Narrative approaches for intergenerational preaching: a case study

Current research in intergenerational worship studies has shown there is a great benefit when all the generations worship together. However, proven methods of preaching conducive to an intergenerational context are still an area that demands attention. The two primary paths that have developed in response to the need for more intergenerational preaching include a change to the preaching event altogether or a change to the form, content or design of a sermon to make it more intergenerational. This work focuses on the latter direction, using narrative forms of sermons to discover if they can be a meaningful and engaging way to include all the generations in the preaching event in a Christian worship service. This research addresses the question, “How does an intergenerational congregation respond to narrative forms of preaching?” The research used a qualitative case study in a local Baptist church where three narrative forms of sermons were preached to an intergenerational congregation to test the validity or non-validity of narrative sermons to include all the generations in the preaching event. An analysis of the individual survey questions and the focus group interviews showed that all three forms of narrative sermons generated a variety of meaningful and engaging responses from all the generations in three primary categories: affective, cognitive, and behavioural. This research shows that narrative forms of preaching were indeed a valid way to include all the generations in my own local congregation in the preaching of God’s Word. The primary significance of this research is that it strongly suggests narrative preaching forms could be a conducive way to include all the generations in the preaching event in a variety of Christian worship services and congregations beyond the one in this study.