ABSTRACT A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PREACHING OF ASAHEL NETTLETON IN THE SECOND GREAT AWAKENING Terry Allen Leap, II, PhD. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2017 Chairperson: Dr. Timothy K. Beougher This dissertation examines the life and ministry of American revivalist Asahel Nettleton (1783-1844) with special attention given to his preaching. The project is a rhetorical analysis seeking to dissect and understand what made Nettleton’s preaching so effective during the Second Great Awakening and analyzing whether his rhetoric in preaching was consistent with his stated theological system. Chapter 1 introduces the project by pointing out rising tensions created by the resurgence of Calvinistic theology in American churches in recent years, especially among Southern Baptists. Nettleton, a Calvinist, is presented as a model of a preacher who was evangelistically passionate and theologically consistent. Chapter 2 gives an overview of Nettleton’s life and ministry. Special attention is given to his revivals in New England between 1812-1822 and theological controversies in which he was engaged throughout his career, particularly his conflict with Charles Finney over the “new measures.” Chapter 3 establishes Nettleton’s theological system. With emphasis given to his own preaching and notes, his theological system is ascertained in key areas and placed within the broader theological context of his times. Chapter 4 begins with a preliminary discussion of the role of classical rhetoric in Christian homiletics. From there, a detailed analysis of Nettleton’s preaching is performed, using Aristotelian categories and the traditional canons of invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. Conclusions are drawn that show a consistent relationship between Nettleton’s theological Calvinism and his passionate preaching. Also, conclusions are drawn concerning what made Nettleton’s preaching successful, with attention given to the elements of arrangement and style in his sermons. Chapter 5 begins with a necessary critique of Nettleton’s ministry and methods. Implications for contemporary ministry follow with an emphasis on improving contemporary evangelistic preaching and challenging contemporary preachers to consider the cautious use of classical rhetoric as a tool to help become more effective and precise preachers. The chapter ends with personal reflections and suggestions for future studies.

Current statistics for the evangelical church in North America are less than encouraging. Trends suggest that 95 percent of North American churches have about 100 people in attendance, 80 percent are on a plateau or in decline and thousands die every year. Under similar circumstances, as a central figure in the Second Great Awakening, Asahel Nettleton (1783-1844) developed a reputation as one skilled in church revitalization. The purpose of this research, as described in chapter 1, is to analyze and present Asahel Nettleton as a significant template for modern church revitalization, the primary thesis arguing that this obscure evangelist presents an effective model of renovation for the declining evangelical church. Chapter 2 offers a brief overview of the moral and church declension that gripped America prior to the Second Great Awakening, as well as providing the framework for Nettleton's unique strategy of church revitalization. Chapter 3 of this research project analyzes Asahel Nettleton's theology. The analysis of his theological convictions is examined in light of the stream of Reformed and Puritan theology that ran through Jonathan Edwards, perhaps the most significant influence on Nettleton. A thorough examination of how Nettleton's theology shaped his methodology is provided in chapter 4, including his understanding of the Ministry of the Word, the use of inquiry meetings, frequent visitation, and prayer meetings to promote revival. Using Asahel Nettleton as an historical template, chapter 5 draws practical implications for today's church, in order to develop modern paradigms for church revitalization.