DP373.15 Preaching Master Class

Intensive unit for Master of Theological Studies

 

This unit builds on prior student/practitioner experience in preaching. It explores the fluidity of four major components of the preaching event: scripture, preacher, God and congregation. The function of narrative will be explored in dialogue with pastoral ministry and the ministry context and focus of Christian story. This unit aims to integrate theological reflection, narrative communication and consolidation of personal learning and teaching style.

Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an ability to communicate in a narrative form, consistent with personal style, from a text within a congregation setting
2. Understand, articulate and evaluate the methodological journey and creative process in communicating how text and context connect
3. Demonstrate an understanding and practice of alternative methods of communicating the same text for different contexts
4. Identify areas in preaching that require attention and develop ways of enhancing these areas
5. Integrate the creative process of crafting an embedded, contextual, narrative sermon in the time leading up to the preaching event.
6. Demonstrate a critical use of current literature addressing cultural studies, communication skills and contemporary expressions of faith.
 
 
 
Assessment:
3rd level BTheol
Pre-Intensive Reading Review (1500 words) 30% 2,3 (Intensive) Sermon Presentations and reflective review (1500 words) 30% 1 Integrative Essay (2000 words) 40% 4,5

Grad Dip and MTS
Pre-Intensive Reading Review (1500 words) 30% (outcomes 2,3,6)
(Intensive) Sermon Presentations and reflective review (2000 words) 30% (outcomes 1,6)
Integrative Essay (2500 words) 40% (outcomes 4,5,6)

Prerequisites: A primary degree in theology; four years of experience in ministry or equivalent Graduate: 45 points in theological study; engagement in a current ministry context.
 
Faculty:  Andrew Menzies
 
Offered: Early 2012 as a seminar intensive (5 days on 20 – 24 February -- Monday 1.00pm to 9.00pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Wednesday 9.00am to 9.00pm and Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm)

This intensive will generally have an interactive format incorporating plenary sessions, presentations, small groups, and experiential exploration of personal spirituality and creativity, using a variety of formats and a strong emphasis on learning by doing. The sharing of personal stories and experience among participants will be a key part of the pedagogical process.

Recommended reading    
* = set texts recommended for purchase
Craddock, Fred. Overhearing the Gospel. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2002.
*Craddock, Fred. The collected sermons of Fred Craddock. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 2011.
Edwards, Otis. C. A History of Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2004.
Green, Joel. and Pasquarello, Michael. Narrative reading, narrative preaching: Reuniting New Testament interpretation and proclamation. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2003.
Jetter, R. Joseph and Allen Ronald J. One Gospel, many ears: Preaching for different listeners in the congregation. St Louis: Chalice, 2002.
Johnston, Graham. Preaching to a postmodern world: A guide to reaching twenty-first century listeners. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001.
*King, Martin Luther. Strength to Love. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1963.
Lischer, Richard. A Theology of Preaching: The dynamics of the Gospel. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2001.
*Montefiore, Simon Sebag (Intro). Speeches that changes the world: The stories and recordings of the moments that made history. Millers Point: Murdoch Books, 2005.
Rose, Lucy Atkinson. Sharing the Word: Preaching in the Roundtable Church. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1997.
Stott, John. Between two worlds: The challenge of preaching today. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.