About A Will to Preach
A Will to Preach was produced by Susie Films and examines Willimon’s perspective and theology. The film touches on several characteristics of his preaching style, including his affinity for storytelling, his use of laughter and his desire to act as a provocateur, emphasizing the radicality of Jesus Christ. The project features archived footage of past sermons delivered by Willimon, as well as interviews with students, colleagues at Duke Divinity School, fellow ministers and his wife, Patsy Willimon.
A Conversation with Will Willimon, which features a February 2021 interview with the influential minister. Shot at Buncombe Street Church in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina, the 30-minute program offers more in-depth discussion with Willimon.
A Will to Preach
The half-hour documentary A WILL TO PREACH offers viewers an unprecedented look at a pastor moving from scripture to sermon. In the program, Reverend Doctor William H. Willimon accepts an invitation from a young clergyman to guest preach at a small Episcopal church in Salisbury, North Carolina. The congregation is planning a weekend discussing racism and Rev. Willimon will deliver the sermon that culminates the weekend. Compounding the challenge of speaking about a sensitive subject, the Episcopal Church's assigned scripture for that Sunday does not appear to offer anything on racism. How will Willimon take the allotted biblical text and connect it to the topic, at a church of a different denomination, in a town he does not know?
Through interviews with family and colleagues, plus intimate camera access to Willimon and his process, A WILL TO PREACH offers a fascinating study of story, homiletics, humor, faith, and ultimately, the art of preaching.
A Conversation with Will Willimon
William Henry Willimon (born May 15, 1946) is an American theologian and bishop in the United Methodist Church. He is currently Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Duke Divinity School. He is former Dean of the Chapel at Duke University and is considered by many as one of America's best-known and most influential preachers. He is one of the most frequently read writers by pastors in mainline Protestantism.His books have sold over a million copies. His 2019 memoir Accidental Preacher was released to wide acclaim, described as "an exceptional example of theology at its best." "A Conversation with Will Willimon" is a February 2021 interview with Rev. Willimon, shot at Buncombe Street Church, in his home town of Greenville, South Carolina.
BIO
An American theologian and bishop in the United Methodist Church, William Willimon is currently professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Duke Divinity School, where he previously served as dean of the school’s chapel for two decades. One of America's best-known, most influential and most frequently read preachers, Willimon has authored approximately 80 books.
