Narrative Preaching: Theory and Praxis of a New Way of Preaching

Abstract

Introduction:

Perhaps the title is misleading. It may create the impression that narrative preaching is a never-before-discovered new method of communicating the gospel of salvation. Of course, stories have been used in sermons for a very long time. Narrative preaching as an art form is in itself a much-discussed and -published theme in the field of homiletics. Yet, in many ways, it is new. Compared to other forms of preaching such as expository preaching, thematic preaching and the homily, the narrative sermon is less used. As such, it does represent a new way of preaching for
many. Furthermore, it is also new because it is only now receiving the  attention it deserves in the South African context, and particularly in the
Dutch Reformed Church. While narrative preaching has been acknowledged in academic circles for some time, a handful of preachers have only recently become aware of the many possibilities of this form of preaching.
The author is one example. He has been a minister for over thirty years,
and although he used stories as illustrations, he never once preached a narrative sermon (per definition). From an academic point of view, he had read about the narrative, but only when he was asked to give a seminar on narrative preaching did serious research follow. This research had two important consequences. First, it led to the preparation of a scientific article, then it got “out of hand” and ended up as a book. Secondly, the research forced the author to prepare and deliver narrative sermons in order to test the basic theory in practice. This adventure brought new dimensions to the author’s repertoire and method of preaching. It is hoped that the reader will be inspired to become aware of the possibilities
presented by narrative sermons, and that the book will also make the reader aware of the fact that narrative preaching is a difficult art form. Much dedication and practice will make narrative sermons strikingly effective. Last, but not least, it is hoped that the book will assist preachers in their discovery of how to preach narrative sermons.
May God bless your preaching ministry!

Johan Janse van Rensburg
Faculty of Theology
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein