Winter 2021/Fuller Online

PR517

Murphy

PR517: PREACHING FOR OCCASIONS (4 Units: 120 hours). R. Kevin Murphy.

DESCRIPTION: PR517 is designed as a 4-unit practicum in preaching that follows PR500 in the sequence of required preaching courses. The course provides students with an opportunity to work the “Developing” and “Mastery” levels of competence by preparing, preaching, listening to, responding to, and assessing sermons in a classroom setting. Instructors lead students through the following steps: assessing one’s prior preaching experience; setting personal goals for the class; preparing and preaching sermons; receiving feedback on sermons and engaging in self - assessment; making specific plans for continued growth and improvement; reflecting on one’s experience during the class; setting goals for continued learning and growth in preaching after completion of the class. This course will emphasize preaching for funerals, weddings, and special occasions..

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course students will have demonstrated (1) competence in biblical interpretation through faithful use of the whole canon of Scripture in proclaiming the gospel; (2) capacities for engaging listeners in preaching as a formative activity in the context of worship; (3) an understanding of how the theology of the Church and its historical developments, including the practice of preaching, inform the proclamation of the gospel in the present; and (4) competence in preaching as a theologically reflective practice that serves the Church’s vocation of proclaiming the gospel in the whole of life.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will address the content and interpretation of the OT/NT in its historical and contemporary context, which is consistent with MDiv PLO 1: “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries” and MDiv PLO 3: “Students will have demonstrated capacities for being theologically reflective practitioners for Christian ministries.”

COURSE FORMAT: The class is conducted online for the equivalent of 40 instructional hours (160 total hours of course work) and includes posts and video presentations by the professor, class discussion, individual and collaborative learning activities, required reading and written responses, and the preparation and preaching of three (3) sermons to listening groups comprising a minimum of 5 members(or to a camera in the event of health restrictions). Sermons address the particular contexts of listening groups and are videoed and posted on the class Canvas site. Students receive feedback, evaluative comments, and guidance for continued learning and development from the listening group, class members, and the professor. Students engage in self-assessment and reflection after preaching each sermon. In addition to online discussions following each sermon, students have the opportunity to consult individually with the professor through a variety of venues.

REQUIRED READING: 600 pages required:

Alcàntara, Jared E. Learning from a Legend: What Gardner C. Taylor Can Teach Us About Preaching. Cascade Books, 2016. ISBN 978-1-4982-2609-7, Pub. Price $16.91 [133 pp.]

Gibson, Scott M. Preaching Points: 55 Tips for Improving Your Pulpit Ministry. Lexham Press, 2016. ISBN 9781683592082, Pub. Price $9.99 (123 pp.]

Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. 3rd Ed. Westminster/John Knox Press, 2016. ISBN 978-0664261429, Pub. Price $35.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [244 pp; 150 pp. assigned]

McKenzie, Alyce. Making a Scene in the Pulpit: Vivid Preaching for Visual Listeners. Westminster John Knox, 2018. ISBN 978-0664261566, Pub. Price $25.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library and also available as an e-book on Amazon.com. [169 pp; 110 pp. assigned]

Westberg, Granger E. Good Grief: A Companion for Every Loss. Fortress Press, 2019. ISBN 978-1-5064-5447-4, Pub. Price $5.29 [91 pp.]

RECOMMENDED READING:

Chapell, Bryan. The Hardest Sermons You’ll Have to Preach: Help from Trusted Preachers for Tragic Times. Zondervan, 2011. ISBN 978-0310331216.

Long, Thomas. Accompany Them with Singing: A Guide for the Christian Funeral. Westminster John Knox, 2009. ISBN 978-0664233198.

Readings on preaching for weddings and funerals, and several special occasion sermons will be placed on E-Reserves for reading or linked to for watching.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Preaching Autobiography: In a 5-7 minute video posted to Canvas the first week of class, you will introduce yourself (where you live, family, time at Fuller, interests, etc.) and reflecting on 1) your experience of preaching – what’s hardest and most joyful for you, as a student and a listener; 2) your hopes and goals for the class; and 3) your understanding of the ministry of the Word as a form of leadership that serves God’s mission, particularly for occasions such as weddings, funerals, and special occasions (2%). You will also respond to the videos of your discussion group [This assignment is related to outcome # 4]. [3 hours].
2. A minimum of 600 pages of required reading (12%). [This assignment is related to outcomes # 1, 2, 3, 4] and will be assessed in six 200-word forum posts worth 2 points each. [36 hours].
3. Preach a special occasion sermon and provide an essay that includes assessment with theological reflection (2 parts): (a) Prepare, preach, and post the sermon. Submit notes on biblical interpretation and personal reflections (12%). Exegetical work should emphasize interpreting texts within the whole biblical canon for proclaiming the gospel (6%). (b) Write a 500-word assessment that reflects theologically on the sermon in light of the course objectives, the student’s vocational plans to serve the ministry of the Word, and the church’s calling to proclaim the gospel in all of life (8%). [This assignment is related to outcomes # 1, 2, 4]. [26 hours].
4. Prepare, preach and post two (2) sermons - one wedding and one funeral, providing exegetical/preparatory notes and self-assessment.

1. Sermons: 4 pp., 12% each x2=24% of grade
2. Exegetical/preparatory Notes: 3-4 pp., 6% each x2= 12% of grade
3. Self-evaluations with theological reflection: 1 p., 4% each x2= 8% of grade

(22 total points per sermon = 44%). [This assignment is related to outcomes #1, 2, 4]. [54 hours].

5. Participate actively via online peer reviews of 3 sermons each time (150 words per sermon). (10%). [This assignment is related to outcomes # 1, 2, 3, 4]. [36 hours].
6. Final Reflection. Write a 1200 word final paper that reflects theologically on: (1) your experience in the class, with reflection on the readings and goals for continued growth in the practice of preaching; (2) your vocational plans to serve God’s mission through the ministry of the Word, including theological reflection on the particular challenges, opportunities and characteristics of your anticipated ministry context(s); and (3) one thing you always want to do in a wedding sermon, one thing you never want to do in a funeral sermon, and one deepened conviction about preaching for special occasions. (6%). [This assignment is related to outcome # 4]. [5 hours].

PREREQUISITES: PR500. It is recommended that students take preaching courses towards the end of their program. Students must be able to gather a listening group of at least 5 people for each sermon that will be delivered (or preach to a camera in the event of health restrictions).

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the P1 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets the core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN2) 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. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.