DESCRIPTION: Along with providing practical experience in preaching and sermon preparation, this course is designed to promote variety in text-based preaching. Thus, a selection of designs, genres of biblical literature, and occasions will be among the criteria assigned for particular sermons. The class will be limited to a maximum of nine students. Each student will preach twice during the quarter. Each sermon will be evaluated and discussed by class members under the direction of the instructor. All sermons will be recorded on video tape.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Goals for this practicum include (1) that students would grow both in their conviction that the biblical text is the proper foundation for preaching and in their skill in unfolding the biblical text in a way that is compelling to hearers; (2) that they might increase their skills in framing content in a coherent and interesting way, with particular attention to preaching the whole counsel of God and to using varied sermon designs; (3) that they might improve their delivery skills; and (4) that they might gain acuity in evaluating both their own preaching and that of others.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The spoken word remains a primary means of communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ. Preaching is an essential element in the ministry of the church; and skill in preaching is expected of the great majority of those called to pastoral positions, as well as of evangelists and many other servants of Christ.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for a two-hour period each week. The first part of each meeting will be spent in worship, where two sermons will be preached by members of the class. The class will then move to informal surroundings, where discussion of the sermons will take place in a relaxed atmosphere. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory. If the class is over-subscribed, the first two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session.

REQUIRED READING: Weekly exegetical reading relating to the texts to be preached upon.

RECOMMENDED READING: Students are expected to be familiar with texts assigned in PR500, or with equivalent standard works on preaching.

ASSIGNMENTS: Two sermons preached during the quarter, with outlines and complete bibliography submitted in writing. Each sermon accounts for 50% of the grade. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Students who miss more than two class sessions will not receive a passing grade.

PREREQUISITES: PR500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.