I read for the fun of it, and for my work. Lately I read two books — one is by an acquaintance I have known for years – Sunder Krishnan (The Conquest of Inner Space: Learning the Language of Prayer). The second was a recommendation that has grown on me — David Eckman (Becoming who God intended). Both were for “fun”, and as I found out — ended up impacting my work.
Two totally separate books that have emphasized imagination in preaching. Neither of them are preaching books. One is a book on the Psalms — working on the inner space of our life. The other is what I would call a psychology text — written to deal with who we are and what we should become.
The matter of an approach to preaching was a serendipity that came out of both books. Two short snatches emphasize our current (and maybe our eternal) need to picture life. In a day and age when visual has overtaken written/abstract text, the need to use visual images in our preaching is paramount.
I’ve been trying to consciously work on imagination in my preaching. I’ve actually gotten constructive feedback (which is better than what most of us preachers get – no feedback!). I’m looking for good models in the area of visual/imaginative preaching world. Know of any? Let me know!
I have a suit of armor that would be a great visual if your ever preaching on the armor of God…and your welcome to borrow it!