About Us
In Other Words... is a research service for Christian communicators that began in 1991 and attracts readers from throughout the world. It was originally mailed as a small magazine and then went online in 2005.
In Other Words... provides a variety of interesting and humorous information from contemporary resources such as newspapers, magazines, journals, and books. All information is documented to identify the source and is written from a theologically conservative, evangelical perspective.
Raymond McHenry is an avid reader with a knack for spotting human-interest stories that can be used to illustrate a point or motivate a life. All material is concisely written to include just the essential information with a brief commentary for spiritual emphasis.
In everyday conversation we use the phrase "in other words" before utilizing a story or idea to provide greater clarity and understanding. In Other Words... simply provides the stories and humor to highlight the spiritual motivation you want for yourself and others.
McHenry founded In Other Words... in 1991, and continues to do all of the research and writing. He has published two other books of illustrations: McHenry's Quips, Quotes & Other Notes, and McHenry's Stories for the Soul. These two books are being compiled into a single volume and will follow as the sequel for this current book. He has also written a short Christmas book, The Innkeeper's Journal, which is designed to create a new and meaningful tradition for family gatherings at Christmas.
Dr. McHenry has been the senior pastor of Westgate Memorial Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas since 1998. Previously he was the pastor of Gulf Meadows Baptist Church in Houston, Texas from 1987 to 1998.
Pastor McHenry grew up in Arizona and graduated from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. His Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees were both earned at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Additional training was taken in Clinical Pastoral Education at Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas and Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.
Raymond and Michelle have two children and five grandchildren.
Endorsements
Illustrations are to a sermon what windows are to a house, and no one has given more compelling illustrations of Biblical truth than Raymond McHenry over the last three decades! Jimmy Draper
President Emeritus LifeWay
Young leaders have so much to gain from this book...a remarkable resource for pursuing biblical truth. Noe Garcia
Pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church, Phoenix, Arizona
Raymond has given pastors a rich resource that models how to illustrate faithfully, wisely, and beautifully—all in service to the Word, written by a man whose godliness and encouragement have deeply shaped my own life and ministry. Ben Lacey
Lead Pastor of Trinity River Baptist Church, Fort Worth, Texas
Zig Ziglar used In Other Words… often to illustrate points he would make in his speeches and in his writing, and considered himself a friend and a fan of Raymond McHenry. Laurie Magers
Executive Assistant to Zig Ziglar 35 years
I have long been indebted to Raymond McHenry’s pithy illustration resource, In Other Words… I read widely and deeply, and in my opinion, it is the best pastoral resource available to preachers hungry to communicate biblical truth. Dean Register
Founding Pastor of CrossPoint Community Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi
As a professional salesman, I speak with people and groups all the time. For over 30 years, In Other Words… has provided me with meaningful stories, statistics, and valuable fodder that has solidified my credibility. It's a must for effective communication! Drake Saylors
Owner & CEO Drake & Companies LLC
Having taught adult Bible classes for over 30 years, I’ve learned to depend on In Other Words… as a relevant, informative and applicable source for illustrations. David Self
Chairman of the Board Evangelism Explosion International
In Memoriam
In Other Words… is the most helpful, up-to-date, and powerful illustration service I have ever used. I use it every week. David Dykes (1953-2025)
Pastor Emeritus, Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas
I am thankful for an illustration resource that employs the integrity of freshness and relevance. In Other Words… combines a pastor’s heart with a finger on the pulse of contemporary culture. Jim Shaddix (1960-2025)
Senior professor of preaching at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
W. A. Criswell Chair of Expository Preaching
In Other Words… is my favorite illustration resource. Stan Toler (1950-2017)
Pastor, Best-selling author of over 100 books, Denominational Leader
I recommend In Other Words… to every preacher & Sunday School teacher. Zig Ziglar (1926-2012)
Founder Ziglar Incorporated