Preaching the Narrative TextA narrative text is that passage of Scripture that conveys a story line. It's necessary that we are clear and persuade to our audience to understand that the stories of the Bible are not Disney fantacies or fairy tales, but the are real accounts of historical events that are applicable as examples towards spiritual development. With that said, as a preacher is it essential to retell the story in such a mannner that it is believable, comes alive, and demonstrates relevance. Wayne McDill, writer of 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching states that it is not a violation of the sacredness of Scripture to retell its stories imaginatively. However, he says, it may be a violation of biblical intent to tell them in such a way that nobody can believe them.
Let's consider the 5 phases that usually take place in stories: Background, Problem, Search, Solution and Resetting of the scene.
1.) Every story begins with the current BACKGROUND or situation - This is the setting of what's presently apparent in the story. It introduces the characters, circumstances, background, etc. which helps the listener see the scene in their imagination. This is your typical, "Once upon a time" portion of the story. When you read biblical narratives always look for and seek to understand the current background.
2.) Most stories reveal a PROBLEM or central issue - This is the part of the story that presents the element that draws the audience in and creates interest. It reveals the problem, issue or struggle. This is the portion of the narrative that needs to be addressed and resolved. It's the part of the story that postures the audience to continue listening for your biblical interpretation of how this portion of the story is going to be resolved or satisfied. Do not labor to long here...present the central isse clearly and quickly and allow it to have it's own impact.
3.) The story typically moves into the SEARCH for solution - This is the part of the story where the problem you previously presented in the story now has the audience waiting or searching to hear possible solutions. Here is where you as the preacher present possible solutions or alternatives. Sometimes, in some stories the search is not always spelled out, so this is where you can ask the audience to imagine the possible alternatives they would consider.
4.) The story generally will reveal the SOLUTION to the problem at the center of the story - The solution normally represents the second turning point in the story as the Problem normally represents the first. Every now and again the solution can be a surprise, because it will return to a previous point that appears lost of forgotten within the story. In addition, many times, it's the intervention or revelation of God's intervention.
5.) The story normally ends by Resetting the Scene - This is where the story comes full circle. However, it's a new scene or situation. The events in the story are not like they were in the beginning. For example, Abraham receives Issac back, after the problem/stress of believing he was going to be sacrificed. The is the "And they lived happily ever after" part of the story...although we know all stories may not end happily.
Therefore, when preaching a narrative or "bible story," look for these elements. If you do, your retelling will be much more interesting and effective if you plan for these five phases.