Preaching and Teaching with Imagination: The Quest for Biblical Ministry

As a trainer of Ministry Students, I have found Wiersbe's Preaching & Teaching with Imagination to be an excellent training tool. The book fits well for those with formal undergraduate studies, as well as those who have completed a higher education. Further, I find this book to be valuable in training those with little or no formal training. The book is practical and useful to those desiring to impact those they are teaching, if they maintain an teachable heart when reading.

I've been reading through this text over the past several weeks. I have been reading chapters of interest only (I do want to complete the book someday, right now, I'm chapter surfing)! Pastor Wiersbe gives suggestions on how to bring messages alive. It does take a little more effort; however, I believe it's worth the extra work. As the title of the book states, it is focused on bringing our messages alive. Alive in Sunday morning Devotion. Alive in the Sunday School lesson. Alive in the preached message in the pulpit. The text will help those who "Preach" as well as "Teach". I used some of his techniques last week at HOOPS4KIDZ in Milwaukee. I had to speak for two sessions, 30 minutes each to boys and girls ranging from ages five to seventeen. I believe the content and presentation (delivery) was well received. Glory To God! Appendix A: Teaches us how to transform messages from a sermon outline, into a message of hope. Pastor Wiersbe says, "Find one of your old sermons, and do these steps summarized in "Appendix A" and see a change!" Too often we find ourselves spoon-feeding our hearers with "Information" and not feeding them "the living Word". This surely is not intentional. We have biblical content, biblical text, biblical interpretation and the leading of the Holy Ghost. We are not trying to entertain anybody; we are attempting to convey life and hope. The main premise of the book is "to make our hearers, see the message with their eyes!" Allow me say this: Preachers & Teachers: This is neither a criticism nor an attempt to suggest you need improvement. Pastor Wiersbe is purely sharing his enthusiasm. God has surely anointed you to preach the Gospel. I highly recommend this book. I highly recommend this book to those who are willing to go that extra mile, to draw others into God's Kingdom!!! Peace Fellow Laborer In Christ Jesus Michael (Youth Minister Volunteer)

I am raving about Dr. Wiersbe's book. It is the best piece of literature I have ever seen on preaching with your imagination. I thought I had no imagination. Now my imagination is stirred. In his book, Wiersbe has put into practice what he has encouraged us to do. Others have already complimented me on my last two sermons. (I am a female teaching Deacon who usually substitute for my pastor when he is away). I have already purchased a copy for my pastor, and have also recommended it to several potential Bible teachers. This book is a God-send. When you begin to read it, you don't want to put it down. There is so much fabulous information that you could read it all day long without getting weary. The insights I have harvested are are valuable indeed. If you need sparkle in preparing/preaching a great sermon or Sunday School lessons, this is one of the most valuable resources you should have on hand.

I cannot tell you how much this book changed my approach to preaching/teaching ministry. Weirsbe begins by explaining the necessity of appealing to the imagination of our listeners to help them to "see" the Gospel. The use of metaphor in preaching and teaching the Bible is a must and Weisbe explains it so well. He uses copious amounts of Scripture to show just how much metaphor is used in the Scripture and makes a clear point that if it is to be communicated you must appreciate the imagery they can produce in the human mind. Amazing book!

Do you avoid using illustrations/stories in preaching for the sake of getting to the point, focusing exclusively on sound doctrine? This book will show you that far from hindering your goal to report the eternal truths of God to His people, metaphorical communication will advance it . The One who gave us the ultimate standard on theology chose to frequently use concrete language = Christ's teaching was 75% illustrative!If learning God's Word is supposed to be dull and painful, we might as well take the alchohol out of the Lord's Supper as well..too late!! ; )- Just look at how He meets our needs in life in other areas ... Psalm 104, Acts 14, Song of Solomon.. why should 'feed My sheep' be any different? As He adorns the lilies of the field and feeds the sparrows, so we should take great care to provide good spiritual food for the soul's of His people ...not mere abstractions, but luscious illustrative sermons.. Enjoyed!! : ) [i'm not a pastor yet, but am attending seminary]I read this book for a sermon prep class, and am now thinking of buying it as a book to look at for future use.