Preaching as Poetry

It is tempting for preachers in this digital age of plurality and diversity to offer quick sound bites and PowerPoint-style presentations. These tend to invite a yes or no response, as in mathematical equations. But if we are to reach Christians across the theological spectrumandinvite non-Christians to seriously consider our faith, we must take a different approach. What is needed is greater attention to poetry and images meant to communicate the beauty of the faith and the wonder and mystery of God in everyday life. We must communicate the unity of our message of faith, the divine as truth, and justice and healing as expressions of God. Preaching as poetry (theopoetic preaching) allows for the bold imagery of scripture and the gentle invitation of art. Sermons can no longer always be neatly tied up, perfectly linear, with complete answers to every question. In Preaching as Poetry Paul Scott Wilson teaches why this new approach is necessary today, and demonstrates with multiple examples how it works in real sermons. He skillfully guides the reader to incorporate the classical values of beauty, goodness and truth in every sermon, and in ways that connect with congregants and listeners today.

Glazed eyes. Stifled yawns. Furtive glances to cell phones. From the pulpit, even the best of us have seen the tell-tale signs of boredom in congregants. Especially from those in a generation that is often unfamiliar with the Bible and tradition. Doctrinal language doesn’t cut it anymore. To bring God to a newer, younger audience, we need to combine Scripture with the classical virtues of beauty, goodness, and truth—and turn our fact-filled sermons into the art of poetry.