LINDISFARNE REGIONAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP Durham University BA/Diploma/Certificate in Theology, Mission & Ministry Module Handbook TMM 1347 Introduction to Preaching 2016/17
Copyright notice This module forms part of the Durham University BA/Diploma/Certificate in Theology, Mission & Ministry. This module handbook has been prepared by and is owned by Lindisfarne Regional Training Partnership Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, electrostatic magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without permission in writing from Lindisfarne Regional Training Partnership Limited. January 2016
Introduction to Preaching Aims To give students an introduction to the theology, theory and practice of preaching. To enable students to apply their knowledge and understanding of Scripture, exegesis and hermeneutics to the art of preaching. To equip students with skills and knowledge to begin to develop them as reflective practitioners and as skilled preachers. Learning Outcomes By the end of this module the student will be able to demonstrate Subject Knowledge [SSK 2] Explore and discuss knowledgeably different approaches to preaching Subject Skill [SSS1,2,3] Use hermeneutical skills and biblical knowledge to draw out key ideas and questions from scriptural texts to shape preaching Demonstrate basic preaching skills and the ability to reflect on their own practice and that of others Key Skills [KS1,2,3,4] Identify, gather and evaluate source materials for a specific purpose Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to a given context, communicating their findings sensitively and respectfully. Carry out a guided task that involves: independent inquiry; management of time and resources; using I.T.; meeting deadlines; evaluating the task and learning from it. Recognise key issues in their own personal and professional development. Key texts The following are key texts for this module: Day, D., A Preaching Workbook (London: SPCK, 1998). Day, D., J. Astley & L. Francis, A Reader on Preaching (Aldershot: Ashgate, 2005). Day, D., Embodying the Word (London: SPCK, 2005). Lovell, G. & N.G. Richardson, Sustaining Preachers and Preaching (London: T&T Clark, 2011). Schlafer, D.J., Surviving the Sermon (Cambridge Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 1992). Stephenson, G., Pulpit Journeys (London: Darton Longman & Todd, 2006). Townsend, M.J., Thinking about Preaching (Peterborough: Epworth, 2007). 1
Further reading Brown, J., Transforming Preaching: Communicating God s Word in a Postmodern World (Cambridge: Grove Books Ev 86). Brown, R., Can Words Express our Wonder Preaching in the Church Today (Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2009). Brown, T.L.F., Delivering the Sermon (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2008). Childers, J., Performing the Word, Preaching as Theatre (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998). Craddock, F.B., Preaching (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1985). Durber, S & H. Walton, Silence in Heaven (London: SCM 1994). Guthrie, C.F., From Pew to Pulpit: A Beginners Guide to Preaching (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005). Lowry, E., The Sermon: Dancing the Edge of Mystery (Nashville: Abingdon, 1997). Noren, C.M., The Woman in the Pulpit (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1992). Overdorf, D., One Year to Better Preaching, 52 Exercises to Hone Your Skills (Grand Rapids, Kregel Publications, 2013). Schlafer, D.J., Your Way with God s Word (Oxford: Cowley Publications, 1995). Stephenson, G. & S. Wright, Preaching with Humanity (London: Church House Publishing, 2008). Stephenson, G., Pulpit Journeys (London: Darton Longman & Todd, 2006). Stevenson, G. (ed.), The Future of Preaching (London, SCM, 2011). Taylor, B.B., The Preaching Life (Boston MA: Cowley Publications, 1993). Tisdale, L.T., Preaching as Local Theology and Folk Art (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997). Townsend, Michael J., Thinking about Preaching (Peterborough: Epworth, 2007). Troeger, T., Imagining a Sermon (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1990). Content Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 06/03/2017 (N) 08/03/2017 (D) 13/03/2017 (NS) 15/03/2017 (D) 20/03/2017 (NS) 22/03/2017 (D) 27/03/2017 (N) 29/03/2017 (D) 03/04/2017 (N) 05/04/2017 (D) The Sermon Getting Started Introducing the Theory, Theology, Nature and Purpose of Preaching An Introduction to some of the Different Models of Preaching Some Approaches to Scripture A Look at Narrative Preaching From Page to Pulpit to Pew Rhetorical and Practical Strategies for Sermons Today Maintaining Preaching and Practical Skills Strategies for Preparation, Reflection and Sustaining Preaching 2
Assessment As well as attending all the sessions and contributing to the seminars, students are required to do and pass the following assignments for this module: Formative A sermon preached by the student and assessed by a tutor Summative (See further guidance below) Submission date: 15 May 2017 (N) 17 May 2017 (D) 1. Practical skills assessment: You are required to preach a sermon of not more than 15 minutes with a video recording of this that tutors will use to assess the sermon. Students are advised to watch the video and to use form LST 17 themselves as their own aid to answering the other parts of the formative exercise. (LST17 does not need to be submitted for marking.) 15 mins (40%) Video cameras are available; please contact the Lindisfarne Administrator in good time if you wish to borrow one. 2. Written rationale (1,000 words, 40%) and reflection (500, words 20%) The rationale should demonstrate that you have an understanding of the hermeneutical process in using the scriptures for preaching. You will also need to include a description of the process of writing the sermon outlining why you elected to choose the content, style and form that you did, in the light of the context. For the reflection please consider what you have learned about preaching through the process of preparing, delivering and receiving feedback on this sermon. In the written parts of your summative work the following will help you to complete the assignment. It is for guidance and is not exhaustive. Rationale How did you engage with scripture for this sermon? Personal prayer/reflection; commentaries; talking with others etc etc. Include reference to any other resources that you used and that influenced the process of preparing and delivering the sermon. Give a short account of the context of the congregation, including any significant issues that might have a bearing upon your sermon; How and why did you decide on the style of the sermon you preached? What illustrative material pictures, stories, analogies, allegories etc did you use and why? Please provide sources in a footnote. How did you choose to highlight the good news within this sermon? Reflection Watch your video and use form LST17 in preparation for this section 3
It is important to be appropriately critical in this section Reflect on your opening and conclusion and their effectiveness How well do you think you engaged with the biblical passages? What is your perception of how well you presented the sermon? Think here about your use of voice, posture, body langauge etc. Were there any unhelpful mannerisms? If you received any feedback from others how accurate/fair do you think it was? How did you respond to it (a) at the time and (b) after further consideration? How might the feedback you have received influence your future preparation and delivery of sermons? Also make sure that you reference the rationale and reflection sections of your work. Please ensure that you use the correct cover sheet for the summative work only one cover sheet is required for this this module (LCA9c Marking Cover Sheet - for Oral Presentations and Commentary). This can be found in the related files for this module on Courseway. 4
Introduction Preaching, in one form or another, is part of the worshipping tradition of many religions. Historically in the Church of England, it was restricted to those who had been specially trained and authorised to do this: they were the safe hands. For others, homilies were available that could be read but not altered. Preaching forms one of the key tasks for those in public ministry. It is integral to many acts of worship and should be something that enhances and integrates with that worship. For many people this is their major, or sole, exposure to the study of scripture in any depth. It still remains a powerful method of breaking open the Word to give it contemporary application. It fulfils the injunction that the Church is called upon to proclaim the faith afresh in each generation ; words that every licensed minister hears at the beginning of their ministry. Therefore it needs to be theologically accurate and engage people at a level that will allow the word of God to speak to them. In handling these concepts there also has to be an ethical use of the biblical material: it is not acceptable to force a text to say something that is does not say. To preach effectively requires a variety of tools and strategies. Though there is no longer a need to master all the older rhetorical methods as in the past, they still have something to impart to preaching today. The message is delivered with the whole personality; so voice, body and content have to be integrated in order to be effective. To that end critical evaluation of the text is vital, but so too is evaluation of the congregation: their needs, hopes, fears and preferred styles. There is a greater variety of preaching styles or genres now available for use so it is important to be aware of them while defining and refining each preacher s unique voice. Care in being faithful to yourself and the biblical text as well as the congregation is central to an effective preaching ministry. Preaching is, in fact, an event in which the preacher and the congregation build a relationship and share in the understanding of what God might be saying through human words. It is something that should be dynamic and appealing. To accomplish this task takes time and patience and application of a serious methodology. This module will begin to prepare you for that life-long learning which will become part of your preaching ministry. 5
Session 1 Session 1 The Sermon Getting Started Introducing the Theory, Theology, Nature and Purpose of Preaching Aims To introduce the theology, nature and purpose of preaching To discuss some fundamental aspects of homiletics To place preaching in its historical and contemporary context To reflect on the place and purpose of preaching in the 21 st century church Required preparation Come prepared to speak about: What the word preaching means to you What the word sermon means to you How you feel about formal preaching in your context of worship and mission? Outline content The Theology of preaching considering some aspects of: Biblical material, Images and aspects of modern culture and how to engage them How to make God s words real now The Nature of preaching Who do people listen to and why Making genuine contact What pictures of God do sermons convey today? The Purpose of Preaching Is this really God speaking where is the Good News Breaking open the word rebirth of images For further reading and consideration Long, T.G., The Witness of Preaching, 2 nd edition (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005). Cosgrove, C.H., Edgerton, W.D., In Other Words, Incarnational Translation for Preaching (Cambridge: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co, 2007). 6
THMN 1167 Preaching Session 2 Session 2 An Introduction to some of the Different Models of Preaching Aims To reflect on different models of preaching To discuss the relationship between different models and scriptural genres To investigate the effectiveness of some models of preaching now Required preparation Read several different Bible passages (history, parable, psalm, narrative etc) and note how the style varies and how this impacts on what is being said. Revisit some old sermons (yours or those you have heard) and reflect on how much variation in form you have experienced. Outline content We will: trace some recent developments in homiletical theory. There have been some significant changes in the way sermons are prepared, preached and experienced since the new homiletic was recognised. Some of these will be explored to see how they still impact on preaching now. discuss how biblical literary style impacts on preaching. Biblical material has a variety of literary styles. The question is to what extent can/should a sermon s style be influenced by or reflect the literary style of the biblical passage? examine the relationship between biblical genres and preaching models can we preach a lament the same as a prophecy? try a few simple examples (with tutor input) For further reading and consideration Long, T G., Preaching and the Literary Forms of The Bible (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1989). Saterlee, C.A., Ruth L., Creative Preaching on The Sacraments (Nashville: Discipleship Resouces, 2001). 7
Session 3 Session 3 Some Approaches to Scripture A Look at Narrative Preaching Aims To consider contemporary examples of story-telling To develop the skills of listening for the voices of preaching To consider some tools for effective sermon crafting To reflect on the experience of preparing, imagining and hearing sermons Required preparation Try to recall some memorable sermons why are they memorable? Read Genesis 18:1-15 Read Luke 8:26-39 How would you preach a sermon on these passages? Bring some outline pointers for discussion not a sermon to preach Outline content We all tell stories tutor input and discussion Remembering a sermon: discussion Introduction to Narrative Preaching Exercise and example: Luke 8:26-39 followed by discussion Genesis 18:1-15 Example: Pictures from Heaven and discussion Every picture tells a story Crafting a sermon tutor input and discussion For further reading and consideration Lowry, E.L., How to Preach a Parable, Designs for Narrative Sermons (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1989). 8
Session 4 Session 4 From Page to Pulpit to Pew Rhetorical and Practical Strategies for Sermons Today Preaching every week is a killer (Michael Quicke) Aims To give some simple strategies and rhetorical forms for use in preaching To help with self-reflection and other means of preparing to preach To give space to try some things out Required preparation Come prepared to share insights on: What helps you to remember what has been said What engages you in what you hear, e.g. words, rhythm, repetition etc What makes you switch off Outline content We will: take a brief look at the importance of Emotional, Experiential and Imaginative truth in preaching. Sermons make contact with people on many levels and all need to be addressed at some point; learn how to respond to scriptural voices and congregational voices and look at ways in which two exegeses can help in sermon preparation and delivery; look at the use of sermon purpose statements as a tool for preparation and as an aid to keeping a tight focus on what is being written and why; take a preliminary look at the importance of a sermon s form and function and at how the form of the sermon and the function it fulfils need to be aligned for maximum impact; map some processes of preparation tutor input; explore together some rhetorical devices for use in sermons. For further reading and consideration Lord, J.L., Finding Language and Imagery (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2010). Greenhow, D.M., Allen R.J. (eds.), Preaching Within the Context of Worship (St Louis: Chalice Press, 2000). 9
Session 5 Session 5 Maintaining Preaching and Practical Skills Strategies for Preparation, Reflection and Sustaining Preaching Aims To gain insights into skills that support preaching medium and long term To reflect on maintaining a preaching ministry To begin to build practical skills portfolio Required preparation Look back on some memorable sermons and examine why you recall them Who do you consider to be a good preacher and why? Outline content Delivery matters practical issues that require consideration and attention if the sermon is to have real impact when preached. Pulpit presence how the preacher is perceived and how they conduct themselves while preaching is important. We shall have a look at some practical tips, (dos and don ts ) that can enhance how the sermon is received. Self reflection on preaching and methods to help become more effective, reflective preachers. Sermon preparation aids where to find them, what not to do. Updating skills and effect use of time. The vital importance of prayer and spirituality. For further reading and consideration Guthrie, C.F., From Pew to Pulpit: A Beginners Guide to Preaching (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005). Childers, J., Performing the Word, Preaching as Theatre (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998). Brown, T.L.F., Delivering the Sermon (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2008). Lovell, G., Richardson, N.G., Sustaining Preachers and Preaching, A Practical Guide (London: T&T Clark, 2011). Overdorf, D., One Year to Better Preaching, 52 Exercises to Hone Your Skills (Grand Rapids: Knegel Publications, 2003). 10
LINDISFARNE REGIONAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP LST16 Preaching Evaluation Form for use by Tutors Name of Preacher: Place of sermon: Date: Length: Biblical texts: The Sermon What was the purpose of the sermon? Was the sermon appropriate to and did it engage with the congregation? Did the sermon appear to have been adequately prepared? Was the structure and order of the sermon clear and appropriate? 11
Was the language used appropriate? Was there a good, appropriate beginning and an effective ending? Was the sermon faithful to the Biblical text(s)? How did the sermon engage the hearer? Was there a challenge in the message that would encourage people? The Preacher Was the preacher audible with an appropriate range of voice, speed and tone? Was the language appropriate to the congregation, was there any unexplained or inappropriate jargon? 12
Did the preacher make appropriate eye contact with the congregation? Did the body language, facial expression and movements enhance or detract from the sermon? If humour was used, was it appropriate? Were any supporting materials used, and if so were they used appropriately? Did the congregation appear to be engaged with the sermon? Any further comments. Name of Reviewer Signature of Reviewer 13
LINDISFARNE REGIONAL TRAINING PARTNERSHIP LST17 Sermon Evaluation for use by Church Members A checklist for the listener. Please answer all the questions that you can, giving examples where possible. 1. How well did the preacher gain your attention at the start? 2. How well did the preacher engage with the biblical passage(s); where was the good news in this sermon? 3. How well was the sermon illustrated? Were appropriate everyday examples used? Did the preacher use story, anecdotes, real life incidents or other illustrations that helped you to understand the sermon? 4. Was the preacher audible? Did they vary their delivery, with regard, for example, to pace and voice modulation? 5. How well did the sermon relate to the concerns of the congregation and wider events happening in the world? 14
6. Did anything particularly capture your attention, either positively or negatively? Did the sermon retain your attention or cause you to drift off? 7. How well did the preacher conclude the sermon? 8. Is there one particular thing that stood out as being particularly memorable or helpful for you? 9. Is there anything you would encourage the preacher to change in relation to this sermon, or their future preaching ministry? 15