Fall 2016/Pasadena

PR524

Nason

PR524: PREACHING WITHOUT NOTES (2 Units: 80 Hours). Douglas Nason.

DESCRIPTION: This preaching practicum is designed to give students experience in preaching messages that 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course objectives for this practicum build on the objectives for all preaching practica: that students would (1) learn to prepare and deliver biblical messages that are faithful to the text of Scripture and effective as a personal communication of the gospel; (2) grow in their understanding of the differences between written communication and spoken communication; (3) grow in their understanding of both the possibilities and the pitfalls of preaching without notes; and (4) 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: This class meets once weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 20 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion. 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:150 pages required.

Webb, Joseph M. Preaching Without Notes. Abingdon Press, 2001. ISBN: 978-0687090884, Pub. Price $16.99 [134 pp.].

Brief readings will be provided in class [16 pages].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 150 pp. of required reading. (10%). [10 hours].

  2. 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. (80%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-4]. [Each sermon, with the self-assessment, is projected to involve up to 25 hours of student time for a total of 50 hours].

  3. Regular class attendance and participation in feedback and discussions are required. Students who miss more than two class meetings will not receive a passing grade. (10%). [20 hours].

PREREQUISITES: PR500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the second P2 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Does not meet the PR511 (P2) requirement in the 120 MDiv Program for students who choose the 2 unit preaching practica track. Meets the MIN2 requirement in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.


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.

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