Preaching 1

Overview
In an information-rich context, seeking transformation through communication, not just transfer of information, can be a challenge. Add to that the ancient text we want to share, and the question is: how can we take ancient words into the modern world and have them impact people’s hearts?

This subject gives students practical experience preparing and delivering sermons, but more than that, it gives them the opportunity to learn how to make the Bible come alive to people. In this subject, you will explore the nature and purpose of preaching, the identity and calling of the preacher, theological and pastoral issues in preaching, as well as the methods and techniques of public speaking.

Students will have three to four opportunities to preach and receive feedback from peers as well as from an experienced preacher. They also have the opportunity to ask questions and develop strategies for sermon preparation.

As students learn to be themselves before God and the people they are addressing, they grow in their trust of God, not just in their public speaking skills. This is a vital subject for anyone wanting to learn how to better communicate God’s word.

Please visit the timetable by clicking here for current information on subject availability.

Subject Details

Mode	Online	On-campus
Workload	One semester, 12 credit points	One semester, 12 credit points
Status	Elective	Elective
Subject code	PC047	PC047
Prerequisites	48 credit points of foundational subjects	48 credit points of foundational subjects
Teacher	Mike Raiter	TBC
Reading List (Bibliography)	Online	On-campus

Content

Section A: An Introduction to Preaching

• Preaching as the ministry of the Word; preaching and teaching; preaching and liturgy
• The aims, forms and context of preaching; consideration of classical models
• Preaching and the preacher; the person of the preacher; the relationship between preaching and personal spirituality
• Biblical theology and its impact on the practice of preaching

Section B: Preaching in Practice

• An introduction to basic principles in exposition
• The components of a sermon, including introductions and conclusions, outlining, illustrations, applications, transitions, climaxes
• Methods and techniques of public speaking; contemporary methods in preaching

Section C: Field Work

• The preparation and delivery of portions of a sermon in class for critique e.g. introduction, illustrations
• The preparation and delivery of four sermons  – two in a local church, one in the classroom and for on-campus students, one in a Ridley chapel service

Study Expectations
In this subject, you can expect to be guided through a variety of weekly learning activities which are designed to develop your understanding of and skills in the topics covered in the syllabus. For online students, these usually include watching videos, reading, completing set learning tasks and contributing to online seminars and interacting with your peers. Students should allow 10 hours of study time per week for this subject.