Winter 2007/Pasadena
PR501
Epps

PR501: PREACHING IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRADITION. William S. Epps.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provided an opportunity to systematically reflect on the culture and milieu in which preaching among African-Americans developed and the effects that development has on shaping the method and practice of preaching in the African-American tradition.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Objectives for this course are that students will

  1. become knowledgeable about the cultural milieu in which preaching in the African-American tradition developed;

  2. increase their understanding of the evolution of preaching in the African-American tradition;

  3. comprehend the correlation between life circumstances and biblical applications; and

  4. be exposed to some models of African American sermon preparation and preaching.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will assist in increasing awareness of the correlation between cultural influence and communication, and it will share the uniqueness of preaching in the African-American tradition. In doing so, it will prepare and equip the participants to develop sermons that are biblically sound and culturally relevant, as well as provide models for the way African-American preachers develop sermons.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet for three hours a week for lecture, discussion, dialogue, and preaching. Selected class gatherings will include sermons presented by students.

REQUIRED READING:
The African American Pulpit (published by Hope International Inc., 1825 Riverdale Road, Germantown, Tennessee 38138), Summer 2004 and Fall 2004 issues, especially the articles "Preaching in the African American Tradition," by Lawrence Carter, as well as the sermons.

Moyd, Olin P. The Sacred Art: Preaching and Theology in the African American Tradition. Judson Press, 1995.

LaRue, Cleophus J. Power in the Pulpit: How America's Most Effective Black Preachers Prepare Their Sermons. Westminster John Knox, 2002.
Taylor, Gardner. Essential Taylor. Vol. 6. Judson Books, 2002.
Thomas, Gerald Lamont. African American Preaching: The Contribution of Dr. Gardner C. Taylor. New York: Peter Lang Publishers, 2004.

Wilmore, Gayraud S. Black Religion and Black Radicalism: An Interpretation of the Religious History of Afro-American People. 2d ed. Orbis: 1983.
A supplementary reading list will be made available upon request.

ASSIGNMENTS: It is expected that each student will read the material and be prepared to participate in the classroom discussions. Additionally, the following will be required:
  1. Deliver one sermon in class.

  2. Review in writing The Sacred Art: Preaching in the African American Tradition or Essential Taylor, vol. 6.

  3. A final examination covering the assigned reading materials and class lectures.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets requirement for African American Church Studies concentration in MDiv (multi-cultural studies) and the MA in Multicultural Ministries.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.