Getting into Character: The Art of First-Person Narrative Preaching

Every pastor desires to communicate in a fresh way, as evidenced by churches' increased use of new media--but can pastors show biblical stories? Pastor, actor, and playwright Stephen Chapin Garner's passion is teaching first-person narrative, in which the pastor takes on the voice of biblical characters. Getting into Character equips pastors to deliver dramatic, skillful sermons--without being an actor. "First-person narrative brings the characters of the Bible to life in ways that can illustrate gospel messages with extraordinary and memorable power," Garner writes. If pastors become too predictable, effectiveness is lost. Garner outlines pros and cons while advocating for stylistic balance. Getting into Character is helpful for pastors and seminary students looking to expand their styles and pastors who want to perfect narrative and storytelling.

Stephen Chapin Garner (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is senior pastor of United Church of Christ in Norwell, Massachusetts. A playwright and actor, he studied theology and drama at Boston University School of Theology and has produced plays in New York and Boston. He also appeared on America at Worship on the Hallmark Channel.