The use of Narrative in Preaching

“…you are precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you.”

Isaiah 43:4b (ELT)

The use of Narrative in Preaching

• WHY we use it• HOW we use it• Potential PITFALLS to avoid

Why use Narrative in Preaching?

• …because Jesus did!• Scripture contains lots of narrative – over half of the

Bible is narrative in style• We don’t have to answer every question• Application to diversity• Our context is within God’s big story

(creation fall redemption new creation)• It can enter ‘under the radar’

“Story is sneaky. Story has a way of – as C.S Lewis would put it, ‘getting past our watchful dragons’ – and getting into the precious places of the heart without asking for our

permission.”William Paul Young

Why use Narrative in Preaching?

• …because Jesus did!• Scripture contains lots of narrative – over half of the

Bible is narrative in style• We don’t have to answer every question• Application to difference• Our context is within God’s big story

(creation fall redemption new creation)• It can enter ‘under the radar’• The “playground of the Holy Spirit”

How we can use Narrative in Preaching?

• A story which illustrates biblical themes• A story which illuminates an idea • Jokes• Personal experience of God’s work - testimony

How we can use Narrative in Preaching?

• A story which illustrates biblical themes• A story which illuminates an idea • Jokes• Personal experience of God’s work - testimony• Retelling the Bible:

– Using Parables– A narrative ‘stream of consciousness’– Inviting the listener to be ‘in’ the story– Modern day or original context?

Potential pitfalls in using a narrative approach

• Over-use• Not missing a chance to display all the

research and study that you’ve undertaken

• Re-telling, but not in a way that carries a message