What's in the brown paper sack? Props make sermons stick.

I was filling in for a pastor who was on vacation. I was prepared, prayed up, and ready to preach. That is, until the youth pastor stepped up to give the children's sermon.

What happened next changed my preaching forever.

The youth pastor read the Scripture and then pulled out "the brown paper sack." I leaned forward, wondering what he had in the bag. Looking at the audience, I noticed all the adults were caught up into his message, too, some on the edge of their seats trying to get a good look.

When it was my turn, I put on my preacher voice and preached just as hard and fast as I could. The usual handshakes followed, along with "Good sermon today, …