Effective First-Person Biblical Preaching: The Steps from Text to Narrative Sermon

by J. Kent Edwards

The Steps from Text to Narrative SermonPresenting biblically centered sermons in a new,creative genrePastors and teachers are always on the lookout for newways to expand the effectiveness of their preaching.Sermons delivered in the first-person point of view canweave the power of story and drama into the biblicalteaching, making familiar—and not-so-familiar—characters and situations come to life. This book helpsstudents and pastors understand how first-personsermons can be preached with biblical integrity. Itextends Haddon Robinson’s “big idea” philosophy ofpreaching to this new genre.J. Kent Edwards takes a practical approach as he walksreaders through the steps needed for creating sermonsthat are faithful to the text and engaging to the listener.Examples and worksheets enable readers to apply thisunique approach to one of their own sermons. The bookincludes a CD-ROM with a video sample of first-personnarrative preaching.

Genres: Theology

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[I · Rating 5 out of 5]

STEPS:
1) Adjust your interpretive paradigm
2) Understand the larger context of the story you want to preach
3) Determine the structure of your story
4) Analyze the characters
5) Discover the setting of the story
6) State the "big idea" of the narrative
7) Double-check your "big idea"
8) Make the application



CHAPTER NOTES:
...my responsibility as a preacher is to communicate the primary message that the original author communicated to his audience (prime directive).

There is not one approach - abracadabra doesn't work!

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever thought about trying to do a first-person message, this is a great resource. Edwards walks readers through a detailed step-by-step process to carefully prepare all the aspects of pulling from Scripture and staying faithful to the text. Obviously, this isn't for everyone, but it's kind of fascinating to consider.

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book worth your time and energy. In a world that watches more movies than hears speeches, this work tells you how to do it, answers your questions and doubts and even offers alternatives for critics.

[Spencer Creech · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid.

If you know herm you know the 1st half of the book. Book doesn’t really get into preaching 1st person until 2nd half.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book. Very helpful when it comes to developing a first-person sermon.

[Bogdan Javgurean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for understanding this new genre. Practical steps for creating a first person sermon, and background understanding of why

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just your typical preaching book. Beyond common-sense understanding of what it takes to execute a good first-person sermon there were a few helpful tips. If you come into this book with a grasp of what makes a good monologue/soliloquy in theater or cinema and/or the use of 1st person literature nothing here will shock you (apart from some of the horror stories).

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talbot Course: Contemporary Biblical Preaching

Edwards is the authority on First Person narrative preaching! This book is very practical and easy to read. The concepts are well-developed.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super interesting.