Content

This unit examines traditions and practices of pastoral preaching. A particular focus will be the practice of sermon preparation and presentation, with an emphasis on developing “pastoral listening” skills, utilizing resources, and developing a self-critical faculty. Crafting sermons and the art of preaching are examined using both student-prepared and model sermons. Topics examined include: contextual preaching; theological underpinnings of the context; involving the congregation in preaching; plagiarism and integrity; the role of scripture, theology, reflection, interpretation, prayer and experience in preaching.

Unit code: DP9024S

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: Stirling College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Investigate different preaching methods and styles.

2.

Analyse and critically evaluate the role of reflection, interpretation, prayer and experience in preaching.

3.

Critically investigate and show an advanced understanding of what constitutes integrity in 21st century preaching.

4.

Construct and deliver a pastoral sermon.

5.

Critically appraise (and design ways to understanding) the meaning of pastoral preaching in different faith traditions.

Unit sequence

24 points in foundational units in each of Fields B, C and D

Pedagogy

The unit will consist of seminars, discussion and work groups and practical sessions.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Bodycomb, J Excited to Speak Exciting to Hear. Adelaide, Openbook 2003
  • Campbell, Charles L. The Word Before the Powers: An Ethic of Preaching. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002

  • Childers, J Birthing the Sermon. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2001
  • Copeland, J. E. Feminine Registers: The Importance of Women's Voices for Christian Preaching. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade, 2014
  • Craddock, F B Overhearing the Gospel. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2002
  • Erdman, C Countdown to Sunday: A Daily Guide for Those Who Dare to Preach. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2007

  • Johnson, P.W.T. *The Mission of Preaching : Equipping the Community for Faithful Witness. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic, 2015.
  • Keller, T. Preaching: Communicating Faith in an Age of Scepticism. New York, N.Y.: Viking, 2015.
  • Kim, E. M. Christian Preaching and Worship in Multicultural Contexts: A Practical Theological Approach. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2017.
  • Kim, E. M. Women Preaching: Theoloy and Practice Through the Ages. Rugene: Wipf & Stock, 2004.
  • Lamb, L. W. Blessed and Beautiful: Multiethnic Churches and the Preaching That Sustains Them. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2014.
  • Travis, S. ecolonizing Preaching: Decolonizing Preaching the Pulpit as Postcolonial Space. Eugene, Oregon: Cascade Books, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

1500 word theologically reflective essay on the practice of preaching

1500 30.0
Homily/Sermon

2 x sermons/homilies written and presented = 2500 words

2500 40.0
Journal

10 x 200 word reading reflections

2000 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 14 Oct, 2019

Unit record last updated: 2021-06-07 08:43:48 +1000