Preaching has been called "the sweetest torture" of ministry. It's a spiritual event that engulfs both preacher and congregation in worship and dialogue with the Creator. But too often preaching can be more torture than sweet. Hicks portrays the darker side of proclamation but in doing so, "confirms the power of preaching in the tempest of church conflict."
The author writes with empathy as one who knows what it is to attempt to preach when the church is in the storm of conflict. Hicks reviews a parish assignment where he was nearly swept under by a tempest of congregational controversy. He experienced attacks by the church board, accusations of financial mismanagement, and assaults upon the church organization. The storm intensified to such a degree that he received threats to his life.
Hicks continues to confirm and reaffirm that preaching is an instrument used by God in every situation.
