Storytelling is the way much of the gospel is presented to us. Many or most dynamic preachers make wide use of narratives in their preaching. This book provides 56 stories that enhance the preacher's ability to drive home the message of the scripture texts. It is a valuable addition to every lectionary preacher's resource library. *Two boys decide to paint their old car. They think it will be an easy task until their father teaches them that "preparation is the most important part of the job." *A tenant farmer collects scrap farm machinery to be sold for the production of war weapons ... *A grandfather teaches his grandson about the virtue of patience in waiting for a garden to grow. These themes and many others become skillfully woven word pictures. They keep listeners in rapt attention and enable the preacher to impress the meaning of the scripture texts on their minds. Chapter titles include: *Invitation From A Jogger *The Credit Line *The Bible Class *Better Than The Lottery *Even Junkyard Dogs Need Forgiveness *New Life On A Dead Mountain Merle G. Franke is a graduate of Carthage College and Luther Seminary. He has been a pastor in Minnesota, Texas, and the Virgin Islands. He served as a senior staff member for the ULCA (United Lutheran Church in America) Board of American Missions and on the Executive Council of the Lutheran Church in America. He has worked as a correspondent and feature writer for Lutheran magazine and was Book Review Editor and Associate Editor of LCA Partners (now Lutheran Partners). He is the author of nine books and many articles. He keeps his finger on the pulse of the local congregation by serving as an interim pastor.
