Preaching Tips

Art can help people connect not only with God but with their inner spirit and their emotions. Don’t hesitate to use art not only in your sermons but in your worship and Bible Studies. Art also trains people to think in metaphor, to discover and identity metaphors, and to think…

During the Christmas season, especially as we approach Christmas Eve, sometimes, we so abhor the commercialism of the season that we negate anything that “glitters” for the season in our churches.  However, not everything that glitters is bad. Sometimes, a little bit of glitter can call attention to the Christmas…

Advent always feels hard. You have to bring new flavor to the same stories you tell each year. So, add a little sparkle by using metaphors tangibly. Let people experience your sermons using all of the senses. Create real life experiences of each person’s dilemmas and thoughts. Use color and…

Using “light” as a metaphor during advent can help people connect with the coming Christ. Use candle lightings in worship. Light extra candles. Connect twinkling lights or a star in the sanctuary. Or talk about light in terms of stained glass or other art, such as photography. Use light to…

In the season of Advent, the challenge for pastors is to make new what we celebrate each year. This year, look around you to find interesting metaphors that you can use to add a fresh look at advent. Try metaphors such as the wreath, red berries, flame of the candle,…

Searching for new ideas for the holidays? Try looking around you! Look for metaphors that may be right before your eyes. Cornucopia, Fruit, Garden, Harvest, Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Table, Family, and many more. Explore some of these metaphors through scripture. You’ll be sure to find many hidden gems that may…

Why are metaphors so important? They undergird every way you see the world. You may not recognize your metaphors, but all of us live by metaphors that inform what we think and feel. If you want to change your life, you need to first change your metaphors.  

Water is one of the key metaphors of scripture and signals “crossings over” or transitions from one place to another (not just physically but spiritually). Whenever you see water, pay attention. Something important is happening in the story.

The scriptures are filled with signs. Many of them have underlying metaphors that will help you to illuminate them. Try making art of biblical signs and display them. Or use art or stained glass that you already have and point out the signs and how they point to Jesus’ as…

Tell the old stories of All Hallows Eve to re-sanctify this holiday, which originally had a unique Christian flavor. Help people understand the power of repentance and prayer in order to prepare for All Saints Day. All Hallows Eve can be a powerful reminder of why we need God in…