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.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks the following goals for
each student: Cognitive: theoretical knowledge relating to theology of
preaching, sermon design, and delivery; Affective: deepened appreciation
for the dialogical quality of preaching and the needs of the listener in the
preaching process; Skills: capacity to craft a sermon that engages the
biblical text, the context of the audience, theological issues, and the hearts
and minds of listeners; and to deliver it meaningfully.
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
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 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. Special Note: Given the strong
practical component of this course, it will be scheduled to meet for two-hour
sessions on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the appointed hours.
Students will individually not attend classes for more than the usual forty
hours during the quarter, but Fridays will be included in the schedule as
class or practica meeting times.
REQUIRED READING: