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The strength of Michael Quicke’s 360 Degree Preaching is found in his challenge to the traditional preaching arc (see below). The "bridge metaphor" made popular by John Stott’s "Between Two Worlds" has served preachers and homileticians for some time. Quicke does him one better, extending the arc into a complete circle, not unlike my own integrative model of preaching, described elsewhere on this site. Quicke’s model allows for a more dynamic interplay between God (the communicator) and the listeners. It is a less tidy form of preaching that describes more accurately what actually happens in the preaching event.
The book provides a second metaphor for the process of preaching, "the preaching swim." "The preaching swim" model visualizes swimming down a river. it begins with immersion into a flow at the river’s source. The river gathers strength as it widens and deepens, bringing life and health to people on its banks. Each week as I take my preaching journey, I live in the flowing power of God’s Word to bring it to my hearers in fresh ways (126)."
The first half of the book delivers the theory. The second half the practice. This section is comprehensive, perhaps overly so, offering 5 "stages" and 13 "phases" of preparation. While it is not likely that this method will become a standard, there are many ideas here worth the time and consideration of preachers today.
Excerpt: Preaching is much more than a communication arc of 180 degrees with the Bible and listeners at its two ends and a preacher making a connection. Many sources of power combine to make preaching effective. A model of preaching, therefore, needs to be more open and untidy to accomodate the various factors that empower the preaching event within the grace of the Triune God. ... Preaching flows from God the Father, who addresses us in Scripture and in Christ, through the responses of the preacher and the people, and then back to God in the form of worship, witness and service. It involves movement through 360 degress of eventfulness as God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – speaks through his Word and empowers the preacher and convicts the listeners and transforms the lives of the preacher and the listeners. ... The preaching event involves revealing, preaching, listening, and responsive living. Its dynamic, found in God and driven by God, returns to God as individuals and communities are transformed – all within the grace of the Triune God. Preaching is a God happening. (page 48, 49)