Although the title of [Schade's] book focuses on preaching in the purple zone—implying that the focus would be on getting beyond partisan politics—the real center of her work is examining a more dialogical approach to preaching itself. . . . She introduces a sermon-dialogue-sermon method, providing case studies, model sermons, and even an appendix of resources to announce and support the deliberative dialogue she proposes. . . . Schade has given us a clear path toward loving more and hating less, not by avoiding life in the purple zone but by directly engaging it.

Christian Century

'Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide' would be a pretty good playbook for Democratic candidates and eco-Republicans trying to win hearts and votes. [Leah D. Schade] heard all the arguments against climate change and uses Bible verses, strategy and anecdotes honed by her love of camping and hiking (and a family that loved hunting) in an attempt to change the opinions denialists and skeptics.

Albany Times Union

The book primarily targets pastors, other church leadership, and homileticians. Both its thorough research and its guide to the sermon-dialogue-sermon model make it useful for congregational leaders, but also for training seminary students so that they are more fully prepared for the difficult work of leading purple zone conversations in their future congregations. Schade has also produced a book discussion guide for lay people (see thepurplezone.net under “Resources and Links”). This resource could be particularly helpful in congregations that collectively want to learn as much as they can through the process, and support their pastoral leadership in what is a difficult undertaking. I came to Preaching in the Purple Zone as a long-term church staff member researching how professional Christians can be most fully ourselvesin our ministry spaces. I was curious whether this book would shed light on how to prioritize pastoral care and prophetic preaching to congregants across the red-blue divide, while still acknowledging our own perspectives on hot button topics. What I discovered was light and more. I found a plausible means for my colleagues and I to foster empathy and vulnerability among congregants (and ourselves), perhaps even “a way for healing to take place where there has been damage and pain” [p37].

Journal of Lutheran Ethics

Preaching in the Purple Zone is an excellent work designed to engage clergy and congregations in conversations to address controversial justice issues from a biblical perspective versus a political or cultural viewpoint. Considering the current political and cultural tensions in our nation, this text is timely for pastors and homileticians searching for a prophetic and practical preaching methodology that hopes to transform the congregation, community, and culture through Jesus Christ.

Journal Of The Evangelical Homiletics Society

This volume is a resource for helping the church understand the challenges facing parish pastors, while encouraging and equipping preachers to address the vital justice issues of our time. It provides practical instruction for navigating the hazards of prophetic preaching with tested strategies and prudent tactics grounded in biblical and theological foundations. . . This book equips clergy to help their congregations respectfully engage in deliberation about “hot topics,” find the values that bind them together, and respond faithfully to God’s Word.

Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology

This book is one of the most helpful resources to teach and learn how preachers give prophetic voices to controversial justice issues in the midst of socially and politically divided times. Based on her rich experience of preaching ministry, rigorous scholarly and scientific research, and pastoral sensibility, Dr. Schade provides the reader with practical wisdom for prophetic preaching.

Eunjoo Mary Kim, Vanderbilt Divinity School