LaRue, Cleophus. The Heart of Black Preaching (Westminster John Knox, 2000). ISBN

Transcription

1 1 COURSE SYLLABUS Preparing to Preach, PW604-DA-t-D UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Spring, 2014 Dr. Joni Sancken Office: # Phone: # jssancken@united.edu I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to help students begin to articulate a theology of preaching, to appreciate the contexts in which it occurs, and to explore the options available to them for both the preparation and the delivery of sermons. II. TEXTBOOKS: Required Reading: LaRue, Cleophus. The Heart of Black Preaching (Westminster John Knox, 2000). ISBN Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Preaching Life (Cowley, 1993). ISBN Wilson, Paul Scott. The Four Pages of the Sermon (Abingdon, 1999). ISBN Other articles, sermons, and short selections to be handed out in class or posted online. III. GOALS: The ability to proclaim the gospel effectively is a central skill for church leadership in the formation of disciples. This course will equip students with a basic knowledge of preaching, with an emphasis on using the biblical text faithfully as a foundation in the formation of Christian identity and Christian Witness. Students will design sermons that are theologically and contextually reflective, demonstrating an appropriation of the Christian heritage through an understanding of major theological loci appropriate to both the worship occasion and the congregation, while also demonstrating awareness of their own spiritual development characterized by mature self-acceptance and self-direction. IV. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: In order to demonstrate an ability to proclaim the gospel effectively as a central skill for church leadership in the formation of disciples, students will:

2 2 Use both narrative and propositional discourse as tools for contextual theology to effectively engage listeners as growing disciples. Explore a variety of sermon forms while employing a basic grammar as a means to better communicate the Word. In order to show their ability to engage with biblical text faithfully as a foundation in the formation of Christian identity and Christian Witness, students will: Perform scholarly analyses of biblical texts for the purposes of preaching, using historicalcritical, literary, and theological criticism. Recognize the multiple links biblical texts offer to connect with contemporary situations. In order to demonstrate an appropriation of the Christian heritage through an understanding of major theological loci, students will: Draw on the theological traditions of the church to teach the faith effectively. Operate theologically using trouble and grace as theological categories, both on vertical and horizontal axes. In order to demonstrate awareness of their own spiritual development characterized by mature self-acceptance and self-direction, students will: Reflect critically on their own preaching through reviewing video. Practice offering positive, caring, and frank responses to peers. V. TEACHING STRATEGIES: This course is a general introduction to preaching, emphasizing how to move from biblical text to God-centered proclamation of the gospel. While readings and class activities will explore a variety of approaches to the biblical text and consider historical, theological, pastoral, and creative aspects of preaching, we will focus primarily on one methodology that can be adapted to a variety of styles and forms. Face to face participation through preaching lab, self-reflection, and offering feedback to peers are essential to succeeding in this class.

3 3 VI. CALENDAR OF TOPICS AND READINGS: DATE CLASS ACTIVITY ASSIGNMENT Unit 1: Hour 1 Learning Needs Resource Introductions Introductions to the Course, class Assessment and Exegesis covenant. worksheet, do in for Preaching Hour 2 class Feb. 4 Images of the Preacher and purposes of preaching Feb. 11 Hour 1: Introducing Exegesis for Preaching Hour 2: The Theme Sentence and Sermon Unity. Read: Chapter on Exegesis from Practice of Preaching (moodle) Chapt. 1 The Heart of Black Preaching. Chapts. 1-3 The Preaching Life. Write: Short 2-3 page reflection paper where you describe your context of preaching. (see assignment list) Feb. 18 Hour 1: In-class discussion of Luke 13 Hour 2: Moving from Text to Sermon. Read: Wilson Four Pages, Chapter 1, 2 (prioritize 1) The Preaching Life, 4-7 Write: Using the questions from the posted chapter from Practice of Preaching, create an exegetical report for

4 4 Feb. 24-Mar. 1 Unit 2: New Testament Sermon Mar. 4 Mar. 11 Reading Week Hour 1: Preaching mini-sermon Hour 2: Sermon Form: Major Concerns and The Four Pages. Hour 1: 4 pages workshop Hour 2: Beginnings, Endings, Illustrations. Luke 13:10-17 Bring a draft of your exegesis paper to class for discussion. (see assignment list) Final Exegesis of Luke 13:10-17 due 5 pm. Submit in digital drop-box Read: Wilson, 3 LaRue 2-3. Prepare a minisermon (5 minutes) based on Luke 13 to preach to a small group from class. Begin exegesis for Sermon 2 Read: Wilson 4-7 Taylor, pt. 2 sermons: One Step at a Time and The Tenth Leper. Lost and Found Department. LaRue Appendix sermons: Unexpected Blessings, To Tell the Truth, and If Thou Be a Great People For each sermon note where you experience trouble and grace. (make notes for class discussion) Write: Brief reflection

5 5 paper on Sermon 1 (see assignment list) Work on Sermon 2 Mar. 18 Preaching Sermon 2 Read: Wilson, chapts Mar Reading week See assignment list for instructions for sermon 2. Preachers submit exegesis, theme sentence and major concern for each of the 4 pages by Saturday Mar. 15, 5pm. Apr. 1 Preaching Sermon 2 See assignment list for instructions for sermon 2. Preachers for this week submit exegesis, theme sentence and major concern for each of the 4 pages by Saturday Mar. 29 5pm. Previous preachers: After reviewing video, write reflection paper (see assignment list.) Apr. 1 Unit 3 Old Testament Sermon Apr. 8 Hour 1: Issues in O.T. preaching Hour 2: Means of Persuasion Read: Wilson, Chapts LaRue Appendix: Wright s sermon What Makes You

6 6 So Strong? O.T. sermon sample packet (skim-will use in class activity) Previous preachers: After reviewing video, write reflection paper (see assignment list.) Apr Holy Week Break Apr Easter Reading Week Apr. 29 Student Preaching Sermon 3 See assignment list for instructions on sermon 3. Preachers for this week submit exegesis, theme sentence and major concern for each of the 4 pages by Saturday Apr. 26. May 6 Student Preaching Sermon 3 Read: LaRue, 4 See assignment list for instructions on sermon 3. Preachers for this week submit exegesis, theme sentence and major concern for each of the 4 pages by Saturday May 3. Work on book review Unit 4 Preaching Special Occasions May 13 Hour 1: Preaching Weddings and Funerals Hour 2: Student Choice! (possibilities include preaching to children and children s sermons, preaching public or controversial issues, or preaching and Reading TBA posted on moodle or handed out in class.

7 7 May 20 technology/visual elements.) Student Preaching Sermon 4, Wedding or Funeral Sermon See assignment list for instructions for Sermon 4 VII: SEMINARY STANDARDS: A. Inclusive language United Theological Seminary has an official policy regarding the use of Inclusive Language. The policy may be found in the Seminary Catalog and further explained in the Student Handbook. If you have specific questions, please see the instructor. B. Academic Integrity Student integrity regarding all work assigned in this class is a basic expectation of the Seminary community. A detailed policy regarding what constitutes a violation of academic integrity can be found in the Student Handbook. C. Online Confidentiality One of the highlights of the online classroom is that students can draw from the experiences shared during class discussions and in written work. However, it is imperative that students do not share information that is confidential, privileged, or proprietary in nature. In addition, students are expected to honor the privacy and confidentiality of their classmates by not disclosing online conversations with those outside of the classroom. D. Statement on Disability Any student who may need accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Registrar s office. VIII: USING ONLINE RESOURCES: For information about how to access United Online and where to find help if you need it may be found on the seminary website at Help guides are also in the student computer lab and in the Student Handbook. IX. REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION: 1. Faithful attendance. 2. Timely completion of all readings, reflection papers, sermon preparations, and other class assignments according to the syllabus. No credit will be given for late work. All written work must be completed in order to earn a passing grade for the course. 3. The preaching of four original sermons, as assigned. 4. Responsible participation in class discussions and in peer evaluations of sermons.

8 8 ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE: Feb. 11, 5pm Reflection Paper: Your Context for Preaching Write a short 2-3 page reflection paper where you describe your context of preaching, using LaRue s domains of experience and/or images from the in-class powerpoint presentation. Name which domains or images are most prominent in your context, which images or domains feel most comfortable or important to you and why. Please submit your paper by 5 pm in the digital dropbox online. Feb. 18, 5pm (first draft ready for class discussion) Exegesis of Luke 13:10-17 Write a 3-6 page exegetical report on Luke 13:10-17 in which you Summarize your findings for the questions on pgs of Practice of Preaching (posted on moodle). 2. Provide a bibliography of commentaries and other resources consulted. Be sure to include among your entries three of the following (these will be on reserve in the library): Alan Culpepper, Luke (New Interpreter s Bible) Fred B. Craddock, Luke (Interpretation) Luke Timothy Johnson, Luke (Sacra Pagina) Sharon Ringe, Luke (Westminster) Robert Tannehill, Luke (ANTC) Please cite any insights, ideas, or language that is not yours. First drafts will be discussed in class and you are welcome to turn in your paper then, otherwise, please make any desired revisions and submit a final version in the online drop-box by 5 pm. Mar 4 Preach Sermon # 1 to small group The class will be divided into smaller groups for the preaching of sermon # 1. During our class time on Mar. 4, each group will meet, and each person will preach a five-minute mini- sermon on Luke 13: Mar. 11 Report on Sermon # 1 Write a one- to two-page report on your experience with Sermon # 1 in which you Describe what you learned about preaching by listening to the preaching of others. 2. Describe what you learned about yourself as a preacher. Name at least two areas of strength you see in yourself as a preacher, and also name at least two things you hope to improve as you work on your preaching.

9 9 Please submit online by 5 pm Mar. 18 or Apr. 1 Sermon # 2 (N.T. sermon) and Materials At least three days before the date you are assigned to preach (see dates in course calendar,) submit via online drop-box, an exegetical report on your assigned biblical text, using a format similar to the report on Luke 13, but also including your theme sentence and major concern for each page of the sermon. At the class session when you preach, turn in: 1. The Tiny Dog Now Is Mine for your sermon. 2. A full manuscript of your sermon. You need not use your manuscript when preaching, and you may make changes to your sermon at any time. Apr. 1 or 8 Reflection Paper on Sermon 2 After reviewing the video, write a 2-3 page reflection paper. Please comment on your experience of preparing and preaching, naming what went well, what didn t go as well, and what you would change if you could preach the sermon again. Please submit online by 5 pm. Apr. 29 or May 6 Sermon # 3 (O.T. sermon) Materials At least three days before the date you are assigned to preach (see dates in course calendar,) submit via online drop-box, an exegetical report on your assigned biblical text, using a format similar to the report on Luke 13, but also including your theme sentence and major concern for each page of the sermon. At the class session when you preach, turn in: 3. The Tiny Dog Now Is Mine for your sermon. 4. A full manuscript of your sermon. You need not use your manuscript when preaching, and you may make changes to your sermon at any time.. May 20 Sermon # 4 (Wedding or Funeral sermon) Sermon # 4 will be a brief (5-7-minutes max) funeral or wedding sermon, based on a biblical text of your own choosing and preached in relation to a scenario that will be assigned. At the class session when you preach, turn in:

10 10 1. Your theme sentence for the sermon. 2. A paragraph stating how you see the connection between your text, context, and the sermon. 3. A manuscript for your sermon. You need not use your manuscript when preaching, and you may make changes to your sermon at any time. Grading is based on the following: 1. Domains of preaching/images of the preacher reflection paper. 5% 2. Exegesis of Luke 13: % 3. Preaching Sermon # 1 and Reflection Statement 10 % 4. Sermon # 2 preparatory materials 5% 5. Sermon # 2 15% 6. Critical reflection paper on Sermon #2 5% 7. Sermon # 3 preparatory materials 5% 8. Sermon # 3 20% 9. Sermon # 4 15% 10. Class Participation, attendance, and peer sermon evaluation 15% 100% No credit will be given for late assignments. All written work must be completed to pass the course. X. STUDENT COURSE EVALUATIONS: It is very important for students to submit a course evaluation toward the end of the semester. Instructors do not see the student evaluations at all until after the instructors have submitted the students final official grades. Students should feel free to evaluate the course without any negative ramifications.

11 11 HOMILETICS BIBLIOGRAPHY: Special Circumstances: Aden, LeRoy H. and Robert G. Hughes. Preaching and God s Compassion: Comforting Those Who Suffer. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, Gibson, Scott M. Preaching for Special Services. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Hedahl, Susan. Preaching the Wedding Sermon. Chalice, Long, Thomas. Accompany Them with Singing: The Christian Funeral. WJK, General Topics in Preaching: Allen, Ronald J. Preaching the Topical Sermon. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, Bartlett, David L. Between the Bible and the Church: New Methods for Biblical Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon, Campbell, Charles. The Word Before the Powers: An Ethic of Preaching. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, Chapell, Brian. Christ-centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, Day, David. Preaching with All You ve Got: Embodying the Word. Hendrickson, Dykstra, Robert C. Discovering a Sermon: Personal Pastoral Preaching. St. Louis: Chalice Press, Anna Carter Florence. Preaching as Testimony. Westminster John Knox, Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The homily in the Sunday assembly. Catholic Church. National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishops' Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry, Gross, Nancy Lammers. If You Cannot Preach Like Paul. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Lischer, Richard. The End of Words: The Language of Reconciliation in a Culture of Violence. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2005.

12 12 Long, Thomas G. Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, Lose, David J. Confessing Jesus Christ: Preaching in a Postmodern World. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, McKenzie, Alyce. Preaching Biblical Wisdom in a Self-Help Society. Nashville: Abingdon, Lenora Tubbs Tisdale. Preaching as Local Theology and Folk Art. Fortress Press, Prophetic Preaching: A Pastoral Approach, Westminster John Knox, Webb, Joseph M. Preaching Without Notes. Abingdon Press, Cultural Perspectives: Black, Kathy. A Healing Homiletic: Preaching and Disability. Nashville: Abingdon Press, Greiser, David and Michael A. King, eds. Anabaptist Preaching, Telford: Cascadia, Jeter, Joseph R. Jr. and Ronald J. Allen. One Gospel, Many Ears: Preaching for Different Listeners in the Congregation. St. Louis: Chalice Press, LaRue, Cleophus J. The Heart of Black Preaching. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, Lee, Jung Young. Korean Preaching: An Interpretation. Nashville: Abingdon, Mitchell, Henry H. Black Preaching: The Recovery of a Powerful Art. Nashville: Abingdon, Celebration and Experience in Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon, Nieman, James R. and Thomas G. Rodgers. Preaching to Every Pew: Cross-Cultural Strategies. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, Smith, Christine. Preaching as Weeping, Confession, and Resistance: Radical Responses to Radical Evil. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, Women Preachers:

13 13 Bond, L. Susan. Trouble with Jesus: Women, Christology, and Preaching. St. Louis: Chalice Press, Fry Brown, Teresa, Weary Throats and New Songs: Black Women Proclaiming God's Word, Abingdon, 2003 Childers, Jana, ed. Birthing the Sermon: Women preachers on the creative process. Chalice Press, 2001 Rose, Lucy Atkinson. Sharing the Word: Preaching in the Roundtable Church. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, Imaginative Preaching, Technology, Preaching and the Arts: Blackwood, Rick. The Power of Multi-sensory Preaching and Teaching. Zondervan, Galli, Mark and Craig Brian Larson. Preaching that Connects: Using the Techniques of Journalists to Add Impact to Your Sermons. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, Troeger, Thomas. Imagining a Sermon. Nashville: Abingdon Press, Ten Strategies for Preaching in a Multi Media Culture. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996.