DESCRIPTION: This preaching practicum is designed to give students experience
in preaching messages which are delivered with minimal or no reliance on
manuscript or notes. Enrollment will be limited to eight students. Each will
preach two sermons during the course. All sermons will be videotaped. Some of
the sessions will include lecture and discussion; other sessions will involve
preaching and class feedback.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course objectives for this practicum build on the
objectives for all preaching practica--that students should learn to prepare
and deliver biblical messages which are faithful to the text of scripture and
effective as a personal communication of the gospel. Students would grow in
their understanding of the differences between written communication and spoken
communication. Students would grow in their understanding of both the
possibilities and the pitfalls of preaching without notes. Students would grow
in their ability to prepare sermons in a way which would allow the preacher to
fully attend to the listeners rather than to written notes or manuscript. The
goal is increased interaction between the speaker and the listeners, and a more
effective presentation of the truth.
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. Preaching without relying on written notes can
increase interaction and effectiveness.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for a two-hour period each week. Two of the
sessions will be devoted to orientation, lecture, discussion and class
exercises. Eight of the sessions will be devoted to preaching messages without
notes followed by discussion. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory,
including the first class session. If the class is over-subscribed, the first
two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session.
REQUIRED READING: