Imaginative Preaching

"If the Scriptures have not grasped and spoken to the preacher, the sermon is unlikely to say anything that grasps the congregation. And if the preacher has not been involved with the Scriptures via imagination and personal involvement, they are unlikely to have grasped him or her. So this report on imaginative engagement with the Scriptures might be the most important book that many preachers read, apart from the Scriptures into which it leads them." - John Goldingay (David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament in the School of Theology of Fuller Theological Seminary)

"I am drawn to any exposition of imagination in the practice of faith. This remarkable volume focuses on imagination, but sets it squarely in the midst of the great triad of pastor-prayer-congregation. This is pastoral theology at its best, inviting pastors and church leaders to let the power of the Spiritvia the generative force of scriptureto be in defining play in ministry. Coming close to articulating how to, this book will challenge and engage pastoral leadership in a sense of immense risk and opportunity. Imagination, it turns out, is openness to the Spirit and being led by a spirit other than our own. The invitation of this book is warmly companionable." - Walter Brueggemann (Columbia Theological Seminary)

"Jesus' disciples watched him pray and then pleaded: "Lord, teach us to pray..." (Luke 11:1). Jesus did so and also invited them to imagine that God, like a friend in the night, offers them bread when they ask for it. This book offers a similar assurance of God's grace and imaginative prayer as a means of receiving that grace. Through careful research and reflection, pastor-scholar Geoff New introduces road-tested Christian practices of praying with Scripture so that depleted souls may be refreshed by the Bread of Life and bear fruit in the world. Dr. New's invitation to imaginative prayer with Scripture is a gift I gratefully accept for myself and also share with Christians, clergy and laity, that I meet with in spiritual direction. The blessings flow!" - Susan S. Phillips (Ph.D.), a sociologist and spiritual director, is the Executive Director of New College Berkeley, an affiliate of Berkeley's Graduate Theological Union. Her books include Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction and The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy.

"I was fascinated by the research reported by this book, Imaginative Preaching, and have already started to put it into practice. Preachers all over the world would benefit profoundly if they cultivated these prayer disciplines to rekindle their love for God, deepen their immersion in the Scriptures, and rejuvenate their love and affection for the people whom they serve! A sublime idea!" - Marva J. Dawn, Theologian, Author, Preacher/Speaker

"How can preachers encounter the risen Christ in ways that make preaching fresh, real and accessible? How can preachers grow in dwelling in Christ and dwelling in the Word? Geoff New presents a powerful and helpful model for meeting God personally through the words of the biblical text, vitally important for authentic preaching in our time." - Lynne M. Baab, author of Sabbath Keeping and The Power of Listening