Spring 2015/Pasadena
PR511
Tweitmann
PR511: PREACHING PRACTICUM. (2 Units: 80 hours). Christopher W. Tweitmann.
DESCRIPTION: Effective preaching requires spiritual availability, sound exegesis, theological reflection, contextual insight, pastoral sensitivity, and communication skills. This course is designed to provide each student with two opportunities for practical experience in preparing, preaching and receiving sermon feedback. The evaluation and discussion of each sermon will include all class members and will be guided by the direction of the instructor. All sermons are to be original work not previously presented for credit in another class or for worship in church setting. Sermons will be recorded for later review and evaluation by the preacher.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Goals for students in this practicum are: (1) to grow in their understanding of and conviction of the biblical text as the proper foundation for preaching; (2) to increase their ability to unfold the biblical text in a way that is compelling to hearers; (3) to refine skills their skills in framing content in a coherent and interesting way; (4) to improve their delivery skills; and (5) to gain acuity in evaluating both their own preaching and that of others.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for two-hour sessions for a total of 20 hours of classroom instruction, including hearing and responding to sermons, and input from the instructor. The first part of each meeting will be spent in worship where two sermons will be preached by members of the class. The class will then move to informal surroundings, where discussion of the sermons will take place in a relaxed atmosphere. 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: Weekly exegetical reading relating to the texts to be preached upon.
RECOMMENDED READING: Students are expected to be familiar with texts assigned in PR500, or with equivalent standard works on preaching.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Two sermons preached during the quarter, with outlines, exegetical notes, and indication of the commentaries and other sources consulted submitted in writing (70%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #s 1, 2, 3 & 4] [56 hours].
Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Students who miss more than two class meetings will not receive a passing grade (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #s 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] [20 hours].
Students will complete a one-page self-assessment for each of their sermons. (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #s 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5] [4 hours].
PREREQUISITES: PR500.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the P2 requirement in the 120 MDiv program. Meets the MIN 2 requirement in the 144 MDiv Program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.