Using Illustrations to Preach with Power

by Bryan Chapell

If the apostle Paul had not punctuated his words with images of the armor of God or the racecourse, would we so easily remember his instruction? The march on Washington might have become nothing more than a ragged hike across a majestic mall if Martin Luther King, Jr. had not led us through a "dream" and onto a "mountaintop."

Such is the power of illustrations. They contain a hidden dynamic of living that captures our attention and furthers our understanding in a way that no other sermonic tool can match. Can they be overused and their purpose abused? Yes—and by many they are. But to eliminate them completely would be unwise, maintains Bryan Chapell.

Instead, he responds to those concerns by reviewing the theory behind illustrations, sharing why they're important, and demonstrating how you can use them effectively in your biblical preaching. This book clearly affirms that illustrations are integral to powerful preaching—not because they entertain but because they expand and deepen applications in the lives of your listeners. They infuse your words with life without comprising the message, making the truth of the Word ring clearly in people's hearts long after your sermon is done.

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Bryan Chapell is the president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, the denominational seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America. He began teaching at Covenant in 1984 after ten years in pastoral ministry. Chapell has a BSJ from Northwestern University, an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary, and a PhD in speech communication from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Before becoming president in 1994, he served for six years as vice president for academics and dean of faculty. He is a speaker in churches and conferences around the country, preaching and lecturing on topics including grace, marriage, and journalism. Chapell's online broadcast ministry, Living Christ 360, contains additional resources in his areas of expertise.

Reviews

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal guide to using illustrations. This is an absolute "must read" for anyone teaching or preaching the Word of God at any frequency. It is very easy to misunderstand the need for illustrations, and to misuse them, and in doing so actually distract from God's Word.

Chapell does an excellent job showing the Biblical basis for illustration and the proper usage of it in order to accomplish the goal of preaching, to bring "understanding of the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8) so that lives will be changed by the Word of God.

[Justindean · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A communities stories are the dictionary that define words through experiences everyone recognizes. Thus, shared stories enable persons to think and act in common. "

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bryan Chapell is THE master of sermon illustrations. No one who has heard him preach more than once would dispute that. His exegesis is solid, his application fine, his outlining impeccable--but it is in illustrating Biblical truths that Chapell really shines. In this book, he shares his secrets.

The first nearly one-half of this book, however, is a giant rabbit trail. Chapell got his PhD in communication theory, and he spends a great deal of time addressing theories in education and communication that support the need for illustration in homiletics. But I think for the most part illustrations won this argument a long time ago, but by going so deeply into the weeds, Chapell has probably turned off a lot of readers before getting to the heart of the book: how to develop and use sermon illustrations to their full effect.

It is in this section of the book that Chapell really shines: where in a sermon to put illustrations; how to introduce them; what to include and not include in them; how to conclude them by connecting to the thrust of the sermonic point being made; how to find and keep track of them (using his famous wallet/notecard system); what to be wary of when using them (great advice here); etc. To be honest, every preacher should read this book, or at least chapters 5-9, which I just summarized.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Although I will admit I was already a fan of illustrations before reading this so I am biased. But the author makes a good case for the necessity of illustrating your sermon. With discussion about types and kinds the author made me think of all sorts of illustrations I could use in the future. It was also convicting since I have not collected illustrations like I would have liked and have forgotten more than I remember. But like his final chapter says best time to start was 20 years ago the second best time is today. So I guess I am gonna start recording illustrations
Highly recommended

[Aaron Frasier · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book on the topic of illustrations. However, I went in to it hoping it would give thorough description on how to find and keep illustrations for the future. And there was a short chapter on that. But most of the book is about why illustrations are necessary to preaching and how to craft a powerful illustration. I already feel equipped in those things. I don’t feel much more equipped in how to store good illustrations for the future.

[En Yi WEI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminder to illustrate, illustrate, illustrate

It is an indication of our love for the flock

[Shawn Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapell advocates the use of illustration as a powerful tool within the larger homiletic structure. Illustration can assist the listener by bridging the gap between abstract principle and lived reality. In this manner, it carries the listener toward application showing how the truth actually applies, and convincing the listener the truth can actually be of use in real life. For anyone questioning the value or propriety of illustration in sermons, Chapell makes a strong case.

The book not only advocates the importance of illustration, but also provides valuable insight into how to craft effective illustrations. Using the analogy of a snapshot, Chapell explains how to frame the shot, and then how fill the frame. Though I've been preaching for several years, and though he was my homiletics instructor, there was much of value to me in this section.

The final section deals with further practical issues for using illustrations well. Chapell explores in detail how the preacher's use of illustration (or non-use) will reveal his character to his listeners. He also raises important cautions in the practice of illustration. Finally he provides some guidance for the process of finding and filing illustrations. Most preachers should find some useful ideas in that section.

As a final note I would add that there is an appendix included, which explores the limits of Narrative Preaching. I found it to be interesting and helpful. This essay provides a solid orientation to the underlying assumptions of Narrative Preaching. Chapell then argues those assumptions inadequately appropriate the imago dei and the work of the Spirit in our understanding of the text. He advocates the importance of wedding propositions and narrative in the overall approach to preaching.

I would, in summary, recommend this book to anyone wanting to better appreciate the value of illustration, and to anyone wanting to strengthen their craft when it comes to illustrations.

[Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations are HUGELY important to teaching. They are also hugely important to Bryan Chapell. I think this book is well written, though I also did not feel like it changed very much of the way I illustrate in teaching.

[Scott Korljan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly helpful book. Recommend for all preachers

[James Tetley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful book. Tad too theoretical, but some good insights on the purpose and path of using illustrations.

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hoping to liven up my teaching...