Winter 2011/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 supportive 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 method that are prerequisites for the PR500 Homiletics class.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who have successfully completed this course will have demonstrated (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.

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), on which they will receive feedback from group members and the instructor. Each student will receive personal feedback by the professor on the two preached sermons. The class will meet twice a week for two-hour session.

REQUIRED READING:
Nieman, James and Thomas Rogers, Preaching to Every Pew: Cross-Cultural Strategies. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2001. ISBN: 0800632435. Price: $18.00. Alternatively, you may read
LaRue, Cleophus. The Heart of Black Preaching, Westminster John Knox Press, 2000. ISBN: 9780664258474. Price: 23.00.
Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox, 2005. ISBN: 0664229433. Price: $24.95.
Pitt-Watson, Ian. A Primer on Preaching. Baker, 1986. ISBN: 0801070961. (Out of print; if not available cheaply online, order from Fuller Bookstore Pasadena for about $8.00.)
Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Preaching Life. Cowley Publications, 1993. ISBN: 156101074X. Price: $17.95.
Several written sermons that you will be directed to find online, in syllabus.
Commentaries as needed to do thorough exegesis for two sermons.

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

ASSIGNMENTS: (200 points total)

  1. Our second class session, students will retell a story of Scripture, with no notes (5 minutes), for five points.

  2. Students will preach two sermons, each worth 35 points.

  3. Students will write self-evaluations of their sermons (10 points each).

  4. Attendance and participation will be worth 5 points, though penalty points may be assessed for persistent lateness or excessive absences.

  5. Assignments also include four writing exercises (25 points each):
    (a) evaluations of five read sermons (from Taylor and others provided);
    (b) evaluations of five heard sermons (recorded or live);
    (c) a book report on the required reading; and
    (d) detailed exegetical notes to accompany one sermon.

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. (October 2010)