Spring 2010
FSW – Phoenix

PR511
Parker

PR511: PREACHING PRACTICUM. Gayle Parker.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to offer the maximum possible practical experience in preaching

and sermon preparation. During the quarter, each student will prepare two sermons in manuscript form and preach those sermons in the class. Each sermon will be evaluated and discussed by class members under the direction of the instructor.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE MINISTRY: Effectiveness in preaching is expected of the majority of those called to pastoral positions as well as many other servants of Christ. Enhanced effectiveness can come through practical experience and reflection on that experience.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow in their understanding of the

biblical understanding of Christian communication; in their understanding of the Bible as the foundation and source of Christian preaching; in their understanding of the differences between written and oral communication; in their ability to prepare and deliver biblical messages clearly and relevantly to a contemporary audience; and in their ability to assess both their own preaching and that of others.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for a two-hour session once a week for a total of 20 class hours.

Each week two sermons will be preached by members and discussed by the class and instructor. Sermons should be written in manuscript form and preached from an outline. Outline should be given to the professor prior to giving the sermon.

REQUIRED READING: Exegetical and theological reading relating to the texts, passages or themes to be

preached upon. References consulted are to be listed at the bottom of the outline of each sermon. This should be given to the instructor prior to preaching the sermon.

RECOMMENDED READING: Students are expected to be familiar with texts assigned in PR500, or with

equivalent standard works on preaching.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Two sermons preached during the course, based on texts of the student's choosing, with outlines and indication of the commentaries and other sources consulted submitted in writing. If there is time at the end of the class, those who wish may preach a third sermon – either a new sermon or a re-do or a prior sermon. The 2 sermons with the highest grades will count toward the final grade. (45% each)

2. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. (10%)

Sermons will be recorded. Within one week after you preach in class, either e mail or turn in to the instructor a 1 ½ - 2 ½ page double-spaced self-evaluation of your sermon. Include in the self-evaluation your own observations of what you learned from watching the tape as well as from the observations made by the instructor and classmembers.

Note regarding attendance: Inasmuch as a great part of the class involves careful listening to others preach and participation in the feedback, each member of the class is required to be in attendance throughout each session. If a class needs to be missed, consultation with the instructor is expected prior to the day of the class in question. Missing more than one class will lower your overall class grade to the next level (e.g. an A will be lowered to an A-; an A- to a B+, etc.).

PREREQUISITES: PR500

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: M.Div.: MIN2; M.A.T.: Elective; M.A.C.L.: LDR2/Elective

FINAL EXAMINATION: No

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.