Spring 2003/Pasadena
PR500
Schmit
PR500: HOMILETICS. Clayton J. Schmit.
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 principles of sermon
construction will be discussed.
RELEVANCE FOR 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 practical
component involves small groups of students led by teaching assistants under
the direction of the professor. In these groups students will preach two
sermons (both videotaped), 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. The class will meet twice
weekly for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Allen, Ronald, ed. Patterns of Preaching. Chalice, 1998.
(Selected portions.)
- Lischer, Richard. A Theology of Preaching. Parthenon/Labyrinth,
1992.
- Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox,
1989.
- Taylor, Barbara Brown. Bread of Angels. Cowley, 1997. (Selected
portions.)
- Course Reader: Multicultural Preaching.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Bartlett, David. Between the Bible and the Church. Abingdon,
1999.
- Bartow, Charles. The Preaching Moment. Kendall/Hunt, 1995.
- Buttrick, David. Homiletic. Fortress, 1987. (Part I only.)
- Craddock, Fred B. Preaching. Abingdon, 1985.
- Davis, H. Grady. Design for Preaching. Fortress, 1958.
- Greidanus, Sidney. The Modern Preacher and the Ancient Text.
Eerdmans, 1989.
- Lischer, R. and W. Willimon, eds. Concise Encyclopedia of Preaching.
Westminster John Knox, 1995.
- Long, Thomas and Cornelius Plantinga. A Chorus of Witnesses.
Eerdmans, 1994. (Selected portions.)
- Lowry, Eugene. The Sermon: Dancing on the Edge of Mystery. Abingdon,
1997.
- Mitchell, Henry H. Black Preaching. Abingdon, 1990.
- Norén, Carol. The Woman in the Pulpit. Abingdon, 1992.
- Spurgeon, Charles. Lectures to My Students. 2nd ed. Zondervan,
1979.
- Stott, John R. W. Between Two Worlds. Eerdmans, 1982.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation and preaching of two sermons, including submission of
exegetical notes and manuscript for each. Reading of all assigned text
material. Several brief written exercises, including evaluations of written and
live sermons. Grade will be based on mid-term exam, written assignments, and
exegetical notes. Because the sermons in this class are presumed to be among
the student's first sermons, they will simply be graded as pass/fail. Though
not graded as to form, content, or presentation, they will be carefully
evaluated and discussed in class and with the professor. Attendance at the
practicum groups is mandatory, and grade may be reduced for absences not
excused.
PREREQUISITES: NE502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Preaching and Communication
(MIN2).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.