Module THMN1341: Preaching 1: An Introduction to Preaching in the Contemporary World

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN1341: Preaching 1: An Introduction to Preaching in the Contemporary World

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• THMN1167, THMN2341, THMN2197

Aims

• To enable theological reflection on preaching in contemporary culture, and to build initial skills in preaching and apologetic approaches in the contemporary world

Content

• 1. Opportunities and challenges: The context of Western culture;
• 2. Building bridges: Apologetics today;
• 3. Thinking through your Preaching Ministry: level 1 seminar ‘Basic skills in Preaching’
• 4. Preaching in the Acts of the Apostles;
• 5. Reading culture and the local church setting;
• 6. Full of grace and truth: Engaging the Word with the world;
• 7. Imagination and preaching;
• 8. Building blocks of preaching: Level 1 Seminar Basic Homiletic Approaches:
• 9. Engaging with Culture: Level 1 Seminar, Preaching outside the Local Church Context
• 10. Sustaining an evolving preaching ministry.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, candidates will gain:
• a) conceptual understanding of the theology and methods of preaching in contemporary culture;
• b) a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities of contemporary culture as it relates to preaching in the context of a local church;
• c) awareness of the basic elements needed to construct a theology of preaching.

• a) an appreciation of the skills necessary to reflect on the effectiveness of preaching;
• b) initial skills in analysing and interpreting the biblical text;
• c) ability to select and apply appropriate methods and creative strategies to shape, evaluate and deliver sermonic content.

• a) development of communication skills:
• oral communication skills;
• skills in the structured presentation of information in written form;
• b) the capacity for independent thought and judgement, including the ability to critically assess the ideas of others and to reflect on their own performance.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Overall, sessions in this course combine a variety of teaching and learning strategies, incorporating:
• Lecture input: to convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject knowledge presented and offering opportunity for the modelling of subject specific skills by tutors.
• Seminars – to provide differentialition between levels 1 and 2 (See Indicative summary of course content)
• Plenary discussion: to give students the opportunity to engage critically with material presented by the lecturer, ask questions, and engage with the questions and perspectives of others.
• Small group discussions:
• to offer opportunity for developing and exploring questions relating to exegesis and homiletic strategy;
• to give space for students to hone basic preaching skills;
• to give students the opportunity to critically reflect on the strategy and effectiveness of other people’s preaching. Such peer review offers students a model of life-long learning and enabling others in the preaching ministry.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Write and deliver a 500-700 word dramatic monologue. Peer and tutor feedback.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University