Fall 2009
FTX
PR525
Lamb
PR525:
FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING. Lisa Lamb.
DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to introduce students to the theology of preaching and
to the art and craft of sermon design and delivery. We will discuss the
character and spiritual formation of the preacher, the nature and theology of
preaching, and the principles of sermon construction. The course will include
two opportunities to preach sermons in a safe, friendly environment, with
feedback from peers and experienced preaching group leaders. This course is
specifically designed for MA students. It does not require the specific
coursework in biblical languages and exegetical methods which are prerequisites
for the PR500 Homiletics class.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES: Students will grow in (1) their knowledge of the biblical
understanding of Christian communication; (2) their ability to interpret,
apply, and proclaim the biblical text using both solid exegetical methods and
disciplined reflection to craft sermons; (3) their ability to express biblical
truth relevantly and clearly to a contemporary audience, and will appreciate
more deeply the need to preach out of genuine love for their listeners; (4)
their ability to deliver spoken biblical messages with confidence, creativity,
clarity, and power; (5) their ability to assess both their own preaching and
that of others.
RELEVANCE
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.
COURSE
FORMAT: The course has both lecture and practicum components. The practica are
small groups of students led by teaching assistants under the direction of the
professor. In these groups students will preach two sermons (both recorded to
DVDs), on which they will receive feedback from group members and the teaching
assistant. Each student will receive personal feedback by the professor on one
of the two preached sermons.
REQUIRED
READING:
Allen,
Robert. Sermon CPR: Resuscitating Your Preaching Style. Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City,
2005.
Eslinger,
Richard. The Web of Preaching: New Options in Homiletic Method.
Long,
Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox, 1989.
Pitt-Watson,
Ian. A Primer on Preaching. Baker, 1986.
Taylor,
Barbara Brown. Bread of Angels. Cowley, 1997. (Selected portions.)
Course
Reader.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
A list
of recommended reading will be available in the syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS:
(1) Students will prepare and preach two sermons, the first of which is
pass/fail, with 30 points for passing. (2) The second sermon will be worth 50
points (20 for exegetical notes and 30 for the sermon). (3) Students will write
brief self-evaluations (10 points each). (4) Attendance and participation will
be worth 20 points. Attendance at lectures and practicum groups is mandatory,
and grade will be reduced for absences not excused. (5) Assignments also
include five brief writing exercises (16 points each): (a) an exegetical
exercise relating to your first sermon; (b) a creative writing exercise; (c)
brief evaluations of five read sermons (from Taylor or others provided); (d)
brief evaluations of five heard sermons (recorded or live); (d) a book report
on the required reading. (200 points total.)
PREREQUISITES:
At least one previous course in biblical studies is recommended, two or more is
preferable.
RELATIONSHIP
TO CURRICULUM: This course will meet the requirements for CO500 and CO503 in
the MA in Theology Biblical Studies and Theology format and in any MA program
requiring CO500 and CO503. This course meets the MIN2 requirement only for the
MA in Pastoral Ministry.
FINAL
EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide
to the course design but is subject to modification. (07/09)