.
Admittedly, there is not much new on the subject of preaching despite some attempts to invent new angles. Today’s authors on the subject of Christian preaching can only re-emphasize what is truly important from authors of days gone by. Dr. Lawson has done that very well.
Called to Preach: Fulfilling the High Calling of Expository Preaching (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2022, [203 pages]) is an easy-access approach to the subject. Lawson has covered the topic of preaching and preachers in a concise manner. This makes Called to Preach an excellent choice for those who wish to explore their possible call to be a preacher of God’s Word. Lawson opens his work with this exploration and proceeds to follow the called man of God through the preaching process. Each chapter considers the man who will preach and then explains what is required of him, personally and practically, in a number of essential categories.
Every preacher knows what Lawson is explaining, but the author’s emphasis is to push the preacher to a higher level of excellence in every aspect of the heralding process. In this, Lawson has summoned the support of C.H. Spurgeon, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, John Calvin, R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, Jr. — in other words, the Reformers, the Puritans, and the Evangelical crème de la crème. One need look no further for the best preachers than the author’s choices quoted therein. It is a “Who’s Who” of preachers.
Even more important than the famous preachers of “Reformed” “Evangelicalism” is Lawson’s exposition of biblical examples to make his case for expository preaching. A good preacher is first a Bible preacher. There is no substitute. Highlighting the men of God who believe this fact is why Lawson himself has appeal among so many Evangelicals, today. Finding the case for expository preaching in the biblical text is what Lawson and some his quotable fellows have done. Lawson’s case does not end with theory. Expository preaching must be practiced.
Having read hundreds of books on preaching, I appreciate the cordial the author has distilled down for us. Called to Preach is recommended reading for men who are exploring their call to preach and for preachers who need to be reminded of the essentials and reinforced in their calling. Challenges await the called and abound for those who have faithfully taken up this mantle. Lawson does not hide the path of suffering for the true preacher on the narrow way. The author speaks and writes from personal experience and historical observation.
A critique and warning to the reader of this book is warranted. Steven J. Lawson is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Dispensational), a later student of R.C. Sproul at Reformed Theological Seminary (Reformed), and teaches preaching at Master’s Seminary in Southern California (John MacArthur, Jr.). These are all blessings yet carry a curse. Those familiar with the theological positions in his background will not be surprised to find a mixture of doctrine and practice in his writing. Lawson has a high view of God and doctrinally leans toward a Reformed Baptist position, but what is troubling is his man-centered emphasis when it comes to practice. If actions speak louder than words, then one should be wary. In other words, it does not appear that Lawson has yet arrived at a comfortable place in his theological development despite moving in the right direction. Vestiges of Arminianism remain.
Godliness is great gain for the preacher, but self-generated self-discipline is the author’s repeated emphasis. Lawson rides the fence between grace and works in the sanctification of the preacher (an Arminian mistake). Lawson’s argument would be enhanced if he consistently saw God’s grace preceding godliness. At points he is right on the mark but then he reverts to loading heavy burdens on the preacher to excel at holiness (grace misunderstood). Balaam’s Ass was made to be a preacher and yet Lawson and many others purport that God can only use a holy vessel to perform the good work of preaching. Moses (the murderer) and the Apostle Paul (the former persecutor) were both hindered in their speech. John the Baptist was not a denomination man. Timothy was fearful. If preaching and preachers are foolishness to those who hear and listen, then not many are so articulate, not many so polished, and none so well-dressed as Lawson.
Preachers are born, not made. Those who are born to preach must preach, or they share in the Apostle Paul’s sentiment, “Woe to me if I do not preach (1 Corinthians 9:16)!” In this gracious labor of love, the preacher naturally boasts in the Spirit of Christ with his testimony. The preacher knows that it is only by the grace of God that he is called to preach, must preach, and is afforded opportunities to preach according to the will of God.
Resisting the allure of self-development and remembering to emphasize the work of the Spirit and the grace of God in every aspect of the preacher and his work of preaching, the reader will benefit by having this book in his hands. As noted, here is a readable, informed, well-constructed (concise yet comprehensive) introduction to the preacher and preaching. One is also refreshed in reading it as a continuing education course in performing the preacher’s high calling of proclamation. Therefore, if you are looking for a book to gift to some select young men in your local church — especially your pastor — then Called to Preach is an excellent choice, as a valuable addition to any preacher’s library.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
February 24, 2022
