Spring 2013/Pasadena

PR523

Moore

PR523: CREATIVE PREACHING. Joy J. Moore.

DESCRIPTION: This four-unit course is designed to deepen the theological insights of preaching students and to sharpen the creative skills that relate to their homiletical work. Special attention will be given to creativity in the use of language, development of the sermon’s form, and issues relating to drama and performance in preaching. Issues relating to media use in proclamation will also be addressed.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: In the contemporary context, preachers must cultivate the craft of speaking so that listeners are engaged to hear with mind and heart.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The course seeks the following goals for each student: (1) Cognitive: theoretical knowledge relating to theology of preaching and aesthetic theory as foundations for imaginative preaching; (2) Affective: Deepened appreciation for the needs of the listener in the preaching process; Skills: increased capacity to use figurative and evocative language in preaching, enhanced presentational skills with multi-media, and ability to craft sermons in creative, as well as culturally and contextually relevant forms.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Students will prepare and deliver sermons for feedback, discussion, and self-evaluation. They will also be responsible for reading material, creative writing, performance assignments, and a final sermon project in which students prepare and deliver a sermon using multiple media forms. Class time will include guests and video presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

Childers, Jana and Clayton J. Schmit, editors. Performance in Preaching. Baker Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0801036132, $26.99 [256 pp.].

Eslinger, Richard. The Web of Preaching. Abingdon, 2002. ISBN: 978-0687012978, $28.00 [310 pp.].

LaRue, Cleophas. The Heart of Black Preaching. Westminster John Knox, 2000, ISBN: 978-0664258474, $30.00 [272 pp.].

Winter, Richard. Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment: Rediscovering Passion & Wonder. InterVarsity Press, 2002, ISBN: 978-0830823086, $16.00 [160pp.].

Moodle articles and viewing assignments.

RECOMMENDED READING: An extensive recommended bibliography will be available in the course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Read assignments and be prepared to lead in class discussion of material (800 pages). (15%)

2. Five Homiletic responses to assigned themes. (25%)

3. Prepare (including exegetical journal) and deliver 2 sermons in forms or styles new to the student’s experience. (30%)

4. FINAL project: produce and present for in-class critique and evaluation) a sermon with a multiple media component. (30%)

PREREQUISITES: PR500; permission of instructor.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).