How to Write Narrative Sermons

by Jim L. Wilson

Publisher:

Willow City Press

, 2002

Overview

Learn how to use the power of the story to awaken the imagination of postmodern audiences and teach them the powerful truths of the Bible in a form they can easily follow—that they’ll want to follow. In How to Write Narrative Sermons, Dr. James L. Wilson explains the concept and includes examples and instructions on writing five different types of narrative sermons. It also shows how to design organic worship services to help non-linear, visual thinkers connect with their Creator.

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Key Features

• Explains the concept of narrative sermons
• Assists readers in writing their own sermons
• Includes instructions for five different kinds of narrative sermons

Contents

• Gone Fishing
• Biblical Narratives
• Weaver Sermon
• Punch Line Preaching
• Who Done It? Preaching
• Serial Preaching
• Narrative Services

Top Highlights

“Narrative preaching, as Ed explained it, was restructuring the content of a sermon to follow a plot line that builds suspense until the point of the sermon emerges, relieves the tension and illuminates the truth. Instead of ‘telling them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them,’ narrative preachers guide their listeners through a series of plot movements. It doesn’t change the content of the sermon; it just restructures it.” (Pages 3–4)

“Wouldn’t it be great to see people literally sitting on the edge of their seats waiting for what you are going to say next? That can only happen if there is an element of mystery to the sermon and if they cannot anticipate what you are going to say next.” (Page 7)

“Not only are we not saying anything that a seasoned church member doesn’t already know, but also we are saying it in such a way that they can finish most of our sentences for us. Unfortunately, we’ve become cliché.” (Page 8)

“I find the easiest way to write these sermons is to write each strand independent of the others then cut and paste them together and write the bridge sentences last.” (Page 34)

“Most people tend to overestimate what they can do in a week and underestimate what they can do in a lifetime.” (Page 50)

Product Details

• Title: How to Write Narrative Sermons
• Author: Jim L. Wilson
• Publisher: Willow City Press
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 147

About Jim L. Wilson

Jim L. Wilson started preaching when he was 17 and became a pastor when he was 18. He is the director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and an associate professor of leadership formation at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, where he teaches leadership and preaching seminars to DMin candidates.

Wilson is an award-winning writer with hundreds of pieces in print in 60+ publications, including some published by Christianity Today International, Focus on the Family, and Lifeway Christian Resources. He is author, contributor, or co-author of more than a dozen books, including Future Church and Soul Shaping.