DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to give a general introduction to the theology of preaching and to the art and craft of sermon design and delivery. The person of the preacher, the nature of preaching, and principles of sermon construction will be discussed.

The spoken witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a primary means of communicating the faith. It continues to be a powerful tool for planting, teaching, and nurturing faith in Christ. Biblical preaching is the principal public form of this witness and skill in biblical interpretation, sermon preparation, and proclamation is expected of those who are called to serve as ministers of the Gospel.

The class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks. The course has both lecture and practicum components. The practica are small groups of students led by teaching assistants under the direction of the professor. In these groups students will preach two sermons (both video-taped) on which they will receive feedback from group members and the teaching assistant. Only the second sermon as evaluated by the professor will count toward the grade.

All students will read and provide a two-page report on each of the following books:

Allen, Ronald. Patterns of Preaching. Chalice, 1998. (252 pp., selected portions)

Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox, 1989. (216 pp.)

Robinson, Haddon. Biblical Preaching. Baker Books, 2001. (256 pp.)

Additional short readings may be provided during the course.

Preparation and preaching of two sermons, including submission of a brief or outline for each. Self-assessments will be turned in after each of the sermons. Brief reports on reading assignments will be prepared. In addition, there will be an independent study project.

Grading will be based on the second sermon as graded by the professor, self-assessments for both sermons, reading reports, the independent study project, and classroom participation. On-time attendance is very important at the lectures and the preaching groups. The overall grade may be reduced unless absences are excused and made up.

NE502.

Meets M.Div. core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).

None.