Module TMMC2061: Developing Preaching in the Contemporary World

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

TMMC2061: Developing Preaching in the Contemporary World

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• L5-10 Developing Preaching

Aims

• To give students some critical insights into the theology, theory and practice of preaching.
• To enable students to deploy and evaluate a range of interpretive approaches to Scripture in preaching.
• To develop further students’ skills and knowledge to sustain them as reflective practitioners in this area of public ministry.
• To develop a critical understanding of the relationship between preaching and a range of pastoral ministries and situations.
• To give students a critical insight into the study of contemporary culture as the context for preaching and communication.

Content

• This module provides opportunities to engage critically with key aspects of preaching including:
• The theology and theory of preaching.
• Different models and forms of preaching and how to prepare.
• Critical approaches to engaging with Scripture and doctrine.
• Further rhetorical strategies.
• Critical ways of engaging with context.
• Practical skills of delivery.
• Handling difficult texts.
• Reflective strategies for preaching at times of crisis or current events. Particular attention will be paid to how these key elements relate to a range of liturgical, ministerial and pastoral contexts with a view to enabling students to sustain a preaching ministry.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical understanding and analysis of different theological understandings of preaching and its role.
• Give a detailed account and analysis of a range of rhetorical strategies and evaluate their effectiveness in different preaching contexts.

• Apply a developed, critically reflective approach to interpreting Scripture that shapes and informs preaching strategies and communicate this with relevance and sensitivity in diverse contexts.
• Use a range of rhetorical strategies effectively in different preaching contexts.
• Initiate and develop a mature and self-aware strategy to sustain and develop ongoing engagement with Scripture, theology and the contemporary world that supports a preaching ministry in the church.

• Identify, gather and evaluate source materials for a range of purposes.
• Undertake a critical analysis of information and arguments, communicating these effectively to a range of audiences.
• Take responsibility for a project that involves independent inquiry; the management of time, resources and use of IT; meeting deadlines, evaluating the project and learning from it.
• Plan their own personal and professional development.

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

• Teaching methods to be specified by each TEI, selecting from the following:
• Lectures provide content, a conceptual framework and a survey of approaches within a subject area that enable students to locate their learning in a wider context, to make connections with other disciplines, and to evaluate and apply their learning to different contexts.
• Seminars offer students an opportunity to present, evaluate and apply their knowledge to specific contexts, and to engage with teaching staff and peers in debate and reflection.
• Small group learning creates an environment where students learn to articulate their knowledge and understanding effectively and in a way that is relevant to the group and its context.
• Practical classes enable students to practice their ability to communicate a subject matter orally, creatively and appropriately and to learn from the feedback of teachers and peers.
• Placements and/or work-based learning ensures that students make habitual connections between knowledge, understanding, skills, professional practice and the reality of a specific context, under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
• Programmed online learning materials guide students through knowledge content, its wider framework and different approaches to its application.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be expected to demonstrate engagement with the subject matter and the learning outcomes throughout the module by suitable formative assessments that encourage integrative and reflective skills. In gathered contexts this is likely to include group discussion and class presentations. In dispersed contexts, creating a portfolio and in both contexts, feedback on preaching by supervisors, congregations and peers.

■ 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