One year after publishing his second book, Social Crisis Preaching: Biblical Proclamation for Troubled Times, Tyshawn Gardner, Samford University's Preministerial Scholars director and professor, was awarded Preaching magazine's Book of the Year.  

"I feel a great sense of gratitude for my family and the publishers at B&H Academic for their support and patience," he said. "I celebrate this honor with so many people. I am very happy and thankful."  

 According to Preaching's website, the magazine has highlighted a variety of recently published books that warrant the attention of preaching ministers." Receiving Preaching's "Book of the Year" means the recipient's book has significantly contributed to the preaching world.  

"This book is about the theology and practice of faithful Christian preaching amidst a divided social and political culture," Gardner said. "Social Crisis Preaching  argues that Christian preaching in troubling times is a viable means to address social, racial and economic crises." 

Gardner served as a pastor for 20 years in a community impacted by decades of unjust economic, educational and social policies.  

"Many in my congregation were affected by these issues on a daily basis," he said. "I have a strong passion for justice and a desire to see every person viewed and treated as an image bearer." 

Gardner wants every person reading this book to understand that "there should be no dichotomy between the spiritual and social aspects of our faith," he said. "Our faith should produce a Christian ethics of fairness, love and equality in a just world, and Christian preachers are responsible for proclaiming that message." 

This is Gardner’s second book. His first, Sacred Anthropology: Prophetic Radicalism for Pulpit and Pew, is a Christian response to the sin of injustice and racism.