If you get the opportunity to hear Richard Stenbakken preach, you may be in for an interesting surprise. Stenbakken’s sermons often do not include pulpits nor does he wear a suit. Instead he sheds his own identity to present a powerful message through the experiences of Bible characters.

In Volume 5 of great Adventist Preaching, a DVD product of Adventist Communication Network (ACN), Dr Stenbakken dressed in authentic costume, portrays the Faces Around the Cross—John, Judas, Peter, Pilate, the Centurion and Caiaphas.

Many pastors and lay leaders consider Faces Around the Cross a unique approach to sharing the Word. Some are using the creative resource to invite the community to the Adventist Church during Holy Week. Even though many Adventists prefer down-playing the resurrection at this time of year, it can be an effective opportunity for making friends with other faith groups.

For congregations who decide to host the community during Easter week, the series can be shown as is, or it can be enhanced by using the bonus study guides for follow-up discussion. Seasonal music and litanies can also be added. At the close, get acquainted with your guests by serving light refreshments

Richard Stenbakken, Ed. D., formerly Director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the World Church of Seventh-day Adventists, spent most of his career in pastoral ministry for military personnel. While serving as a chaplain, Stenbakken very accidentally discovered the powerful impact of first-person preaching. It was never his plan to specialize in this medium of delivery, but after recognizing that both the Old and New Testaments use stories, parables and even role-playing, it seemed only natural to develop more characters from Scripture. Thus far he has developed and presented the gospel through the eyes of 45 characters.

Inspiration for Faces Around the Cross came from Ellen White’s statement in her book, The Desire of Ages, pages 67-8. “It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should . . . let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. . . .,” “What better way to do that, than to see those scenes through the eyes of the faces around the cross,” says Stenbakken.

Segment Titles

John: From Son of Thunder to Beloved Disciple
Judas: All They Had to Do Was Listen to Me
Peter: The Man of Big Mistakes
Caiaphas: A High Priest With Low Understanding
Pontius Pilate: It’s All About Power
Longinus, The Centurion: The Toughest, Meanest Man in Town

Bonus Features: Study Guides

Richard Stenbakken: The Man and His Mission
An Introduction to the Series
Behind the Scenes: A Do-It-Yourself Series

Faces Around the Cross, a 6-part DVD series of first person biblical preaching by Richard Stenbakken, is a great idea for reaching the community during Holy Week. Stenbakken in authentic costume portrays John, Judas, Peter, Pilate, the Centurion and Caiaphas.

Contemplate the closing scenes of Jesus’ earthly ministry—at home on DVD. Richard Stenbakken, in authentic costume, becomes the Faces Around the Cross.