Spring 2010/Pasadena
PR524
Nason

PR524: PREACHING WITHOUT NOTES (Two Units). Douglas Nason.


DESCRIPTION: This preaching practicum is designed to give students experience in preaching messages which are delivered with minimal or no reliance on manuscript or notes. Enrollment will be limited to eight students. Each will preach two sermons during the course. All sermons will be videotaped. Some of the sessions will include lecture and discussion; other sessions will involve preaching and class feedback.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The spoken word remains an essential means of communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ. Preaching is an essential element in the ministry of the church; and skill in preaching is expected of the great majority of those called to pastoral positions, as well as of evangelists and many other servants of Christ. Preaching without relying on written notes can increase interaction and effectiveness.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course objectives for this practicum build on the objectives for all preaching practica--that students should learn to prepare and deliver biblical messages which are faithful to the text of scripture and effective as a personal communication of the gospel. Students would grow in their understanding of the differences between written communication and spoken communication. Students would grow in their understanding of both the possibilities and the pitfalls of preaching without notes. Students would grow in their ability to prepare sermons in a way which would allow the preacher to fully attend to the listeners rather than to written notes or manuscript. The goal is increased interaction between the speaker and the listeners, and a more effective presentation of the truth.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for a two-hour period each week. Two of the sessions will be devoted to orientation, lecture, discussion and class exercises. Eight of the sessions will be devoted to preaching messages without notes followed by discussion. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory, including the first class session. If the class is over-subscribed, the first two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session.

REQUIRED READING:

Students will be asked to read brief articles and the following book:

Webb, Joseph M. Preaching Without Notes. Nashville: Abingdon, 2001.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Two messages preached during the quarter, with outlines and indication of the commentaries and other sources consulted submitted in writing. Students will provide written self-assessments for each of the messages they preach. Grading will be based on the professor's evaluation of both the sermons and the student's self-assessments of their sermons. Regular class attendance and participation in discussions are required. Students who miss more than two class meetings will not receive a passing grade.

PREREQUISITES: PR500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN2).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Posted January 2010)