Preaching the Word: The Life, Message, and Method of G. Campbell Morgan

by

Peter A. Verkruyse

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of Master of Arts

Preaching Department

Lincoln Christian Seminary
Lincoln, Illinois
1986

PREFACE

owe thanks to many people for making the completion of this project possible. I must first express my gratitude to and love for my wife and children who have sacrificed time with me so that I might have quality time for research and writing. I must also mention the late Professor John M. Webb who not only modeled for me the high ideals of Christian ministry but who urged me to begin reading the sermons of G. Campbell Morgan. In addition I owe debts to Dr. Wayne Shaw who has fed my desire to become a connoisseur of fine preaching and helped sharpen my rhetorical tools, to Dr. James Strauss who has equipped me to critique ideas, and to the Community Christian Church of Moline, Illinois for graciously permitting me to take time out of a busy ministry to finish this thesis.

TO DEBBY

CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

1. THE SAGA: HIS EARLY YEARS ANO LOCATED MINISTRIES

The Beginnings
Early Education
Early Preaching Experiences
Early Teaching Career
Early Doubt
Early Ministry Experiences
Marriage
Stone
Rugeley
Westminster Road
New Court Chapel
Northfield
Westminster Chapel

2. THE SAGA: THE ITINERATE MINISTRY AND RETURN TO WESTMINSTER

Itinerate Ministry
Tabernacle Presbyterian Church
The Return to Westminster
The Last Days
Summary

3. THE SITUATION: PHILOSOPHICAL AND THEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS.

Introduction
Philosophical Climate
Theological Climate
Morgan's Theological Disposition

4. THE SERMONS: MORGAN'S PREPARATION

Introduction
Preparation of the Preacher
Sermon Preparation
Hermeneutics

5. THE SERMONS: MORGAN'S THEMES

Introduction
Didactic Nature of His Preaching
Use of the Bible
Themes Addressed
Themes Avoided

6. THE SERMONS: MORGAN'S HOMILETICS

Introduction
Homiletical Theory
Sermon Strategies
Support Strategies
Introductions and Conclusions

7. THE SIGNIFICANCE

Introduction
Short Range Significance
Long Range Significance
Lessons to Be Learned

CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PUBLISHED WORKS BY MORGAN

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SOURCES CITED

Copyright © 2009 by Michael Andrews All rights reserved.