Details for Contemporary Preaching

This paper applies the foundational theological and biblical concepts of the first year of study to the craft of preaching. The challenges posed to contemporary preaching by our postmodern cultural context and the dynamics of mediating renewal of the mind through preaching are addressed.

Awards offering Contemporary Preaching

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry
• Diploma in Biblical Studies (Level 6)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This paper gives an opportunity to develop an understanding and practical application of communicating that has been learnt in the foundational theological and biblical units of first year. The unit addresses the relationship between exegesis and application, and contemporary communication theory and practice.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

1. Analyse both the contours of the biblical text and the needs of congregations in sermon delivery
2. Demonstrate an ability to exegete both text and culture
3. Explain different principles of communication and sermon construction. This includes consideration of other Christian perspectives and understandings
4. Apply a knowledge of contemporary tools of communication available to the contemporary preacher
5. Discuss the significance of the place of preaching both within the Pentecostal and wider church traditions 

Subject Content

1. The Three-fold Task: Understanding the Bible—Understanding the Church—Understanding Culture
2. Constructing a Sermon
3. Communicating to New Zealanders
4. Engagement with Maori oratory and whaikorero in public communication
5. Preaching, Technology and the Media
6. Sermons in Different Settings

This course may be offered in the following formats

Lectures, class presentations, discussions, web based interaction

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Sermons x 2 (25% each)

Reflective papers x 2 (25% each)

Prescribed Text

Sunukjian, Donald. Invitation to Biblical Preaching: Proclaiming Truth with Clarity and Relevance. Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic, 2007.

Representative References

Brueggemann, W. The Word Militant: Preaching a Decentering Word. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2007.

Chapell, B. Christ-Centered Preaching:  Redeeming the Expository Sermon.  Grand Rapids:  Baker Academic, 2005.

Coleson, J. (ed),  Passion, Power and Purpose:  Essays on the Art of Contemporary Preaching.  Indianapolis, IN:  Wesleyan Publishing House, 2006.

Day, D., Astley, D.  & Francis, L.J. A Reader on Preaching: Making Connections. Aldershot, England: Ashgate Publishers, 2004

Elliott, M.B. Creative Styles of Preaching. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000.

Florence, A.C. “A Prodigal Preaching Story and Bored to Death Youth.” Theology Today 64:2(2007):233-243

Johnston, G.M. and Robinson, W. Preaching to a Postmodern World : A Guide to Reaching Twenty-First Century Listeners. Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Book House. 2001.

McClure, J. S. Listening to Listeners: Homiletical Case Studies. St Louis: Chalice Press, 2004.

Miller, C. Preaching:  The Art of Narrative Exposition.  Grand Rapids:  Baker, 2006.

Pasquarello III, M.  Christian Preaching:  A Trinitarian Theology of Proclamation.  Grand Rapids:  Baker Academic, 2008.

Robinson, H.W. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001.

Schmidt, J.A. “The Art of Artful Preaching.” Clergy Journal 84:2(2007):11-13.

Webb, J.M. Preaching for the Contemporary Service.  Nashville TN:  Abingdon Press, 2006.

Wilson, P.S. Preaching and Homiletical Theory. St Louis: Chalice Press, 2004.

Journals:

Clergy Journal

Homiletic

Interpretation