Spring 2008/Pasadena
PR525
Lamb

PR525: FOUNDATIONS FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING. Lisa Lamb.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to introduce students to the theology of preaching and to the art and craft of sermon design and delivery. We will discuss the character and spiritual formation of the preacher, the nature and theology of preaching, and the principles of sermon construction. The course will include two opportunities to preach sermons in a safe, friendly environment, with feedback from peers and experienced preaching group leaders. This course is specifically designed for MA students. It does not require the specific coursework in biblical languages and exegetical methods which are prerequisites for the PR500 Homiletics class.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will grow in (1) their knowledge of the biblical understanding of Christian communication; (2) their ability to interpret, apply, and proclaim the biblical text using both solid exegetical methods and disciplined reflection to craft sermons; (3) their ability to express biblical truth relevantly and clearly to a contemporary audience, and will appreciate more deeply the need to preach out of genuine love for their listeners; (4) their ability to deliver spoken biblical messages with confidence, creativity, clarity, and power; (5) 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 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 to DVDs), 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 twice weekly for two-hour sessions, but it may call upon some students to meet at alternative times to accommodate preaching practica groups and TA schedules.

REQUIRED READING:

Allen, Robert. Sermon CPR: Resuscitating Your Preaching Style. Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2005.

Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox, 1989.

Pitt-Watson, Ian. A Primer on Preaching. Baker, 1986.

Taylor, Barbara Brown. Bread of Angels. Cowley, 1997. (Selected portions.)

Course Reader.

RECOMMENDED READING: A list of recommended reading will be available in the syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Students will prepare and preach two sermons, the first of which is pass/fail, with 30 points for passing. (2) The second sermon will be worth 50 points (20 for exegetical notes and 30 for the sermon). (3) Students will write brief self-evaluations (10 points each). (4) Attendance and participation will be worth 20 points. Attendance at lectures and practicum groups is mandatory, and grade will be reduced for absences not excused. (5) Assignments also include five brief writing exercises (16 points each): (a) an exegetical exercise relating to your first sermon; (b) a creative writing exercise; (c) brief evaluations of five read sermons (from Taylor or others provided); (d) brief evaluations of five heard sermons (recorded or live); (d) a book report on the required reading. (200 points total.)

PREREQUISITES: At least one previous course in biblical studies is recommended, two or more is preferable.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course will meet the requirements for CO500 and CO503 in the MA in Theology Biblical Studies and Theology format and in any MA program requiring CO500 and CO503. This course meets the MIN2 requirement only for the MA in Pastoral Ministry.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (2/12/08)