Winter 2008/Pasadena
PR500
Nason

PR500: HOMILETICS. Doug Nason.


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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow

  1. in their understanding of the biblical understanding of Christian communication;

  2. in their understanding of the Bible as the foundation and source of Christian preaching;

  3. in their understanding of the differences between written and oral communication;

  4. in their ability to prepare and deliver biblical messages clearly and relevantly to a contemporary audience; and

  5. in their ability to assess both their own preaching and that of others.

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 class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten weeks. 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 on video). Students will receive feedback from group members and the teaching assistant. Only the second sermon as evaluated by the professor will count toward the grade.

REQUIRED READING:
All students will read selected portions of each of the following books:

Allen, Ronald. Patterns of Preaching. Chalice, 1998. (252 pp., selected portions)

Robinson, Haddon, and Craig Brian Larson. The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching. Zondervan. 2005. (732 pp., selected portions)

Additional short readings may be provided during the course.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Preparation and preaching of two sermons, including submission of a brief or outline for each. Self-assessments will be turned in after each of the sermons. Brief reports on reading assignments will be prepared. In addition, there will be an independent study project.
Grading will be based on the second sermon as graded by the professor, self-assessments for both sermons, reading reports, the independent study project, and classroom participation. On-time attendance is very important at the lectures and the preaching groups. The overall grade may be reduced unless absences are excused and made up.

PREREQUISITES: NE502.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)