It’s just a few minutes before I’m to speak. I’m preaching for a friend’s congregation where I’ve spoken on a number of occasions. The only element of liturgy left is the Lord’s Supper. Flashing through my mind is every preacher’s nightmare — I’ve already preached this sermon, here. Foraging through cobwebs, I’m trying to recall something, anything that will tell me I’m wrong. Suddenly I remember Dr. White’s response to a story in the sermon. I have preached this here before.
Somehow stories stick . . . and the sermon will be remembered for the story even if not for the message. That being the case, how can the stories (a.k.a., illustrations, metaphors, images) be so textually-driven, that when listeners remember the story, they are drawn back to the text?
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Every preacher knows the chorus: “no one remembers my sermons but I can’t use the same illustration twice.” Our experience is that people tend to remember the images and stories we use to illustrate our “points,” but rarely remember the point itself. Those writing about preaching have argued for the past several years that we should “let the text win” in the dominant thought (big idea, point) and structure — at least then people can come back to something of substance, even when they don’t remember our sermon per se.
I’m suggesting that if the very images, metaphors and illustrations we use are driven by the text, what people remember will draw them closer to that substantive message than if they simply remember our stories. Nothing benefits the listener more that having their hearts and minds anchored in a Biblical text.
Every preacher knows the challenge of finding the right image or illustration. Most have made friends with 10,000 Illustrations for Every Occasion (at least us old guys) or preaching.com or preachingtoday.com (this list is nearly endless). But is there a better way? At least a way that makes those tools as potent as possible?
I’m suggesting there is. I’m suggesting that inherent in our study of the text (the exegetical process itself) there are clues to effective images and illustrations that will anchor the text (and not merely the story) in the hearts and memories of our listeners.
I envision a series of concentric circles (inner most — the text/explanation; then, reflections on words, grammar, background, etc.; followed by stories/illustrations stimulated by the text; concluding with the material found in secondary sources related to the text) showing a progression of effectiveness — the closer to the middle (the text) the greater the effectiveness of the material.
The practice of creative reflection and observation (as well as the sleuth’s determination) will provide a wealth of useful material for every sermon. Thus our study will not only assure us (as much as can be expected) of accuracy in interpretation/application, but also adequate and effective supporting material to help that truth be seen, felt and grasped.