Date of Award
2-1-2006
Document Type
Major Applied Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Practical Theology
First Advisor
Glenn Nielsen
Scripture References in this Resource
2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 Corinthians 15:54; Matthew 28:8; Luke 24:9; Mark 16:10, 13; Luke 24:33-35; John 20:18; Romans 5:1; Matthew 28:7; Revelation 1:12; Isaiah 55:10-11; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 3:4-12; John 1:14; John 10:27; Luke 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Abstract
This Major Applied Project seeks to clarify the relationship between a Biblical text of Scripture being "read" or "told" and how that connects to the sermon preached on that text. It is believed that in many worship settings there is often a "disconnect" between the lectionary read (Old Testament, Epistle and Gospel readings) and the sermon text selected from one of those readings. By the time the preacher begins his sermon the hearer has often forgotten the Scripture read earlier. The use of Biblical storytelling can assist the listener in hearing, understanding, remembering and connecting the text of Scripture with the sermon preached.
To evaluate the effective use of Biblical storytelling, surveys were conducted on four Sundays among sample group of congregation members. On each of the four Sundays, the sermon text (selected from the day's lectionary) was "read" in one service and "told" in the other. Participants in the survey groups completed a survey following each of the worship services noting the impact the Scripture read or told had on their hearing, understanding, remembering and connecting that Scripture with the sermon.
The results of the participants supported the theory that when the sermon text is presented as a storytelling rather than a reading there is a stronger remembrance and connection of the Scripture with the sermon. After hearing the sermon text "told" (rather than simply read) the hearer is more aware of that Scripture and familiar with it which in turn benefits his reception of the sermon.
While the use of Biblical storytelling may not be something that a preacher wishes to use every week, it can have a significant effect upon the hearer's ability to connect the text to the sermon.
Recommended Citation
Goff, Dennis J., "Biblical Storytelling and Preaching" (2006). Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project. 227.
https://scholar.csl.edu/dmin/227
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
