Historical contexts of preaching
Christian communities (focused on those gathered; reinforcing identity)
the established church formally addressing the state and wider populace (self-confident; large audience; seen as the voice of the establishment)
away from church-buildings (sometimes spontaneous; out-of-doors; still church-supported).
Contemporary contexts of preaching
shared worship (glorifying God, enabling worship, connects praise and scripture with the world for which we pray; linking the past of scripture with the present of parochial life and a future of beatific vision)
culture (preaching must stand out, not as a relic, but to transform; can counter modern controversialism; counter to electronic communication; wisdom rather than knowledge; language free from commercial hype)
theology (academic theology replaced preaching as crucible; congregations now read books and see the internet)
pastoral care (preachers' attitudes are part of the sermon).
Structures (location 4809)
expository (bible-commentary (not a structure any more than the next two are))
deductive (begins with proposition from which conclusions are drawn)
inductive (begins with human experience (because modern preachers lack the authority to make propositions))
Buttrick's moves (part-structure, part narrative-style)
Lowry's plots (a genuine structure: problem, analysis thereof, gospel-resolution, implications)
dialogue (black-style feedback; discussion)
unspoken elements (not structure either; should include handouts as well as material on screens).