1. The use of Narrative in Preaching

15. “…you are precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you.” Isaiah 43:4b (ELT)

17. The use of Narrative in Preaching WHY we use it HOW we use it Potential PITFALLS to avoid

18. 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’

19. “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

20. 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”

21. 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

24. 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?

25. 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