Module THMN41830: Preaching from the Synoptic Gospels

Department: Theology, Ministry and Mission

THMN41830: Preaching from the Synoptic Gospels

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• The module will enable students to reflect critically on, and exercise the skill of, preaching in competent, imaginative and engaging ways that are faithful both to biblical scholarship and speak into the contemporary context. Special emphasis will be placed on selected passages from the Synoptic Gospels which present particular challenges for the preacher (for example - Uncomfortable sayings in Mark: (1:16-20; 3:31-35; 10:1-12; Passages difficult to read true to Matthean intent: Matthew 18:10-14; Matthew 2:1-12; 15:21-28; Over familiar parables: Luke 10.29-37;Luke 15.11-32; Luke 18.9-14)
• Objectives:
• to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the theological purposes behind each of the Synoptic Gospels, in order to enable students to preach in ways faithful to authorial intent;
• to help students further develop their exegetical skills so that they can examine the selected passages in detail;
• to enable students to reflect critically upon contemporary homiletical theory and its relationship to praxis;
• to enable students to develop self-reflective awareness of their own preaching;
• to model good practise and encourage the development of skills related to preaching.

Content

• Lectures and seminars will offer an overview of the structure and theology of each of the synoptic Gospels, looking at the particular challenges each Gospel presents to the preacher, with exploration of the tendency to conflate material, particularly seasonal texts. We will explore the challenges of reading each Gospel in ways faithful to the writer’s intent, and how such reading might translate into sermon structure, content, and delivery. We will critically examine in detail a range of homiletic strategies in moving from text to sermon, earthing that discussion in specific passages, and in particular contemporary contexts. Students will have the opportunity to hear lecturers preach, as well as their peers, and to offer and receive feedback, as well as preaching a sermon themselves.

Learning Outcomes

• detailed understanding of the distinctive theological concerns of each of the Synoptic Gospels and how these impact on homiletic methodology;
• a critical awareness of the issues arising from preaching from each of these Gospels, with particular reference to the exegesis of particular set passages – (examples given above).

• critically reflect on a key aspect of ministerial praxis;
• apply conceptual homiletic strategies to biblical texts in the movement from text to sermon;
• practise and plan for the appropriate, wise and imaginative place of preaching in the ongoing mission and ministry of the church;
• preach with careful scholarship, clarity and conviction to a non-specialist audience, expressing complex ideas with simplicity and depth, demonstrating sophisticated capacity to understand their audiences;
• construct a sermon which is biblically rooted, pastorally aware and deals appropriately with the interface between text and context, showing awareness of the apologetic importance of connecting with popular culture

• demonstrate their ability as self-reflective, critically-aware practitioners;
• effectively communicate ideas orally to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in a clear, concise, and engaging manner;
• acquire and synthesise information through reading and research, and to present that information clearly and effectively in written format

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

• Teaching and learning methods will vary, incorporating:
• lectures: to convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject matter relating to the set texts; to promote critical awareness of the challenges of preaching each Gospel in ways which honour the theological drive and purpose of that particular Gospel, avoiding conflation of parallel texts. Also to developing a grasp of the range of homiletic possibilities offered by texts through the modelling of effective preaching by course tutors.
• small group discussions: to promote deeper critical engagement with the texts, offer opportunity for developing and exploring questions relating to exegesis and homiletic strategy and to encourage self-reflection and modelling of good practice through interaction with students and staff.
• Preaching classes: to deepen awareness of the challenges of moving from text to sermon; to sharpen understanding of how to plan, construct, shape and deliver a sermon; to assist in learning to given and receive constructive critical feedback and to enable students to develop skills in communication.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A 1,500 word critical evaluation of a sermon preached in the context of the course. Areas to focus on are given and students are expected to comment critically on the hermeneutic and homiletic decisions made, showing awareness of the ways the preacher has attempted to inhabit the particular voice of the text. Written feedback is given on this task. A first version of the sermon, delivered live to a 'preaching class' during the second block, will be discussed in class and with the staff. Verbal feedback will be given on this sermon.

■ 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