Preaching and Narrative

During the last 30 years there has been a growing interest in 'narrative preaching'. This interest, most noticeable in north America, has arisen out of the interplay of a number of factors. What is true for biblical interpretation in general has some clear implications for preachers as well. If God has chosen to communicate his word in and through such a variety of literary forms, then at the very least that provides a basis for believing that God's word can be communicated in and through different forms of sermons. The sermon upsets the equilibrium of the hearers by identifying a problem from the human condition. This is explored progressively in the second stage of the sermon. This leads on to the turning point when the good news of the gospel is brought to bear on this problem. Whatever form the sermon may take it can claim to have narrative dimension if it narrates the truth about the character of God.