Narrative Preaching

Definition and Meaning

Narrative preaching is a method of preaching in which the entire sermon is structured like a single plot. A narrative is an account of events unfolding in sequence, that is, a story. Traditional preaching often explains a topic using a framework of introduction, three points, and conclusion. Narrative preaching, by contrast, begins by raising a problem, builds tension, and moves toward resolution in the gospel. Its aim is to let listeners arrive at understanding for themselves as they follow the sermon, rather than hearing the conclusion in advance. The term does not refer only to sermons that retell biblical stories. A sermon on a passage from the Epistles or the Psalms is also called narrative preaching if it follows a story-like structure.

Biblical and Historical Background

Advocates of narrative preaching point out that much of the Bible is written in narrative form. Examples include the historical narratives of the Old Testament, the scene in which Nathan used a parable to convict David (2 Samuel 12), and the parables that Jesus Christ frequently told.

As a scholarly approach, narrative preaching became established in the late twentieth century together with the New Homiletic movement in American homiletics. In As One Without Authority (1971), Fred Craddock proposed inductive preaching, which does not state the conclusion at the outset. In The Homiletical Plot (1980), Eugene Lowry offered a model that structures the sermon in stages moving through conflict, reversal, and resolution. This model is commonly known as the "Lowry Loop."

Practice in Korean Churches

In Korea, narrative preaching was introduced through practical theology courses in seminaries and through translated books. Today it is treated as one type of sermon, alongside expository preaching, topical preaching, and textual preaching, in homiletics courses at the graduate schools of theology of many denominations. In actual pulpit practice, preachers more often incorporate narrative techniques into the introduction or illustrations than structure the entire sermon as a story. The approach is also frequently used in sermons for Sunday school and young adult groups.

Assessments are mixed.

• Positive assessments: Supporters hold that it helps listeners stay engaged, brings out the dramatic movement of biblical narratives, and makes the message accessible even to those outside the church.
• Critical assessments: Some in Reformed circles and among those who emphasize expository preaching express concern that doctrinal content and textual interpretation may be weakened, or that the preacher's imagination and personal anecdotes may take precedence over the text.

In response, defenders of narrative preaching argue that form and content are not in opposition, maintaining that a narrative structure faithful to the text is possible.