Content

The unit offers an introduction to the theology and practice of Christian preaching. It examines the nature of preaching in the context of Christian community and gives attention to such issues as adult pedagogy, speaker authority, listener response, gender and culture awareness, processes of creativity and public speech communication theory. The course will explore the process of sermon preparation and the dynamics of sermon delivery. This will include context analysis, selection and responsible interpretation of biblical texts and themes, the use of appropriate language, images, narrative and structures and attention to the particulars of voice, non-verbals and style expressed in presentation. In addition to interactive lectures and small group work, the presentation of sermons and short talks in class will give practical opportunity for learning through preaching and listening.

Unit code: DL2002W

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Liturgy

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Whitley College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Formulate a basic theology of preaching

2.

Articulate elementary principles of public speech communication theory and adult pedagogy

3.

Demonstrate a growing competence in preparing, delivering and evaluating sermons

4.

Discuss an appropriate treatment of biblical texts, images, narratives, structures, and delivery in relation to preaching.

Unit sequence

Prerequisite BN1001W and CT1001W (or equivalent)

Pedagogy

Lecture, Seminar, Group work, Online collaboration (class blog).

Indicative Bibliography

  • Alcántara, Jared E. The Practices of Christian Preaching: Essentials for Effective Proclamation. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019.
  • Carrell, Lori J. Preaching That Matters: Reflective Practices for Transforming Sermons. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013.
  • Childers, Jana (ed.). Birthing the Sermon: Women Preachers on the Creative Process. St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2001.
  • Clader, Linda L. Voicing the Vision: Imagination and Prophetic Preaching. Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 2003.
  • Florence, Anna Carter. Preaching as Testimony. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.
  • Johnson, Patrick W. T. The Mission of Preaching: Equipping the Community for Faithful Witness. Downers Grove IL: IVP Academic, 2015.
  • Kim, Eunjoo Mary. Preaching in an Age of Globalization. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.
  • Lucas, Stephen E.The Art of Public Speaking. 12th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2014.
  • Quicke, Michael J. 360 Degree Preaching: Hearing, Speaking and Living the Word. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2003
  • Stanley, Andy, and Ronald Lane Jones. Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books, 2006.
  • Wilson, Paul Scott. Preaching as Poetry: Beauty, Goodness and Truth in Every Sermon. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Two feedback papers (1000 words)

1000 30.0
Homily/Sermon

Sermon presentation (1250 words)

1250 25.0
Homily/Sermon

Sermon presentation (1250 words)

1250 25.0
Essay

Sermon collaboration exercises (1000 words)

1000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 2 Sep, 2021

Unit record last updated: 2021-09-02 12:21:27 +1000