Good preaching informs, but great preaching transforms. Dr. Rob O’Lynn shares his research about how preachers can utilize transformative learning theory in helping their congregations to grow spiritually. Carefully crafted applications help the sermon move from the head to the heart, and ultimately to the hands of the listeners who live into the new possibilities which the Word imagines.
Conversation Highlights
- Transformative Learning Theory: how it works, and how preachers and teachers can use it
- Making the move from head to heart to hands.
- The important differences between illustrations, object lessons, and true applications of the Biblical text
- Applications are most useful when they are easy to explain, reasonable to implement, arranged in accessible steps, and containing measurable goals
- Preachers re-imagining their role as one of a spiritual director, planning a spiritual curriculum with specific desired outcomes
Click here for the audio only podcast.
Recommended Resources
- Scott Gibson, Preaching With A Plan: Sermon Strategies for Growing Mature Believers
- Melick and Melick, Teaching That Transforms
- “Tilling the Soil: Cultivating Discipleship through Well-Crafted Preaching” Rob’s presentation at the 2019 National Preaching Summit
Click here for the accompanying handout - Rob O’Lynn “Crafting Sermons Applications that Stick,” PreachingToday.com (April 2019)
- “Ketchup Packets and Twinkies: Crafting Applications That Connect.” Rob’s presentation at the 2016 National Preaching Summit.
- Rob O’Lynn “Developing a Transformative Theology for Preaching,” International Journal of Homiletics 3 (2018)
About Dr. Rob O’Lynn
Dr. Rob O’Lynn is an Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Kentucky Christian University. Additionally, he teaches some courses at Johnson University and at Fuller Theological Seminary. Since 2014, Rob has been preaching for the Beech Street Christian Church in Kentucky.
He has also served congregations in Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia and Kentucky, and worked as a chaplain at Cabell Huntington Hospital. He and his wife Rachel have two children.
Rob holds degrees from Harding University (B.A.), Austin Graduate School of Theology (M.A.), Lubbock Christian University (M.Div.), and the Harding School of Theology (D.Min.).