Preaching in a Wisdom-Hungry World

Preaching today occurs in a world hungry for wisdom. This is not always obvious, of course, and the hunger goes by many names and disguises. Still, what the Bible understands to be wisdom is sought by people around the globe, in every class and culture, in varied religions and contexts. People long to find their bearings, to be kept from debilitating vulnerability, to be assured they are connected to reality but not cornered by dogma. All this sets the stage for a prime opportunity for wise biblical preaching into a world that is cynical, ironic, skeptical and hungry.

Biography

Mark Labberton was named president of Fuller Theological Seminary as of July 1, 2013, after serving as Lloyd John Ogilvie Associate Professor of Preaching and director of the Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching since 2009. Dr. Labberton has been involved in ministry for over 30 years and has spoken before a broad range of audiences, including numerous conferences and events for the Presbyterian Church (USA), InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, the National Pastors Convention, and the International Justice Mission. He has also worked closely with John Stott Ministries, the U.S. member of Langham Partners International, which provides books, scholarships, and seminars for Majority World pastors. Today he continues to contribute to the mission of the global church as a senior fellow of the International Justice Mission. Labberton has authored the books The Dangerous Act of Loving Your Neighbor: Seeing Others Through the Eyes of Jesus (2010) and The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God’s Call to Justice (2007). He has published articles in periodicals such as Christianity Today and Radix, as well as Leadership Journal, for which he also serves as contributing editor.