DESCRIPTION:

This four-unit seminar is designed to deepen the theological insights of preaching students and sharpen the creative skills that relate to their homiletical work. Special attention will be given to creativity in use of language in preaching and in the development of the sermon's form. It is intended for students who have already shown special aptitude for the preaching ministry. Enrollment will not exceed fifteen students and will require the instructor's permission.

Preaching continues, even in contemporary culture, to be the church's chief means of proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ. It is also an essential element of ministry in today's church. Parish pastors are expected to know how to preach and to p[reach well. This course will assist students in their growth as effective preachers and as creative interpreters of the gospel message. It is designed to aid students in the knowledge of their craft and the effective use of their whole person as a vehicle for proclamation.

The seminar will meet for two hours twice weekly for instruction, discussion, presentation of sermons and creative preaching assignments, and evaluation.

Jacks, G. Robert. Just Say the Word: Writing for the Ear. Eerdmans, 1996.

Childers, Jana. Performing the Word. Abingdon, 1998.

Duck, Ruth. Finding the Words for Worship. Westminster John Knox, 1995.

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

Webb, Joseph. Comedy and Preaching. Chalice, 1998.

Course reader.

Students are expected to be familiar with texts assigned in PR500 or with equivalent standard texts on preaching.

Students will be responsible for reading assignment, in-class critique of sermons and assignments, a written critique and oral presentation on a poetic or hymnic work, a variety of creative writing assignments, the preaching of two sermons, and a group project involving the writing and presentation of a sermon in a creative form. Exegetical notes in preparation for all sermons will be handed in for evaluation.

PR500, and written permission of the instructor.

Meets M. Div. core requirement (4 units) in Preaching and Communication (MIN 2).

None.