In a world saturated with information and divided by polarized rhetoric, preaching can be reduced to the transfer of religious ideas or moral instruction. But faithful preaching is more than delivering truth; it is an act of stirring the imagination of a people who may have forgotten how to see God in themselves and in the world.
Imaginative preaching doesn’t mean making sermons entertaining or creative for creativity’s sake. It means engaging the congregation’s capacity to envision reality as Scripture reveals it — where death is not the end, enemies can be loved and the last are first. In other words, preaching becomes a practice of forming alternative consciousness. To borrow words from Walter Brueggemann, in a podcast interview with Krista Tippett, preaching involves reframing so that we can “re-experience the social realities that are right in front of us, from a different angle.”
To preach this way requires more than exegetical skill; it demands pastoral attentiveness and spiritual courage. It means listening deeply to the community’s stories and struggles — and then proclaiming a word that breaks through despair with holy possibility. This kind of preaching trusts the Spirit to transform rather than just inform.
As disciples’ imaginations are renewed, so too is their capacity for love, justice and hope. They begin to notice the neighbor, welcome the stranger and expect God to show up in unexpected places.
In a time when many congregations feel stuck or weary, preaching to stir the imagination is not a luxury — it is a lifeline. It helps communities see beyond scarcity and survival and toward the kingdom of abundance that Jesus described in parables and lived in flesh. And when our people begin to see differently, they begin to live differently. To God be the glory.
Resources
Prophetic preaching requires awareness of each pastor’s context
In her book, a professor of preaching offers a method of assessing a preacher’s context in order to faithfully address social issues without unnecessarily causing conflict.
Q&A with Leah Schade
Preaching must speak into and transform our understanding of conflict
The Gospel of Mark teaches us how Jesus’ ministry and preaching crossed cultural and religious boundaries, says a preacher and pastor.
By William H. Lamar IV
A Sanctified Art creates worship materials that affirm diversity and expand imagination
A woman-led ministry of theologically trained creatives is offering faith communities around the world a new vision for telling ancient stories.
By Edie Gross
What if preaching were an ongoing conversation?
Rather than a series of “one-offs,” sermons can spark a conversation that fosters communal spiritual continuity in the congregation. Here are seven strategies to do that.
By Elizabeth Felicetti and David J. Schlafer
Before you go
No matter how often you preach, remember that your work matters. It’s hard to keep this in mind when we are inundated with social media posts and constantly evolving headlines. But it’s true. Every time you stand in a pulpit to proclaim the gospel you have the opportunity to participate in God’s work of giving people new ways to see and experience the world. This is a worthy calling. We all know there are many life circumstances that can get in the way of preparing to preach — soccer practice, governance meetings and congregational conflict, just to name a few. Sometimes the fears and anxieties within are more stifling than the external factors.
But in the words of Hebrews, let’s remember this is not the time to “shrink back” (10:39). This is the time to stand boldly and declare the good news of Jesus Christ. The modern imagination is thoroughly shaped by capitalistic and materialistic ideas. I encourage you to offer something different — something better. The words you speak are “for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2). Remember that.
You can always reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince R. Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity