Preaching Parables to Postmoderns (Fortress Resources for Preaching) by Brian C. Stiller

by Brian C. Stiller

Stiller argues that Jesus' parables, through their narrative, personal, and oral dimensions and reversal of expectations, provide unique access to Christianity for those whose experience and hopes we label "postmodern."Aligning contemporary scholarship with today's cultural assumptions, Stiller offers preachers a working knowledge of postmodern sensibilities, an understanding of the parable genre, an analysis of ten parables, and a sample of how one might preach them effectively."However we understand the 'postmodern' era, we are not 'post' the need to pay careful attention to the parables of Jesus. In this excellent study, Brian Stiller provides us with many profound insights about how to apply these stories to the complexities of our contemporary lives. Many congregations will be blessed by preachers and teachers who draw on the wisdom offered in this book!"- Richard J. Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy Fuller Theological Seminary"Brian Stiller welcomes Jesus' parables not as mild moralisms, but risky, brilliant glimpses of God's love and mercy in a world starved for promise. This book is a workshop for preachers, breaking open one parable after another to the truth of God's great surprise in Jesus."- David Tiede, President and Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary"Here is a book on the New Testament parables that is both faithful to the biblical texture of these ancient stories and sensitive to the world in which they must be proclaimed today. A timely gift for preachers and evangelical storytellers everywhere. Thanks, Brian!"- Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University and Executive Editor, Christianity TodayPrefacePostmodernityThe Nature of ChangeThe Premodern and Modern AgesThe Postmodern ExperimentCharacteristics of Postmodernity A Window of Truth for PostmodernsDefinition of ParableRelationship of Jesus' Parables to the Hebrew TraditionThe Purpose of the ParableCharacteristics of the Parables of JesusInterpreting the Parables for PreachingSteps in Developing the Homiletical TextPreaching Parables to a Postmodern AgeA Study of Parables for Sermon PreparationParable The Sower (Matthew 13:1-23)Parable The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)Parable Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)Parable Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)Parable The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)Parable The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:1-13)Parable The Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-14)Parable The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-32)Parable The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8)Parable The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)ConclusionFour SermonsSermon The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)Sermon Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) Sermon The good Samritan (Luke 10:25-37)Sermon The Prodigal Son (Luke 15-11-32)NotesBibliographyIndex

Paperback

First published February 1, 2005

About the author

Brian Stiller was raised in a minister’s home on the prairies. Educated at the University of Toronto (BA in History), Wycliffe College (Master of Religion), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry, DMin).

During the 1960s, Stiller served as director of Montreal Youth for Christ, Toronto YFC, and Canadian president of Youth for Christ.

From 1983 to 1997 his leadership as president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada www.evangelicalfellowship.ca gave him national profile as a voice for people of biblical faith. By way of weekly television, publishing a national magazine, authoring a number of books and public speaking, he helped move the evangelical community into the mainstream of influence and commentary.

Brian served as President of Tyndale University College & Seminary from 1995 to 2009. Tyndale is the oldest standing institution of its kind in Canada, serving some 1200 students. During his presidency they purchased a new campus. He was appointed President Emeritus by Tyndale.

Since July 1, 2011, Stiller has served as Global Ambassador for the World Evangelical Alliance, a global alliance which serves some 600 million evangelical Christians. www.worldevangelicals.org

Stiller is founder of Canada’s national magazine, Faith Today. He hosted a national weekly television program "Cross Currents." He is the author of a number of books including: Praying For The World: An Insider's Guide to Praying for the World, Evangelicals Around the World: A Handbook for the 21st Century (General Editor); Find A Broken Wall: 7 Ancient Principles for 21st Century Leadership; You Never Know What You Have 'Till You Give It Away; Preaching Parables to Postmoderns; Jesus and Caesar: Christians in the Public Square; What Happens When I Die?; When Life Hurts: A Three-Fold Path to Healing; From the Tower of Babel to Parliament Hill.

His life mission comes from the time King David was rebuilding Israel. One group assisting him was described as those “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (I Chronicles 12:32).

Brian and his wife Lily have a son Murray (married to Catherine) and a daughter Muriel (married to Jesse Pascal); and five grandchildren.