“Doctrine and joy interpenetrate each other . . . A key ingredient of an effective pastoral ministry is that of serving the congregation a regular diet of doctrine that engages both the mind and the heart,” writes Smith. “As scaffolding helps to form the building under construction, doctrine informs the sermon. The scaffold is retired after the building is completed. Similarly, the real object of doctrine is not the doctrine itself; rather, the doctrine points beyond itself to the person of Christ. Doctrine is like a road sign that points to a destination.”

Preachers and teachers who read Doctrine that Dances will find Smith’s insights freshly compelling and are destined to develop some new moves of their own.

Among the chapters are: Lord of the Dance and the Escort, The Preacher as a Doxological Dancer, The Jazz of Doctrinal Preaching, and Dynamic Dance Step for Biblical Preaching.

Read the Baptist Press feature

Read review at SharperIron.org

Endorsements:

"At a time when so much of the conversation on preaching deals with presentation, Robert Smith has reminded us that effective teaching must also take the theological task seriously. He makes his case so well that his book, Doctrine that Dances, is our PreachingBook of the Year."

--Michael Duduit, Preaching magazine

"Away with dull doctrinal sermons! Using the metaphor of music, the author shows us how to blend cogitation and celebration – mind and heart – in our preaching of Bible doctrine. You can benefit from his wide knowledge and experience in traditional western homiletics as well as African American preaching. We have much to learn from each other, and this book is a valuable contribution to the current conversation."

--Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor (The Moody Church) and teacher (Back to the Bible broadcast)

"Dr. Robert Smith is a wonderful gift to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. When he speaks or writes wise persons will listen. Doctrine that Dances is devoted to magnifying Christ through doctrinal preaching so that we 'see Him in a more glorious, majestic, holy, sovereign, just, faithful and mighty manner than they have ever seen Him before.' Read and rejoice as Robert guides you to accomplish this noble assignment."

--Daniel L. Akin, president, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, NC

"I am presently reading Doctrine that Dances by Robert Smith. After reading the first 16 pages for the third time, I have decided to read the rest of the book. My first thought in the morning is to get back in that book and see if it is possible to write an entire book with the insight, power and life-changing excitement as I found in just the first few pages. Seldom do I read a book that reads me! My emotions get the better of me, my mind is challenged and my heart is hungry to implement these truths into my Sermons."

--Bruce Peltier, pastor