Module THMN1261: Preaching Placement and Portfolio

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN1261: Preaching Placement and Portfolio

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce further Biblical material (Psalms, wisdom and prophetic texts, Paulline and Johannine literature), and enable students to integrate this material along with their learning from the wider Certificate into their practice as a Methodist Local Preacher, including providing a foundation for continuing development within their preaching ministry.

Content

• An overview of the Psalms, wisdom and prophetic texts, Johannine and Pauline literature
• Understanding the role of prophets, including considering the messages of at least two Old Testament prophets, the way that New Testament writers draw on their messages, and their continuing role through history/in the present day.
• Identifying key themes in Johannine and Pauline literature, including distinctive features of John’s Gospel.
• Different models and tools for reflection and development as a Local Preacher, as introduced by tutor and mentor, including ways to connect the Biblical material considered to preaching practice.
• Consideration of some of John Wesley’s sermons
• Consideration of the requirements of Local Preachers within the Methodist Church.
• Regular participation in Circuit Local Preachers’ Meetings with the support of a local mentor
• Supervision and discussion of the students’ evolving practice as a Local Preacher in ways which support reflective practice and ongoing development.
• Developing plans for continuing development

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module student will be able to:
• Show an initial understanding of the Psalms, wisdom and prophetic texts, Johannine and Pauline literature, including some key themes and characteristics
• Show an understanding of how these Biblical texts might be related to contemporary life and the church’s life within this context, including how this understanding might be applied within preaching.
• Have critically considered some of John Wesley’s sermons.

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the requirements of Local Preachers in the Methodist Church
• Integrate Biblical material considered during the module and their learning from the other modules covered on the programme into their practice as a Local Preacher, particularly in terms of their ability to use this material to inform their preaching.

• Engage in continued learning and development, drawing on theological reflection and feedback from others.
• Relate their progression through the programme to the requirements of being a Local Preacher within the Methodist Church, including being able to explore issues relating to preaching ministry with others.

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

• The Biblical content would be taught through a series of interactive lectures in a seminar style, including some opportunities for small groups of students to reflect critically on their development throughout the programme. Tutors will work closely with mentors from Circuit Local Preachers’ meetings to support students in developing their preaching practice. This will include at least two three-way discussions between tutor, mentor and student that will ensure support is co-ordinated and that students are able to connect theory with practice. The assessed portfolio would enable students to connect together their learning throughout the programme and show that they can integrate this into their preaching practice, including responding to feedback and developing their ministry over time. This combination of methods will support an integrated application of theory to practice within their ministry. 40 hours contact time

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A short portfolio including: • 1 sermon written and delivered by the student; feedback received on this sermon from the student’s tutor and mentor; and the students’ reflections based on this, including how they would adapt this sermon if delivered again in future.

■ 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