Winter 2007/Pasadena
PR501
Epps
PR501: PREACHING IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRADITION. William S. Epps.
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provided an opportunity to
systematically reflect on the culture and milieu in which preaching among
African-Americans developed and the effects that development has on shaping the
method and practice of preaching in the African-American tradition.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Objectives for this course are that students will
- become knowledgeable about the cultural milieu in which preaching in the
African-American tradition developed;
- increase their understanding of the evolution of preaching in the
African-American tradition;
- comprehend the correlation between life circumstances and biblical
applications; and
- be exposed to some models of African American sermon preparation and
preaching.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will assist in increasing awareness of the
correlation between cultural influence and communication, and it will share the
uniqueness of preaching in the African-American tradition. In doing so, it will
prepare and equip the participants to develop sermons that are biblically sound
and culturally relevant, as well as provide models for the way African-American
preachers develop sermons.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet for three hours a week for lecture,
discussion, dialogue, and preaching. Selected class gatherings will include
sermons presented by students.
REQUIRED READING:
- The African American Pulpit (published by Hope International
Inc., 1825 Riverdale Road, Germantown, Tennessee 38138), Summer 2004 and Fall
2004 issues, especially the articles "Preaching in the African American
Tradition," by Lawrence Carter, as well as the sermons.
- Moyd, Olin P. The Sacred Art: Preaching and Theology in the African
American Tradition. Judson Press, 1995.
- LaRue, Cleophus J. Power in the Pulpit: How America's Most Effective
Black Preachers Prepare Their Sermons. Westminster John Knox, 2002.
- Taylor, Gardner. Essential Taylor. Vol. 6. Judson Books,
2002.
- Thomas, Gerald Lamont. African American Preaching: The
Contribution of Dr. Gardner C. Taylor. New York: Peter Lang Publishers,
2004.
- Wilmore, Gayraud S. Black Religion and Black Radicalism: An
Interpretation of the Religious History of Afro-American People. 2d ed.
Orbis: 1983.
- A supplementary reading list will be made available upon
request.
ASSIGNMENTS: It is expected that each student will read the material and be
prepared to participate in the classroom discussions. Additionally, the
following will be required:
- Deliver one sermon in class.
- Review in writing The Sacred Art: Preaching in the African American
Tradition or Essential Taylor, vol. 6.
- A final examination covering the assigned reading materials and class
lectures.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets requirement for African American
Church Studies concentration in MDiv (multi-cultural studies) and the MA in
Multicultural Ministries.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.