Preaching Lessons: John Bell

Here's the short version: Imagination is awesome. Let's use it.

"Imagination is not a bogus gift of the Holy Spirit, but is a primary attribute of God and a primary gift to the church."

Bell also fleshed out an understanding of children as models for discipleship, saying that Jesus lifted them up not because they were placid, docile, innocent things, but because they were curious, trusting, energetic, and imaginative people.

I'd hoped for a little more substance, but listening to John Bell speak is lovely no matter what. So, I'm not complaining.

But I think there's another theme here--that imagination, sacramental vision, and a willingness to engage the world in a way that is truthful without being necessarily logical is the absolute stuff of faith. And if it's the stuff of faith, it's the stuff of pastoral ministry and preaching. To walk in without imagination is to walk in without our most inherent and powerful tool for doing God's loving, healing, creative work here and now.

You know things are getting good when it's all starting to blur together.