With Wit and Wonder: The Preacher's Use of Humour and Imagination

In this review of With Wit and Wonder: The Preacher's Use of Humour and Imagination, the bottom line is simple: this book is for preachers and sermon writers who want permission and practical guidance to bring imagination and joy into preaching. Blayne Banting grounds the discussion in theology and theory while offering usable direction on the "how" of using humour and creative storytelling. Readers seeking a thoughtful, pastoral approach to enlivening sermons will find the clearest single reason to buy is its balance of theology and practical application.

Key Features

• Theological grounding: Explains why humour and imagination fit within the task of preaching, giving readers a sound rationale to experiment without feeling frivolous.
• Practical guidance: Moves from theory to concrete ways a preacher can employ wit and imagination to connect with congregations and illustrate Scripture.
• Pastoral perspective: Written by a pastor and preaching professor, the tone respects the serious work of ministry while encouraging creativity.
• Audience focus: Tailored toward communicators who want tools to enhance sermon delivery rather than purely academic study.
• Balanced approach: Considers both the risks and rewards of humour in preaching, helping readers gauge appropriate use for their context.

Who It's For

With Wit and Wonder is best for pastors, seminary students, and ministry leaders interested in integrating creative techniques into preaching while staying theologically grounded. The book suits communicators who want practical steps and affirmation that humour and imagination can serve the gospel when handled responsibly.

Those seeking a how-to manual for theatrical performance or a collection of sermon examples only may want supplemental resources; this volume emphasizes principle and pastoral reflection over exhaustive sermon scripts.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a clear theological rationale so preachers can feel confident about using humour in sermons.
• Offers practical direction from an experienced pastor and professor, making suggestions immediately applicable.
• Balances seriousness and creativity, helping readers avoid extremes of either dry doctrine or merely entertaining rambling.

Cons

• Not a comprehensive sermon collection, so readers looking for many ready-to-use examples will need to adapt ideas themselves.

Specifications

Title	With Wit and Wonder: The Preacher's Use of Humour and Imagination
Authors	Blayne A Banting, Phil Callaway
Subject	Humour and imagination in preaching
Intended audience	Preachers, seminary students, ministry leaders
Approach	Theological grounding plus practical application
Focus	Balancing creativity with the serious task of preaching

Our Verdict

With Wit and Wonder is a thoughtful, useful resource for ministers who want to integrate imagination and humour into their preaching without sacrificing theological integrity. Its combination of pastoral insight and practical guidance makes it good value for communicators ready to experiment responsibly and deepen how they connect Scripture to everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book practical for sermon preparation?
Yes. The book moves from theory to concrete suggestions that preachers can adapt when preparing sermons.

Who wrote this book?
It was written by pastor and preaching professor Blayne Banting with contribution from Phil Callaway, bringing pastoral and instructive perspectives.

Will it help with using humour appropriately?
Yes. The text addresses both theological reasons and practical limits so ministers can use humour thoughtfully.