PR500
Shuster
PR500: HOMILETICS. Marguerite Shuster.
DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to give a general introduction to the theology of
preaching and to the art and craft of sermon design and delivery. The person of
the preacher, the nature of preaching, and principles of sermon construction
will be discussed.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
The spoken word remains a primary 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
The course has both lecture and practicum components. After the first two
weeks, one of the two two-hour sessions each week will be spent in a small
group of students led by a teaching assistant under the direction of the
professor. In these groups students will preach two sermons (both videotaped),
on which they will receive feedback from group members and the teaching
assistant. Only the second sermon will count toward the grade. It will be
evaluated by the professor.
REQUIRED READING:
Pitt-Watson, Ian. A Primer for Preachers. Baker, 1986.
Strunk Jr., William, and White, E. B. Elements of Style, 3rd ed.
Macmillan, 1979. (selected portions)
and one of the following:
Broadus, John A. On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, 4th ed.
Harper San Francisco, 1979.
Chapell, Bryan. Christ-centered Preaching. Baker, 1994.
Craddock, Fred B. Preaching. Abingdon, 1985.
Stott, John R. W. Between Two Worlds. Eerdmans, 1982.
and one of the following:
Buttrick, David. Homiletic. Fortress, 1987. (Part I only)
Davis, H. Grady. Design for Preaching. Fortress, 1958.
Greidanus, Sidney. The Modern Preacher and the Ancient Text. Eerdmans,
1989.
Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox,
1989.
Sangster, W. E. The Craft of Sermon Construction. Zondervan, 1993
[and The Craft of Sermon Illustration (this volume is out of
print, but both volumes will be on reserve in library)].
Spurgeon, Charles. Lectures to My Students, 2nd ed. Zondervan,
1979.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Preparation and preaching of two sermons, including submission of a brief or
outline for each. Reading of Pitt-Watson, parts of Strunk & White, and two
other selected texts, with brief (2-3 page) written reactions to the selected
works. Several short, written exercises related to topics treated in lectures.
Grade will be based on written assignments and the professor's assessment of
the second sermon. Attendance at the practicum groups is mandatory, and grade
may be reduced for unexcused absence.
PREREQUISITES:
NE 502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
Meets M. Div. core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
None.