Spring 2013/Pasadena

PR511

Tweitmann

PR511: PREACHING PRACTICUM (Two Units). Chris Tweitmann.

DESCRIPTION: Effective preaching requires spiritual availability, sound exegesis, theological reflection, contextual insight, pastoral sensitivity, and communication skills. This course is designed to provide the student with maximum practical experience to prepare, to preach and to receive sermon feedback. The objective in this course is not the perfection of individual sermons. Rather it is to lay a foundation in knowledge and skill for the student’s continued development as a responsible and effective preacher of the gospel.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The spoken word is God’s means of creation, redemption, and transformation. As image bearers of this God, as members of the Body of Christ, the speech act remains our primary means of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Preaching is the foundational work of the Church. The effective and faithful delivery of the Word of God is the starting point of the witness and work of the Body, the evangelism, ministry and mission of the Church.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow (1) in their understanding of the importance of having Jesus Christ as their foundation for preaching as well as understanding the importance of the Holy Spirit in preaching and preparation; (2) in their character development as they learn to engage the text as they prepare their sermons, receive honest feedback from the instructor and classmates as they preach in class; (3) in their sense of a call to ministry as they are challenged on how they demonstrate their servant leadership skills, exhibit an understanding of their worldview and how both inform their preaching; (4) in finding their own voice in preaching as well as utilizing cultural sensitivity as it relates to their denominational context. Students will be encouraged to be mindful of class, gender, and ethnicity while developing and delivering sermons; (5) n their mastery of articulating, integrating, and applying scripture, theology, church history, religious heritage and cultural relevance to their sermon preparation and delivery.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will be limited to a maximum of 9 students. The class will meet weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. The first part of each meeting will be spent in worship where two sermons will be preached by members of the class. The second part of the class will include informal discussion of the sermons. Each student will preach twice during the course. Sermons are to be original work not previously presented for credit in homiletics or other speech and preaching classes. Each sermon will be discussed by class members under the direction of the instructor. All sermons will be recorded. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory. If the class is over-subscribed, the first two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session in case there are openings which develop due to dropped registrations.

REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED READING: Exegetical and theological reading relating to the texts, passages or themes to be preached upon. References consulted are to be listed at the bottom of the outline of each sermon. This should be given to the instructor prior to preaching the sermon. Students are expected to be familiar with texts assigned in PR500, or with equivalent standard works on preaching.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Two sermons preached during the course, based on texts of the student’s choosing, with outlines and indication of the commentaries and other sources consulted submitted in writing. Sermons should be written in manuscript form and preached from either a manuscript or an outline. Outline should be given to the professor prior to giving the sermon. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Any absences must be excused and will require some additional work. Students will complete a self-assessment for each of their sermons.

PREREQUISITES: PR500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2). The practicum may be taken for credit more than once, though students are encouraged not to enroll in more than one section during any given quarter.

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.