Frymire takes an unlikely guide—Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland—and puts it to remarkably good use. The Ins and Outs of Preaching is a creative, imaginative, and fun exploration of how sermons begin and end—those critical moments that shape whether listeners are drawn in or left behind. Preachers at every stage of formation will find here both fresh perspectives and wise counsel.

Joel B. Green,Senior Professor of New Testament Interpretation;Fuller Theological Seminary

The Ins and Outs of Preaching equips preachers to craft transformational sermons that begin and end by creatively drawing listeners into another world, leading them to an increasing awareness of a very different place where Spirit wonders exist by releasing fresh possibilities of biblical relevance and effectiveness not imagined before.

Barry L. Callen, Dean Emeritus, Anderson University School of Theology

Drawing on his lifelong commitment to narrative preaching and Lewis Carroll’s classic fable, Jeff Frymire shows how sustained reflection on sermon introductions and conclusions leads preachers into the wonderland of proclamation’s deepest questions. With characteristic imagination and pragmatism, Frymire helps readers reflect on preaching’s deepest aims, never losing sight of the God who speaks our beginnings and holds our ends.

Jerusha Matsen Neal, Associate Professor of Homiletics, Duke Divinity School

Overall, introductions and conclusions have not fared well in homiletics instruction. Often remanded to a single chapter, the instruction offered focuses on what not to do with little thought about how to actually engage our preaching participants. And yet, they are more than bookends to the sermon, as the introduction sets the stage for the entire sermon and the conclusion provides the sending word. Frymire delivers a much-needed missing piece of the homiletics library that is as instructive as it is fun to read. His exploration of introductions and conclusions is more than telling good stories; it is about creatively announcing the hope of the gospel! The King of Hearts advised Alice to “begin at the beginning, and go on till you come to the end: then stop.” With Frymire’s guidance, this also describes a sermon that God can use to powerfully transform lives.

Rob O’Lynn, Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Bible Programs, Kentucky Christian University

Dr. Jeff Frymire invites us to examine the sermon bookends that hold the message together. The thoughtful attention and insightful questions prompted by each chapter will help improve your focus on introductions and conclusions in ways that most homiletics classes and texts only address in passing. Thanks for giving us these ins and outs.

Carron Odokara, Regional Pastor, Western Pennsylvania Ministries of the Church of God

“Once upon a time...” and “...they lived happily ever after” are some of the most memorable words ever written. Dr. Jeff Frymire helps preachers understand them better and put them into practice in, of all places, their Sunday sermons—catching the ear, opening the heart, and summoning people to response. The power of introductions and conclusions will never be missed again thanks to this book. Read it, preachers, and put it into practice!

Steve Rennick, Colorado State Pastor, Church of God Reformation Movement

In his distinct voice, Dr. Jeff Frymire nurtures creativity and imagination in the homiletical process and preaching moment through engagement with Alice in Wonderland. In his writing, Frymire does what he encourages preachers to do—be creative and paint the glory of the gospel with words. This book may be focused on the “ins and outs of preaching” but underneath, in between, and through its words, readers will sense and rediscover the joy and delight of preaching the Word.

Luke A. Powery, Dean of Chapel, Professor of Homiletics and African and African American Studies, Duke Divinity School