Jeffrey T. Howard
In Ten Strategies for Preaching in a Multimedia Culture Thomas Troeger discusses methods of sermon preparation that can be used with congregations coming from a culture dominated by new and changing media. Like the authors of the New Testament we are called to present the word of God in new and imaginative ways that speak to people in an audiovisual culture. In doing this we must be careful to avoid distorting the message. So we have to balance presenting God is a way that can be received by people today without reducing the message to what is merely attractive and entertaining.
Troeger's first strategy is to "assume that there is more to the story." Here we are to embellish the biblical story. This is appropriate because it mimics the practice of the New Testament writers and Jesus in talking about God using story. We must be care though to sufficiently exegete God's word to make certain that our assumption is not in fact a distortion.
His second strategy is to "create a parable". The purpose here is to challenge the listeners' assumptions and patterns of thought. This can be accomplished through a dramatic presentation. This can be a good way for people to consider alternative points of view.
His third strategy is to "play with an image". Troeger points out correctly that since the Reformation there has been a dearth of the use of imagery in churches. Yet image is how much information is communicated on television and movies.
This leads to the fourth strategy to "write the sermon as a movie script". Troeger suggest that we take a biblical story and rewrite it as a movie. This has the advantage of putting the message in a form readily accessible to people.
One technique used in movie scripts is to "use a flashback", Troeger's fifth strategy. This mirrors how we think as we suspend judgment and reflect on our past experiences. The biblical narrative augments our own experiences.
The media is constantly redefining symbols. So Troeger suggest in his sixth strategy to "reframe a sacrament". I agree with Troeger that sacrament are powerful Christian symbols by themselves. We can use story and imagery in our sermons in a way that will illustrate the reality behind these symbolic acts.
Stories about children are among the most memorable. We love stories people tell about their childhood. This is Troeger's reason for his seventh strategy to "let a little child lead you". I love his idea that by using children stories in a sermon it can be understood in two ways. Children understand that their stories are a part of God's story. And adults understand the biblical message through a memorable story.
Building on telling stories about children Troeger's eight reason is to "play a game". This is a good way to get the congregation to participate in worship. Their "point" of the game can be presented in a sermon the next week. This would be a good way to present complicated issues such as immigration or economics.
It is important to speak from the voices of the marginalized in society. These voices often are not heard through the traditional media. This forces the preacher to enter into another context and is the basis of Troeger's ninth strategy to "listen to the muffled voices."
In Troeger's tenth strategy emphasizes an important exegetical method to "compare translations". It is important to compare translations or do a careful translation from the original languages to understand what the authors originally meant. This can often correct past exegetical mistakes that have led to theological problems.
Troeger's approach is surprising in that I had expected to learn how to use multimedia in preaching. But that is not at all what he does. Rather he argues for varied and innovative preaching that will keep the interest of people who are part of a multimedia culture.
[1] Thomas H. Troeger, Ten Strategies for Preaching in a Multi Media Culture (Nashville: Abingdon Press 1996)
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