1. Students will engage in individual and group study regarding past great preachers.

Transcription

1 Great Preachers HM7040 Fall Semester, 2014 August 18 Dec 15 Archie Mason, D.Min. Dr. Archie Mason 3707 Harrisburg Road Jonesboro, AR (office) (Cell) COURSE DESCRIPTION: Great preachers and their sermons will be evaluated, using the universal principles of expository preaching developed in Sermon Building I and II. This course analyzes the types, structures, content, application, and styles of representative sermons; that we may learn from the preachers of the past, and apply those insights to preaching in the future. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/ COURSE OUTCOMES: 1. (Skill) Students will identify the principles and implications of selected past great preachers and apply those principles and implications to their own future preaching. 2. (Knowledge) Students will trace the history of Christian preaching from its New Testament origins to the present day. 3. (Analysis) Students will analyze the biographies of selected preachers over 2000 years of Christian preaching, identify and evaluate the sermon methodology, analyze the sermons for their type, structure, content, application, and style. METHODOLOGY: 1. Students will engage in individual and group study regarding past great preachers. 2. Students will read selected sermons (designated by the professor) of several past great preachers and discuss the text, style, and purpose of the sermon in class.

2 3. Students will examine the principles and implications of selected past great preachers and determine how they will be applied to future preaching. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: The Company of the Great Preachers Volume 1 by David L. Larsen (413 pages) The Company of the Great Preachers Volume 2 by David L. Larsen (479 pages) A Concise History of Preaching by Scott Wilson (196 pages) COURSE REQUIREMENTS: 1. Class Participation 10% of Grade - Students will demonstrate commitment to personal growth by attendance and participation. 2. Reading Assignments 10% of Grade - Students are responsible to maintain and follow the reading checklist distributed in class. Completion of the daily reading assignment is necessary before each class. Students will prepare for participation by reading the textbook(s) thoroughly. 3. Book Review 20% of Grade - Students will write a two-page (single-spaced) book review of the textbooks Volume I-II, and a two-page (single-spaced) book review of the text book A Concise History of Preaching. Follow the outline contained in this syllabus. (Students will sign a statement that the textbooks have been read in their entirety. Students who do not read the textbook will not receive credit for this portion of the class grade.) 4. Papers 30% of Grade Students will research and write a 5-page paper regarding a past great preacher of their choice, and a 5-page paper regarding a present great preacher of their choice. Both papers will provide biographical summary of each preacher and why the student believes they are a great preacher. 5. Class Notebook 10% of Grade - Students will keep a ministry notebook containing all class notes, handouts, reports, book reviews, and is to be graded on thoroughness, neatness and usability. 6. Exams 20% of Grade Mid-Semester Exam; Final Exam CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students have a maximum of nine absences during the course term. Three tardy marks are equal to one absence.

3 LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Pastors should be responsible individuals. Assignments turned in late will receive a letter grade reduction in potential maximum grades for each day late. No material will be accepted more than one week after the due date without specific approval by the professor. CLASS CONDUCT: 1. All talking should stop when class begins. Students should be attentive to the prayer requests of other class members. 2. No one is to leave the classroom until the class ends unless it is an emergency. 3. Computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices may only be used for taking notes or other class-related activities. Surfing the internet, texting, tweeting, etc. are not permitted. Students who abuse this policy will not be allowed to bring such devices to class. 4. Class is not dismissed until the professor dismisses the class. 5. Students should exhibit a Christ-like attitude and demeanor at all times. 6. Due to the nature of the course, participation is imperative. Students are expected to be present, on time and engage in class discussion. Students should demonstrate responsibility by being prompt to class weekly. Students are expected to refrain from studying any other materials during class. 7. After a warning, points will be deducted from the student s grade for violation of any of the above rules. MEETINGS WITH THE PROFESSOR: I am available before and after class. You can me at amason@cbcj.net or text , or call my office phone

4 GRADING SCALE: Grade point averages are determined on a 12-point grading system. The grade point value of each letter grade is: A quality points per semester hour A quality points per semester hour B quality points per semester hour B quality points per semester hour B quality points per semester hour C quality points per semester hour C quality points per semester hour C quality points per semester hour D quality points per semester hour D quality points per semester hour D quality points per semester hour F 69 and below 0.0 quality points per semester hour

5 COURSE SCHEDULE: (Syllabus may change at the Discretion of the Professor.) Session 01 (Aug 18): Founder s Days Session 02 (Aug 25): The Gestation Period of Biblical Preaching Sermon Review Selected OT Prophets Session 03 (Sept 8): The Glorious Birth of Christian Preaching Sermon Review John the Baptist, Jesus Session 04 (Sept 15): The Infancy and Childhood of Biblical Preaching (A.D ) Sermon Review Tertullian, Irenaeus, Augustine Session 05 (Sept 22): The Adolescence of Biblical Preaching (A.D ) Session 06 (Sept 29): The Reformation Preaching Comes of Age Sermon Review Martin Luther, John Calvin Session 07 (Oct 6): The Ripening Maturity of Biblical Preaching in the Seventeenth Century Oct 9-13 = FALL BREAK Session 08 (Oct 20): Mid-Term Exam Session 09 (Oct 27): The Robust Das of the Puritan Pulpit Session 10 (Nov 3): Malaise and Revival: Preaching in the Eighteenth Century Sermon Review George Whitfield, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley Session 11 (Nov 10): Starbursts and Sidetracks of the Victorian Pulpit Part 1 Sermon Review Robert McCheyne Session 12 (Nov 17): Starbursts and Sidetracks of the Victorian Pulpit Part 2 Sermon Review D.L. Moody, Charles G. Finney Nov 21-Nov 30 = THANKSGIVING BREAK Session 13 (Dec 1): The Glory and Agony of the Twentieth-Century Preaching Part 1 Sermon Review R.A. Torrey Session 14 (Dec 8): The Glory and Agony of the Twentieth-Century Preaching Part 2 Sermon Review Billy Sunday, Billy Graham Session 15 (Dec 15): Final Exam Christmas Break December 18-January 19, 2015

6 READING & ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST: (Reading and Assignments may change at professor s discretion.) Session 01 (Aug 18): MABTS Founders Days Session 02 (Aug 25): Chapter 1 Session 03 (Sept 8): Chapter 2 Session 04 (Sept 15): Chapter 3 Session 05 (Sept 22): Chapter 4 Session 06 (Sept 29): Chapter 5 Session 07 (Oct 6): Chapter 6 First Paper Due Oct 9-13 = FALL BREAK Session 08 (Oct 20): Mid-Term Exam Session 09 (Oct 27): Chapter 7 Session 10 (Nov 3): Chapter 8 Concise History of Preaching completed Session 11 (Nov 10): Chapter 9 Session 12 (Nov 17): Chapter 10 Second Paper Due Nov 21-Nov 28 = THANKSGIVING BREAK Session 13 (Dec 1): Chapter 11 Session 14 (Dec 8): Chapter 12 Book Reviews Due Session 15 (Dec 15): Final Exam Christmas Break December 18-January 19, 2015 Student Signature %

7 BOOK REVIEW WORKSHEET I. Identification/Theological Bio. List the title, author, and facts of publication. In addition, please give a brief bio that focuses on the books written by the author, the achievements of the author, and the theological persuasion of the author. II. Thesis. In one paragraph, please give a brief statement of the main idea and conclusion. III. Summary. Give a 3/4-page summary of the contents of the book. Keep in mind the author s purpose in writing. IV. Evaluation. One page or more, include the following: A. How successful was the author in achieving his purpose? B. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book? 1. Literary Form 2. Persuasiveness 3. Comprehensibility 4. Treatment of Scripture 5. Biases C. What is your opinion of the book? D. Write additional comments you wish to make in evaluating the book that add to your report.

8 SERMON REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION 1. Is the sermon topical, textual, or expository? 2. What is the CIT of the sermon and how does it relate to the text? 3. Is the sermon inductive or deductive form? What does the form and its development reveal about the preacher and the hearers? 4. What is the purpose of the sermon? How is the purpose achieved? 5. How does the sermon relate to the text? 6. What is the structure of the sermon? How do the major divisions develop the biblical text? 7. Does the sermon define and explain the theological terms and ideas expressed in the biblical text? 8. Are the illustrations used in the sermon appropriate and helpful? 9. Is the sermon application clear and specific? Is the hearer advised what to believe and how to behave? Does the main application come directly from the biblical text?

9 SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY Broadus, John A. On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. San Francisco: Harper and Row, Bryson, Harold. Expository Preaching. Nashville: Broadman, Carswell, Roger. How Small a Whisper: 21 Evangelistic Sermons for Contemporary Preaching. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, Chapell, Bryan. Christ-Centered Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker, Dargan, Edwin Charles. A History of Preaching: Volume 1.Ulan Press A History of Preaching: Volume 2. Ulan Press Edwards, O.C. A History of Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon Press Lischer, Richard. The Company of Preachers: Wisdom on Preaching, Augustine to the Present. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Old, Hughes Oliphant. The Reading and Preaching of the Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, Volume 1: The Biblical Period. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Volume 2, The Patristic Age. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Volume 3: The Medieval Church. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Volume 4, The Age of the Reformation. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Volume 5: Moderatism, Pietism, and Awakening.. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Volume 6: The Modern Age. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Volume 7, Our Own Time. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Pinson, Clyde E; William M. Fant. A Treasury of Great Preaching: 13 Volumes. Dallas: Word Publishing

10 Robinson, Haddon. Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker, Stott, John. Between Two Worlds: The Challenge of Preaching Today. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Wilson, Paul Scott. Concise History of Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon Press