Should a preacher seek to be creative? How might such an attempt go wrong? Ed, Dave, and Jeremy revel in the creativity of the Bible and what it has to teach us about our own use of creativity with words.

Topics Discussed

[00:02:00] Art vs. Artifice: A discussion on how creativity can be a helpful tool—or a dangerous distraction—in the pulpit.

[00:05:00] Creativity Without Compromise: Clarifying that biblical fidelity and artistic expression are not mutually exclusive.

[00:07:00] Examples of Creativity in the Bible: Exploring how Scripture models creative expression—satire in Isaiah, poetic imagery in Psalms, and metaphors in Paul.

[00:13:00] When Creativity Goes Off the Rail:  How cleverness can overshadow clarity, and when the messenger becomes more prominent than the message.

[00:16:30] Creativity that Glorifies God, Not the Preacher: Reflecting on artistic choices that enhance worship rather than draw attention to self.

[00:19:00] Personality, Preaching Style, and Staying True to Yourself: Why creativity must be expressed through your own voice and not someone else’s style.

[00:21:00] Growing in Creativity: Practical ways to develop as a creative preacher: transitions, storytelling, observation, and learning from other arts.

[00:27:00] Final Thoughts & Encouragement: A call to be the kind of preacher who captivates, not for applause, but for the glory of God and the good of His people.

Mentioned Resources

John Claude’s Essay on the Composition of a Sermon
Herman Bavinck’s On Preaching and Preachers