Heart to Heart

Over the course of nearly forty-five years of pastoral ministry, Octavius Winslow (1808–1878) effectively demonstrated the practice of applying doctrine to life through his experimental preaching.

In Heart to Heart: Octavius Winslow’s Experimental Preaching, Tanner G. Turley surveys Winslow’s life and ministry and demonstrates how a strong theology of preaching provided the foundation for his preaching methodology. Turley highlights the doctrinal precision and Christological focus of Winslow’s preaching, revealing an aim at holistic change in hearers through the use of application, discrimination, inquiry, illustration, exhortation, and persuasion. By introducing us to this influential preacher of the past, this study shows the significance of Winslow’s homiletic for the church of today.

Endorsements 

“Octavius Winslow was a faithful and well-respected pastor and preacher for almost forty-five years during the nineteenth century. His sermons are a treasure trove of biblical, theological, and practical truth. Sadly, he has almost been lost to our generation. However, Tanner Turley has set out to rectify this situation and, in my judgment, has succeeded with flying colors.  The life, ministry, and preaching of this faithful servant of Christ are worth remembering. This fine work will make that possible.”
—Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Turley's work brings Octavius Winslow’s life and scholarship into focus like never before.  You will be challenged to find a better book this year that will make you a better pastor and preacher!”
—Greg Heisler, author of Spirit-Led Preaching and pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Boone, NC

Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction

1. Octavius Winslow’s Life and Ministry
2. Theology and Method of Preaching
3. Preaching Grounded in Doctrine
4. Preaching Centered in Christ
5. Preaching to the Heart
6. Winslow’s Experimental Homiletic for Today

Appendix 1: Sermon on Psalm 130:3
Appendix 2: Sermon on Galatians 2:20
Appendix 3: Annotated Selected Bibliography of Octavius Winslow’s Works

Bibliography