DESCRIPTION: How can we come to better understandings of ourselves as
preachers and the patterns of handling the biblical texts that we have (perhaps
unwittingly) fallen into? One way is by being held accountable to those
historical voices that have helped shape the homiletical tradition not only
through their own preaching, but also through their explicit
reflection/instruction on the function and nature of the sermon and the
preaching event. Both St. Augustine and Karl Barth are held dear in many
circles of Western Christianity. But their approaches to preaching are
radically different. This course will use these two shapers of the homiletical
tradition as a sort of foil for ourselves by exploring what may be their
encouragements and critiques of the student's own preaching.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Goals for this practicum include (1) that students would
grow in their understanding of their own assumptions in sermon preparation and
delivery; (2) that they might increase their skills in framing content in a
coherent and deliberate way; (3) that they might improve their delivery skills;
and (4) that they might gain acuity in evaluating both their own preaching and
that of others in light of both their own experience as preacher/hearer and
their understanding of historical homiletical traditions.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions.
Students will prepare and deliver sermons for feedback, discussion, and
self-evaluation. They will also be responsible for reading material, reflective
writing, and a final sermon project in which students prepare and deliver a
sermon as a group. 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: