The question this research project explored is: How will my preaching, using the African American style as presented by Frank Thomas in his book, They Like to Never Quit Praisin' God: The Role of Celebration in Preaching, impact my congregation in their ordinary patterns of life? The research data were gathered in the United Church of Canada congregation of Glen Abbey in Oakville, Ontario. The congregation is primarily comprised of white, upper middle class professionals, many of whom have transferred to the denomination, some of whom are reconnecting with their faith in a formal setting, and those who are new to the faith tradition.
The research revealed that Frank Thomas' sermon structure - situation, complication, resolution and Celebration - was effective and made a positive impact in the listener's life. Through the preacher's adaptation of the concept of Celebration, by using a leading question to invite and challenge the congregation at the conclusion of the sermon, the outcome was that the majority of listeners who responded to the questionnaire indicated that the sermon made a difference in their daily lives.
