Spring 2012/Pasadena
PR525
Nason

PR525: FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING. Douglas Nason.


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 the principles of sermon construction will be discussed. This course is specifically designed for MA students. It does not require the specific coursework in biblical languages and exegetical method which are prerequisites for the PR500 Homiletics class.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  1. Students will grow in their knowledge of the biblical understanding of Christian communication.

  2. Students will grow in their ability to understand the biblical text.

  3. Students will grow in their ability to express biblical truth relevantly and clearly to a contemporary audience.

  4. Students will grow in their ability to deliver spoken biblical messages with confidence, clarity, and power.

  5. Students will grow in their ability to assess both their own preaching and that of others.

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions, including finals week. The course has both lecture and practicum components. The practicum sessions MAY meet at a different time than the scheduled hours - scheduled subject to student availability. Students will preach two sermons (both video recorded), receiving feedback from group members and the professor and/or a teaching assistant. There will be assigned readings and an independent study project.

REQUIRED READING:
Robinson, Haddon, and Craig Brian Larson, eds. The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005 [736pp; selected pages]. ISBN: 978-0-3102524841. Price: $39.99.

Willimon, William H. A Guide to Preaching and Leading Worship. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2008 [108pp]. ISBN 978-0-664-23257-3. Price: $18.00.

There may be additional short readings assigned primarily as a basis for class discussion.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Students will prepare and deliver two sermons, submitting a sermon brief or outline for each. Students will submit a self-assessment for each of the sermons. Students will complete all assigned readings and submit brief reports on their reading. Students will submit an independent study project involving perhaps fifteen hours exploring their understanding of preaching in relation to their unique ministry context and/or tradition. Grading will be based on the second sermon as graded by the professor (20%), self-assessments for both sermons (15% each), reading reports (20%), the independent study project (20%), and classroom participation, including sermon feedback provided to fellow students (10%). On-time attendance is very important at the lectures and the preaching sessions. The overall grade may be reduced unless absences and tardies are excused and made up.

PREREQUISITES: At least one course in biblical studies; two or more would be preferable.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course meets the requirements for CO500 and CO503 in any MA program requiring CO500 and CO503, and it meets the Communication requirement (COMM) in MA programs. This course will not meet the MIN2 requirement in the MDiv.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (January 2012)