Preaching:Principles and Practice             Diploma in Lay Pastoral Ministry  - Summer 2011

Facilitator: Ron Pyle, Professor of Communication Studies
Phone: (509) 777-4595         Email: rpyle@whitworth.edu

Seminar Goals:

God has chosen to use human messengers to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.  Stewardship of the high privilege of preaching demands our best.  The primary goal of this seminar is to encourage one another in the ministry of proclamation.  With appropriate diligence, each participant should be able to:

1. Articulate foundational Theological commitments out of which we proclaim.
2. Analyze the cultural and congregational context into which you speak.
3. Interpret Biblical texts for the purpose of proclamation.
4. Relate Biblical texts and listeners.
5. Use various structural methodologies to create a sermon that is focused and invites listeners to follow the meaningful flow of ideas.
6. Use resources in language that help listeners experience ideas.
7. Use voice and body for effective communication of a sermon.
8. Assess sermons, to provide helpful feedback to others, and to make productive adjustments based on that assessment.

Books:

Required:

1. Craddock, Fred.  Preaching.  Nashville, Abingdon Press, 1985.

Recommended:

1. Mitchell, Henry H.  Celebration and Experience in Preaching.  Nashville: Abingdon, 1990.
2. Stewart, Warren H.  Interpreting God’s Word in Black Preaching.  Valley Forge: Judson, 1984.

Methods:

            None of us can replace your experience and insight. Please come prepared to engage in conversation through which we all will teach and learn.  Ron will facilitate our content sessions around important issues in preaching.  To facilitate learning we will use readings, discussions, and written assignments.

A Tentative Timeline of Topics and Readings

Date                         Topic                                      Reading

Mon. June 13                           Orientation and Theology                                 Craddock ch.3

Tues. June 14                           Interpretation of Hearers and Texts                  Craddock chps. 5,6,7                                                                                                     

Wed. June 15                           Structuring the Sermon                          Craddock ch. 9

Thurs. June 16                          Using Language Effectively                                Craddock ch. 10

Fri. June 17                              Creativity/ Use of Voice and Body                    Craddock ch. 11

Post-Seminar Assignment:

The best evidence of learning is your ability to use the ideas we discussed.  Your post-seminar assignment is to write and deliver a gospel message.  Your message may be given to any appropriate audience.  Appropriate audiences range from congregations to youth groups to nursing home groups.  The only criteria I will impose is that your message should be focused around one or more biblical texts and be at least ten minutes in length. 

By October 28, 2011 please submit the following:

• An identification of when, where, and to whom you spoke.
• An identification of the biblical text(s) you chose and why.
• An identification of the structural method you chose and why.
• A copy (preferably) or at least a thorough outline of your message.       
• A single page reflection about what you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of the message you delivered.  In your reflection you are free to discuss any aspects you deem appropriate.  Among the areas to include in your reflection please comment on structure, style (language use), and delivery.