The Power of an Illustration
Preaching That Makes a Difference – Part 4
During this 6-part series, I will explore some simple and practical ways that can help every pastor become a more effective Preacher.
We’ve all heard the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. A truth that highlights the value of seeing something rather than simply reading about it. Not only will a picture save time when compared to writing out a description, but it makes the topic come to life. This is why travel brochures, fashion magazines, and media in general rely heavily on pictures to effectively communicate what is being presented.
The same holds true when preaching a sermon. Helping your congregation picture the truth you are teaching will go a long way in making your sermons be both effective and memorable. The term associated with this practice is called an “illustration”. If an illustration is properly used it can help a congregation “see” a biblical truth within the context of everyday life. Of course, Jesus was the master of using illustrations to teach spiritual truths. Consider the imagery He used just to describe Himself (e.g. water, door, light, shepherd, etc.). All of these illustrations helped his audience better understand and apply the underlying spiritual truth.
So, how can you effectively include illustrations in your sermons?
Here are three principles that will help:
#1 – Develop an Illustration for Every Sermon Point
When you develop your sermon outline and create teaching points, it’s important that you also include an illustration for every point. In other words, if you have a 3-point outline, you need at least three illustrations. If you have a two-point outline, you need at least two illustrations. This will help your church “see” your outline point in everyday life. Otherwise, you run the risk of dispersing information with little understanding of its relevance. Once again, Jesus is our model for employing this approach. For example, in John 15, Jesus taught about the importance of obedience by using the illustration of a vine and branch. His community was very familiar with agriculture. By using a vine and branch, He helped them understand and step into the spiritual truth of obedience. You will be hard-pressed to find Jesus teaching without illustrations, so make sure you use at least one for every sermon point.
#2 – Make Your Illustrations Relevant to Your Audience
Illustrations can come in many shapes and sizes. They can be personal experiences, stories, or situations you’ve been in. Reflecting on your own life is a good place to start. Illustrations can also be funny, embarrassing, happy, sad, cute, serious, etc. An illustration can provide a host of emotions and perspectives to your audience, but the key to effectively applying them is to profile your audience. What will they relate to? What will be relevant to their lives? You don’t want to tell a story about the aches and pains of aging to young crowd of Gen Z. They won’t have a clue what you are talking about. Nor do you want to talk about social media pressure in high school to a group of retired adults. It’s important you think through and even picture three or four individuals you will be preaching to. If you are talking to a mixed crowd, then it’s important to use two illustrations rather than attempt a one-size-fits-all. Remember, Jesus was always relevant to those He was talking to. One additional thought when it comes to relevance… make sure your illustrations relate directly to your spiritual truth. Don’t try to force-fit a favorite story just because you like it. It should fit like a glove and not require verbal gymnastics to make it work.
#3 – Practice, Practice, Practice
Presenting a powerful illustration will require creativity and being a good storyteller. For some of us, this will come easy, but for others, it will take hard work and practice. Engaging an audience with an illustration is essentially a balancing act. You want to present a powerful illustration, but if it is too powerful you run the risk of the spiritual truth getting lost in the illustration. You can usually tell if this is happening when people talk about your stories and not the spiritual truth you were trying to illustrate. Another risk is spending too much time on your illustration. This can happen when you are giving too many details. Many times presenting an illustration can feel like a time of relief for the preacher, but the risk is spending too much time there. The key is to only describe the part of the story that relates to your point and avoid the other parts. It will take practice to find a healthy balance. But don’t give up! It’s worth the work because you are helping the listener “see” God’s truth in everyday life.
Do You Want More?
I’ve devoted my life to the practice and art of preaching. I’ve been at it for almost 30 years, received my doctorate in preaching, and coached pastors around the country to help them become better communicators. If you would like to take your preaching to a new level, contact me and we can discuss some customized ways for you to be the best you can be!