When Prophets Preach

Jay Augustine's newest book, When Prophets Preach, makes clear the power that can come from the pulpit, as preaching--effective, inspired preaching--brings heaven's voice to the very real hurts and injustices of this world. --The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and author of The Power of Love

When Prophets Preach clearly identifies the challenge of prophetic preaching that is both divinely inspired and socially determined. Using Jesus as a model for the prophetic preacher, Jay Augustine makes the case that the traditional salvific message of the gospel is not in competition with the message of social justice/prophetic preaching. Rather, he establishes the necessity for prophetic preaching in an era in American culture that is rife with injustice, inequality, and the dangerous rise of an evangelical liberalism that supports, rather than condemns, these kinds of inequities. This book is a must-read for anyone who dares enter the pulpit. It challenges all proclaimers of the gospel to be relevant in their preaching about the ways in which the real lives of people are being impacted by today's social ills and the message of hope that comes through the Christian faith. --Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Ecumenical Bishop and Program Development Officer, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Unpacking the alchemy of gospel proclamation and social transformation, Jay Augustine offers a field guide for aspiring prophets. A historic and biblical survey with urgent summons and a toolbox for reconciliation and repair, When Prophets Preach is essential reading for clergy and congregations seeking to grow their courage and translate ideals of justice into action. --Rev. Dr. Katie Crowe, senior pastor, Trinity Avenue Presbyterian Church

In When Prophets Preach, Jay Augustine makes an overwhelmingly convincing case for political witness and social-justice action in the ministry of the churches, such that if one reads it thoroughly, one is likely to suspect cowardice if the prophetic dimension finds no place in preaching and general pastoral leadership. Hopefully, digesting the spirit of this work will lead clergy and laity alike to pray earnestly for the courage to bear witness to the truth and justice God demands of us all. --James A Forbes, senior minister emeritus, The Riverside Church, New York

Jay Augustine proves again that he is an incisive and insightful practitioner of the Black prophetic tradition. When Prophets Preach helps the reader to clearly distinguish the difference between the liberation theology of the Black church and the dangerous ideology of white Christian nationalism. Using his bivocational voice as a legal scholar and theologian, Augustine helps us follow the path of the proclamation of the good news from a contested tradition toward reclaiming a crucial trajectory in the fight for justice, equality, and democracy. This book breathes new life into the homiletic task, activating a vital method for engaging contemporary Christians in the good fight of faith toward realizing a reconciled, restored, and redeemed Beloved Community. --Lester A. McCorn, president, Clinton College

The Reverend Attorney Jay Augustine demonstrates once again what a great asset he is to the body of Christ. In this volume he not only gives the reader a historical sketch of the benefits of what prophetic preaching has meant to the Black church and, more importantly, to the Black community, but he also challenges the present-day preacher to reclaim their position as the Lord's instrument for liberation and empowerment through prophetic preaching and leadership. This is a must-read! --John R. Bryant, senior bishop (ret.), African Methodist Episcopal Church