Wednesday, July 19, 2006, 02:18 PM
There are some who strongly object to a preacher using anything that might persuade or convince unless it is the cold logic of a syllogism. Some make exception for the quoting of the Bible as an authoritative text, but they consider a heart-moving story as manipulation. They fear the preacher has sold out to the hucksters of Madison Avenue's "hidden persuaders."
Is there a distinction to be made between shameful manipulation and acceptable persuasion? If so, where do you draw the line? It is a fact of twenty-first century life that western civilization is no longer moved by logical arguments. Instead we make life-shaping decisions based on emotional appeal.
It has become a cliche to critique the pastor's sermon illustrations as "tear-jerking stories." Is it OK for a speaker to move the listener to laughter but not to tears? Tell me where you draw the line. abt
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Wednesday, July 5, 2006, 05:25 PM
“Why is there so much narrative in the Bible and so little in our sermons?” This is the question of Ralph Lewis and his son Gregg Lewis, co-authors of Inductive Preaching: Helping People Listen. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1983, p. 58. Their very helpful book answers the question saying, “Our sermons follow Greek rhetorical patterns rather than Bible models” (p. 64).
At a recent Thursday morning prayer breakfast, a regular date on my calendar, our host asked what book I am working on at the moment. I told him my main focus at present is a book with the working title; The Preacher as Storyteller. Immediately, a couple of friends in the group, made up of about half laymen and half ministers, expressed frank distaste for the whole concept of a preacher as storyteller. They happen to be laymen in the same church where, it seems, they feel their pastor strings together too many anecdotes in his preaching. I reminded them that Jesus as a preacher and teacher was best known for his parables. Jesus was a storyteller.
I would like to hear the thoughts of you who read this blog. Why do most sermons have so little narrative? Should preachers do more storytelling?
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Friday, June 23, 2006, 01:41 PM
Tell me something: why is it that less than one preacher in a hundred ever tries a dramatic monologue?
A dramatic monologue presents the truth of the biblical text from the perspective of an eye witness or a participant. For example, with or without costume, the preacher may play the role of Simon Peter and take the congregation back to some New Testament happening with the I-was-there report of a witness.
This way of preaching the gospel works for several reasons: (1) It is a fresh approach that gets attention and sticks in memory. (2) People are interested in other people and not likely to be bored with this approach if done well and not done too often. (3) Personal testimony is convincing. (4) The Bible lends itself to this kind of drama. (5) It also has the advantage of persuasion by indirection. So why have so few preachers ever tried it? abt
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Wednesday, June 21, 2006, 12:00 AM
There are three personal stories a pastor needs to be ready to tell. The church needs to hear these in your preaching and elsewhere as you lead the flock. First, you need to be able to tell your own conversion experience. Secondly, the church needs to hear the testimony of your on-going spiritual pilgrimage. And third, what is often called "the vision story" is essential for pastors or any spiritual leader. What do you think? [ 8 comments ] ( 26 views ) | [ 0 trackbacks ] | permalink
Monday, June 19, 2006, 05:05 PM
Here is a link to introduce you to my recent book published by Kregel Academic and Professional Division:
http://www.pastorsdesk.org/
A Primer for Pastors: A Handbook for Strengthening Ministry Skills. By Austin B. Tucker. Kregel, 2004.
This is a basic pastoral ministry guide written for the beginning pastor, ministerial student, and bi-vocational pastors who want guidance in how to do the work of a pastor and do it right.
May God bless it to your use for his glory. abt
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