Parables provide insights and lessons which are timeless. When they are employed in preaching the hearer receives images that are easy to remember. "Preaching the Parables" provides a means of communicating the teachings of Jesus for modern Christians.
With each parable Keeney includes:
a. Scripture Text -- so readers don't have to refer to the Bible
b. Theme
c. Context:
1) of the church year
2) of the passage or verse
3) of the other lections for the day
4) of the scriptures
5) of the pericope
d. Contemplation
e. Homily Hints
f. "Point of Contact"
g. "Points to Ponder"
h. Illustrative Materials
William Keeney holds a Ph.D. from Hartford Seminary, Hartford, Connecticut. He has been Assistant to the President and professor of Bible and Religion at Bluffton College, Bluffton, Ohio, and Provost and professor of Bible and Religion at Bethel College in Kansas. He has also taught Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio. In addition to teaching he has served pastorates in Connecticut, Kansas, and Ohio.