DESCRIPTION: This preaching practicum is designed to give students experience
in preaching on aspects of some of the great theological themes and in seeing
how doctrine addresses people's deep needs and questions. Enrollment will be
limited to nine students. Each will preach twice on assigned texts. All sermons
will be recorded on DVD and/or flash media.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: In addition to the goals for regular preaching
practica--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; that they might increase
their skills in framing content in a coherent and interesting way; that they
might improve their delivery skills; and that they might gain acuity in
evaluating both their own preaching and that of others--this specialized
practicum aims to help students to appreciate key doctrines of the church as a
critical component of a vital preaching ministry and to find accessible and
accurate ways of conveying Christian doctrine in preaching.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The spoken word remains an essential 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
hour will be devoted to worship involving the hearing of two sermons preached
by members of the class. The second hour will be spent in discussion of the
sermons and reflection on the theological themes they addressed. 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: