Module THMN2341: Preaching 2: Developing a Preaching Ministry in the Contemporary World

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN2341: Preaching 2: Developing a Preaching Ministry in the Contemporary World

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To enable theological reflection on preaching in contemporary culture, and to build more advanced skills in apologetic approaches in this area.

Content

• 1. Opportunities and challenges: The context of Western culture;
• 2. Building bridges: Apologetics today;
• 3. Thinking through your Preaching Ministry: level 2 seminar: A Trinitarian Theology of 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 2 Seminar: Advanced Homiletic Approaches – engaging with the New Homiletic
• 9. Engaging with Culture: Level 2 Seminar, Writing and Delivering Talks for Radio
• 10. Sustaining an evolving preaching ministry.

Learning Outcomes

• a) advanced understanding and application of the theology and methods of preaching in contemporary culture;
• b) ability to analyse the challenges and opportunities of contemporary culture as they relate to preaching in the context of a local church, to engage with apologetic opportunities, and apply appropriate communication strategies to meet such challenges and opportunities;
• c) nuanced understanding of the elements needed to construct and apply a theology of preaching.

• a) selecting a particular communication strategy, justifying the reasoning behind the choice, and analysing the effectiveness of the sermon;
• b) skills in analysing and interpreting the biblical text, in a particular context;
• c) careful selection and application of a range of appropriate methods and creative techniques to shape, deliver, and evaluate sermonic / apologetic content

• a) advanced communication skills, including:
• oral communication skills, with a critical awareness of the issues of tailoring content to audience and purpose;
• skills in the structured presentation of information in written form;
• b) the capacity for reflective independent thought and judgement, including the ability to evaluate and 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 and build on a clear understanding of the subject knowledge presented and offering opportunity for the modelling of subject specific skills by tutors.
• Seminars – to provide differentiation 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:
• o to provide opportunities for developing and exploring questions relating to exegesis and homiletic strategy;
• o to give space for students to hone more advanced preaching skills, and skills in apologetic approaches;
• o to provide 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;
• o to offer constructive and supportive feedback and advice.
• This module will be taught alongside the level 1 module Preaching 1. Level 2 learning outcomes will be specifically addressed through:
• o at least one session taught in level specific lectures;
• o small groups being arranged according to level at key points in the course;
• o more advanced reading set for level 2 students.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

2.5 minute radio talk, in the style of ‘Thought for the Day’, with peer 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