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.

Unit code: DP9015L

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Australian Lutheran College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Prepare sermons that reflect an understanding of the nature and function of the sermon

2.

Demonstrate advanced skills in moving from biblical exegesis to preaching for various contexts

3.

Facilitate the function of law and gospel in preaching

4.

Engage the text from the perspective of lived experience and relate the Word to the various ministry situations

5.

Communicate in a clear, engaging and accessible manner

Unit sequence

Course relationship: A level 9 unit in postgraduate theology and ministry courses

Prerequisites: At least 24 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

  • Birkholz, Mark W., Jacob Corzine, and Jonathan Mumme, eds. Feasting in a famine of the word: Lutheran preaching in the twenty-first century. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2016.
  • Brueggemann, Walter. Finally comes the poet: daring speech for proclamation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 1989.
  • Hannan, Shauna K. The Peoples' Sermon: Preaching as a Ministry of the Whole Congregation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2022.
  • Jensen, Richard A. Envisioning the word: the use of visual images in preaching [with CD-ROM]. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2005.
  • 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.
  • Strawn, Brent A. Honest to God Preaching: Talking Sin, Suffering, and Violence. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress, 2021.
  • Wilson, Paul Scott. Preaching and homiletical theory. St Louis, MO: Chalice, 2004.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Forum

Class and reading based discussion forum

2500 25.0
Skill Demonstration 1000 15.0
Essay

A critical response on the nature and importance of a proper distinction between law and gospel in preparing the sermon and preaching

1500 20.0
Portfolio 3000 40.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 13 Sep, 2022

Unit record last updated: 2022-09-13 08:56:20 +1000