Spring 2011/Pasadena
PR523
Schmit

PR523: CREATIVE PREACHING. Clayton J. Schmit.


DESCRIPTION: This four-unit course is designed to deepen the theological insights of preaching students and to sharpen the creative skills that relate to their homiletical work. Special attention will be given to creativity in the use of language, development of the sermon's form, and issues relating to drama and performance in preaching. Issues relating to media use in proclamation will be addressed, but will not constitute a major topic in this course. (This course fulfills the MDiv requirement for 4 units of preaching/communication practica following PR500.)

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Because preaching continues to be the principle means by which the church proclaims the promises of God, preachers benefit by employing creative means by which to engage the hearts and minds of listeners.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks the following goals for each student: Cognitive: theoretical knowledge relating to theology of preaching and aesthetic theory as foundations for imaginative preaching; Affective: Deepened appreciation for the needs of the listener in the preaching process; Skills: increased capacity to use figurative and evocative language in preaching, enhanced presentational skills, and ability to craft sermons in creative, as well as culturally and contextually relevant forms.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Students will prepare and deliver sermons for feedback, discussion, and self-evaluation. They will also be responsible for reading material, creative writing, performance assignments, and a final sermon project in which students prepare and deliver a sermon as a group. Class time will include guests and video presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Childers, Jana. Performing the Word. Abingdon, 1998, ISBN: 0687074231, $19.00 (200 pp.).

Eslinger, Richard. The Web of Preaching. Abingdon, 2002, ISBN: 068701297X , $28.00. (300pp.).

Frymire, Jeffrey. Preaching the Story: How to Communicate God's Word through Narrative Sermons. Warner Press, 2006, ISBN:1593171315, $10.00 (100 pp.).

La Rue, Cleophas. The Heart of Black Preaching. Westminster John Knox, 2000, ISBN: 0664258476, $21.00 (240 pp.).

Wills, Garry. Lincoln at Gettysburg. Touchstone, 1992, ISBN:0671769561, $14.00 (200pp.).

Moodle articles and viewing assignments.

RECOMMENDED READING:
An extensive recommended bibliography will be available in the course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Read assignments and be prepared to lead in class discussion of material (800 pages).

  2. Prepare (including exegetical journal) and deliver 2 sermons in forms or styles new to the student's experience.

  3. Oral interpretation exercises: 2 exercises with 2 hours rehearsal each.

  4. Two creative writing assignments (3-5 pages each).

  5. Group assignment: produce and present (for in-class critique and evaluation) a sermon in a creative form.

PREREQUISITES: PR500; permission of instructor.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (February 2011)