What is the goal of preaching?

I just started reading Communication for a Change by Stanley and Jones and already I like the book. Early on, they pose the contrast between communication for information transfer and communication for life change. Too many sermons are “about” the Bible or “about” some big truth or cause. Too few sermons are designed to motivate specific response.

Andy Stanley

At first, I was thrown off by the “a” before “change” in the title. I would have called the book “Communicating for Change.” But as I start to read the book, I see the value of “a” change. To say “I hope you change” is off-putting and too vague.” To say “Why don’t you share your testimony with 2 people this week” inspires “a” change — which gives power to the message.