Preaching the Word (DP9075L)

Postgraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This unit offers a comprehensive treatment on the theology, nature and function of preaching in the Christian church; sermon exegesis and meditation; writing sermon outlines, manuscripts, and children’s addresses and their competent delivery.

Unit code: DP9075L

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically analyse the nature and function of the sermon
2.

Integrate insightful biblical exegesis in the task of preaching
3.

Integrate a nuanced understanding of the function of law and gospel in preaching
4.

Critically reflect on the biblical text from the perspective of lived experience and relate the Word to various ministry contexts
5.

Communicate in a clear, engaging and accessible manner

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: At least 18 points in Field B and in the discipline of Systematic Theology (CT)

Pedagogy

This unit is underpinned by teaching practices and strategies (e.g. seminar style workshopping, impromptu speaking, class exercises (focussing on practising skills and methods), class presentations and discussions with students coaching and providing feedback to one another) which encourage student engagement and participation in a variety of learning tasks and opportunities which foster deep learning.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Brueggemann, Walter. Finally Comes the Poet: Daring Speech for Proclamation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1989.
  • Childers, Jana (ed.). Birthing the Sermon: Women Preachers on the Creative Process. St Louis, MO: Chalice Press, 2001.
  • Giver-Johnston, Donna. Writing for the Ear, Preaching from the Heart. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2021.
  • Hannan, Shauna K. The Peoples' Sermon: Preaching as a Ministry of the Whole Congregation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2022.
  • Hogan, Lucy Lind. Graceful Speech. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009
  • Lewis, Karoline M. A Lay Preacher’s Guide : How to Craft a Faithful Sermon. Working Preacher, vol. 4. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2020.
  • Lischer, Richard. The End of Words: The Language of Reconciliation in a Culture of Violence. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005.
  • Pless, John T. Handling the Word of Truth: Law and Gospel in the Church Today. St Louis, MO: Concordia, 2004.
  • Thompson, Lisa L. Preaching the Headlines: Possibilities and Pitfalls. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2021.
  • Troeger, Thomas H., and H. Edward Everding, Jr. So that all Might Know: Preaching that Engages the Whole Congregation. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2008.
  • Wilson, Paul Scott. Four Pages of the Sermon: A Guide to Biblical Preaching. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 2018.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Homily/Sermon

Trial Sermon

 1000 15.0
Essay

Contextual Exegesis

 1500 25.0
Portfolio

Sermon preparation materials, professional feedback and reflection

 3000 60.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 18 Sep, 2024

Unit record last updated: 2024-09-18 08:09:17 +1000