Mountain Brook pastor writes book of Biblical poetry

For Reece Sherman, writing books of the Bible in rhyme is more than just a tool to spread Christianity: It is a new translation. 

Sherman, a former minister at Mountain Brook Baptist Church and current bivocational pastor of Ryan Baptist Church in Maylene, has written several volumes of what he calls Versery Rhymes, where he rhymes the verses of each chapter in each book of the Bible.

Sherman was born in Columbiana, one of six children. He discovered early in his life that he preferred to entertain himself with creative activities, books and chemistry sets. In college, he tapped into his natural gift of rhyming by writing poetry to express what he was experiencing. He also wrote love poetry for his future wife, Anne.

The beginning of what is now known as Versery Rhymes began during Sherman’s time serving at Mountain Brook Baptist Church. 

“I taught a Bible study, and we studied a chapter a week,” Sherman said. “After each of the studies, I would read my Versery Rhymes translation of the text. When I finished the book of John, they said, ‘You should publish that.’”

What started as a Bible study aid has grown into a resource that people who might not be familiar with the Bible can use to really understand it in “colloquial and conversational” language, Sherman said. 

The books are available in paperback copy exclusively at Smith’s Variety in Mountain Brook Village in addition to online retailers Lulu.com, Kindle and iTunes.

Sherman met the owner of Smith’s Variety, Mary Ann Glazner, at Mountain Brook Baptist. After some time, he approached her about potentially selling his books. She now promotes Sherman by hosting book signings during open house nights at the store. 

“They just make [the Bible] so understandable,” Glazner said. “It makes you think, but it’s so real.”

A major part of Sherman’s writing process is translating the original Greek text to English himself. His love for Greek began age 15, and he has continued to study it for the past 30 years. 

“[The Versery Rhymes] are paraphrased, but I also call it a translation because my degree is in Hebrew and Greek. I always have the Greek New Testament when I’m translating,” Sherman said. “I look at the text and say, ‘How can I give the meaning of this verse in a rhyme?’ and it just flows.” 

Sherman’s main goal and inspiration for this project is helping people of all ages better understand the Bible.

“I’d have people come up to me and ask for a copy, and I’d sell it to them at cost,” Sherman said. “It’s not about profit. It’s just something that I love doing. Rhyming comes easily to me.”

Sherman has been married to Anne for more than 33 years and has two sons, Ben and Alex.