Module THMN1287: Introduction to Leading Worship and Preaching

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN1287: Introduction to Leading Worship and Preaching

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• to provide an accessible introduction to key understandings and principles involved in leading Christian worship and preaching
• to enable students to explore any potential calling to lead worship/preach and provide a foundation of basic skills in these areas of ministry suitable for those returning to learning.

Content

• 1. What is worship? (including Biblical perspectives on worship).
• 2. Outline history of the development of Christian worship.
• 3. Approaches to structuring worship, including the strengths and weaknesses of different styles of worship (e.g. written or church liturgies, extempore).
• 4. The role of liturgy and sacrament, including the seasons of the liturgical year, Eucharist and Baptism.
• 5. The place and role of music, hymns, songs, drama, art.
• 6. Using different senses and engaging people with different learning styles, including involving contributions from others and leading all age worship.
• 7. The impact of the context (including building/environment).
• 8. The relationship of worship to mission, pastoral care and theology.
• 9. What is preaching? Its purposes and common approaches.
• 10. Effective communication in preaching, including consideration of different principles and approaches in Christian education.
• 11. An introduction to theological reflection as a basis for preaching, including a basic introduction to different theological approaches (systematic theology, practical theology, etc.).
• 12. A basic introduction to issues in relating worship to contemporary life.
• 13. Preparing and leading a worship service.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module, students should be able to:
• know the key issues and personnel concerned with the development of Christian worship
• articulate an understanding of worship within their own tradition and other Christian traditions.
• discuss the nature and purpose of preaching within worship, including a basic understanding of different approaches.
• Reflect on key theological principles for leading worship.

• Engage in theological reflection on the challenges, opportunities and skills needed for developing effective communication and authentic worship within contemporary culture.
• Plan and lead worship in well-informed and ways that are sensitive to local context.

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

• Seminars will provide students with interactive sessions where they can learn some introductory principles, begin to engage with wider learning and reading on the topic, and be inducted into studying at this level. Contact time 20 hours

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

A reflection on a worship service that the student has observed (1000 words)