The preachers’ words are meant to connect, to resonate with and influence hearers. Too often, sermons fall short. Preaching in Pictures: Using Images for Sermons that Connect shows how to choose, use, and illustrate a controlling image in every sermon.
Readers learn how one effective image can cause the proclaimed word to
sink in and transform the listener. Peter Jonker helps readers to build
skill and confidence, with practical instruction, examples, and
straightforward teaching.
“Good
preaching isn’t just the dissemination of information; it is a conduit
of Spirit-empowered formation. Such formative preaching doesn’t convince
the intellect; it captures the imagination. A controlling image has the
power to do just this—to capture the imagination. Peter Jonker invites
preachers to understand and to effectively use controlling images for
formation of the hearer. This great book is erudite and accessible,
theoretically grounded and yet intensely practical, complete with
exercises. I’ll be pointing preachers to it from now on.” –James K.A. Smith, author of Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation
“Preaching in Pictures opened eyes of my imagination. I can’t wait to write my next sermon.” –Heidi De Jonge Pastor, Westside Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, Kingston, Ontario
“Peter
Jonker offers preachers practical ways to connect the gospel in the
hearts of listeners, with a wealth of helpful examples. This is a fresh
and welcome perspective, just the book for preachers whose sermons have
reached their shelf life and are in need of new energy.” –John Michael
Rottman, Professor of Preaching Calvin Theological Seminary
“Sane,
balanced, assured–but also strikingly insightful–Peter Jonker’s
writing is a sheer gift to anyone interested in eventful
preaching. Every page is worth pondering. Jonker writes with great
verve and authority.” –Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., Author of Reading for Preaching: The Preacher in Conversation with Storytellers, Biographers, Poets, and Journalists
About the author
After an idyllic Canadian childhood in Kingston, Ontario, Peter Jonker now resides in Grand Rapids Michigan where he is currently the Minister of Preaching and Worship at La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Before that he was pastor at Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church, also in Grand Rapids. He is married with three teenage children.