Kate Bruce argues that imagination can help to engage the hearer in a sermon which seeks to evoke rather than to inform. Imagination frames how we see the world and ourselves in it. As such it has a vital role in how preachers see the preaching task itself, which in turn affects how we go about the task.

Kate Bruce

Igniting the Heart

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1 Imagination – What it is and Why it Matters

2 A Theology of Imagination

3 Preaching in the Lyrical Voice

4 The Sacramental Potential of Preaching

5 Imagining the Preaching Task

6 Lighting the Blue Touch-Paper – Implications for the Practice and Teaching of Preaching

Igniting the Heart – Concluding Thoughts

Appendix

Bibliography

It has been said that the day of the sermon is over. Kate Bruce argues that the day of the poorly conceived, ill prepared, dull, disconnected, boring, irrelevant, authoritarian, yawn-inducing, patronizing, pontificating, pointless and badly delivered sermon, is indeed over. Imagination can help to engage the hearer in a sermon which seeks to evoke rather than to inform. Imagination frames how we see the world and ourselves in it. As such it has a vital role in how preachers see the preaching task itself, which in turn affects how we go about the task. A theology of imagination is presented to demonstrate the central importance of imagination in the life of faith. Allied to this is an analysis of the sacramental nature of preaching and the role of imagination in enabling the 'aha, now I get it' moment of sacramental 'seeing-as'. Connected to enabling new seeing, preaching in the lyrical voice is defined and discussed along with the importance of preachers shaping sermons for the ear.

'Just occasionally weary preachers stub their toes against treasure hidden beneath the surface of a well-trodden path. In this book Kate Bruce draws on her considerable experience as school teacher, parish priest, theological college tutor and stand-up comic. With an assured grasp of homiletic theory and a passion for creative sermon construction, she shows us how the imagination can disclose new worlds, turn our assumptions upside down, provoke us to ask 'what if?' and help us live in the minds of other people. In this she follows the example of Jesus who did not despise the parable, the haunting image, or the disturbing paradox. This is a book for preachers who would prefer their sermons to dance and sing rather than trudge, hobble and plod. -- David Day 'Kate Bruce has done congregations a great service by offering preachers a feast of ideas, insights and worked examples on the underexplored theme of preaching with the imagination. Her analysis is anchored in careful theology and attentive awareness of the contexts and cultures in which preaching is offered and received. The result is a gracious, well-argued and timely book, a treat-in-waiting for all preachers still alive to their task.' -- Bishop John Pritchard 'Tired of dull boring sermons with no theological depth? And tired of dull boring books on preaching which equally lack theological depth? This book is the solution! Kate Bruce is an outstanding practitioner and teacher of preaching. Out of that expertise she shows how the interaction of the imagination with both the biblical text and contemporary culture can transform the preaching event and allow God to work in exciting and relevant ways. Honest, humane and humble, this is the book for all preachers who have a passion for God to speak.' -- Revd Professor David Wilkinson, Principal, St John's College Durham 'Expect to be enriched, challenged, encouraged and inspired by this book. Kate Bruce argues that the sermon is essential in the life of the Church and that imagination is essential for preaching that ignites the heart. An exploration of the theology of imagination and language, examples from sermons, models of preaching and guidance for good practice are offered in a book which will appeal to a wide readership. I commend this book to all preachers who hope that through their sermons God will be encountered as the Spirit breathes life into their words and hearts are warmed.' -- Ruth Gee was Chair of Methodist Conference (2013-14)

Kate Bruce is Deputy Warden and Tutor in Homiletics at Cranmer Hall in Durham. She runs the popular Durham Preaching Conferences and is in demand as a preacher, teacher and retreat leader

• A new and imaginative book on preaching which seeks to inspire both established and new preachers. • Considers the challenges presented by key features of contemporary culture to the preacher and explores how the imagination can help preachers to address these issues. • Offers a theological grounding for the place of imagination in preaching to enable preachers to feel confident that imagination is a key aspect of faith and not a frivolous, fanciful add-on. • Kate Bruce organizes the popular Durham Preaching Conferences as well as regular training events on preaching for dioceses, districts and circuits. There will be a conference dedicated to this book.

'Just occasionally weary preachers stub their toes against treasure hidden beneath the surface of a well-trodden path. In this book Kate Bruce draws on her considerable experience as school teacher, parish priest, theological college tutor and stand-up comic. With an assured grasp of homiletic theory and a passion for creative sermon construction, she shows us how the imagination can disclose new worlds, turn our assumptions upside down, provoke us to ask 'what if?' and help us live in the minds of other people. In this she follows the example of Jesus who did not despise the parable, the haunting image, or the disturbing paradox. This is a book for preachers who would prefer their sermons to dance and sing rather than trudge, hobble and plod.

'Kate Bruce has done congregations a great service by offering preachers a feast of ideas, insights and worked examples on the underexplored theme of preaching with the imagination. Her analysis is anchored in careful theology and attentive awareness of the contexts and cultures in which preaching is offered and received. The result is a gracious, well-argued and timely book, a treat-in-waiting for all preachers still alive to their task.'

'Tired of dull boring sermons with no theological depth? And tired of dull boring books on preaching which equally lack theological depth? This book is the solution! Kate Bruce is an outstanding practitioner and teacher of preaching. Out of that expertise she shows how the interaction of the imagination with both the biblical text and contemporary culture can transform the preaching event and allow God to work in exciting and relevant ways. Honest, humane and humble, this is the book for all preachers who have a passion for God to speak.'

'Expect to be enriched, challenged, encouraged and inspired by this book. Kate Bruce argues that the sermon is essential in the life of the Church and that imagination is essential for preaching that ignites the heart. An exploration of the theology of imagination and language, examples from sermons, models of preaching and guidance for good practice are offered in a book which will appeal to a wide readership. I commend this book to all preachers who hope that through their sermons God will be encountered as the Spirit breathes life into their words and hearts are warmed.'

Kate Bruce skips the conventional wisdom related to preaching and tackles the peculiar challenges and demands of the craft itself. She walks the reader through the creative process toward a fuller realization of the sacramental imagination. Her valuable book will remind us all--whether beginner or busy pastor--to love and cultivate the art we practice.

An experienced preacher and tutor in homiletics, Bruce seeks in this engaging and persuasive book to inspire and equip preachers to be imaginative in the way they think about, prepare and deliver sermons. Covering the 'why' and 'how' of this comprehensively, her approach is grounded and inspiring and her style is accessible, insightful, and humane

Bruce seeks in this engaging and persuasive book to inspire and equip preachers to be imaginative. Her approach is grounded and inspiring and her style is accessible, insightful, and humane. This valuable and enjoyable book is a strongly recommended resource for beginners and experienced preachers alike.

"Preaching and Imagination" by Kate Bruce explores the role of imagination in effective preaching. It discusses theology, sacramental nature, and crafting engaging sermons for listeners.

\["For preachers wanting to engage their audience better", "Offers insights to overcome dull and ineffective sermons", "You will captivate listeners with imaginative preaching"\]

Discover how imagination can transform your preaching.

Preaching and Imagination

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Igniting the Heart

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