PR500
DeChamplain
PR500: HOMILETICS. Mitties McDonald DeChamplain.
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. Proclaiming through word and example the good
news of God in Christ is the work of all the baptized, and so serious attention
to how and in what ways the gospel may be brought to life orally in our time is
essential to all ministers of the church--lay and ordained.
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:
- Brueggemann, Walter. Finally Comes the Poet: Daring Speech for
Proclamation. Fortress Press, 1989.
- Leech, Kenneth. We Preach Christ Crucified. Cowley, 1994.
- Pitt-Watson, Ian. A Primer for Preachers. Baker, 1986.
- Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster/John Knox
Press, 1989.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation and delivery of two sermons, including submission of a
brief or outline for each. Students will be asked, in addition to the required
reading and sermon preparation, to write a 10 page paper which develops a
theology of preaching. Grade will be based on the assessment of the second
sermon and on the paper. Attendance at the practicum groups is mandatory, and
grade may be reduced for unexcused absences.
PREREQUISITES:
- NE502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M.Div. core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN
2).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- None.