It is my thesis that the twenty-first century calls for hybrid forms of preaching which can deliver the gospel while also preaching. I refer to hybridity as preaching that blends the strengths of both pedagogical and narrative styles to deliver sermons which are biblical, dialogical, incarnational and prophetic. Rather than becoming caught in an unfruitful debate about what is more valuable to faith — thought or emotion, reason or imagination — I opt for the importance of both. I propose we enrich narrative and imagistic ways of thought with the artful addition of commentary, propositions, and other rational handrails to give clear structure to thought. This paper traces my own journey in this program from burnout to struggle with new ideas, and finally to integration through the idea of hybrid forms of preaching. The integration is also reflected in my sermon preparation: I no longer need to be so anxious about preaching and have more confidence that the methods I bring to the task help to ensure that my people receive what they need, namely, the gospel proclaimed.
