Interpreting the Bible for Preaching and Teaching

This course is a workshop on how to exegete and theologically interpret biblical texts for preaching to a congregation, teaching as Sunday School class, and facilitating a small-group Bible study and discussion.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:

An informed public theology and understanding of the mission of the church is essential for those who are called minister and serve the world as public theologians.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The general aim of this course is to equip the student in preparing and delivering sermons and lessons on biblical texts, so that the student may communicate the Gospel more faithfully and effectively in the Christian church. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

A. Exegete and theologically interpret a biblical text as scripture for the purpose of preaching and teaching it

B. Prepare and preach a sermon

C. Prepare and teach a lesson

COURSE FORMAT:

This course is designed as a workshop in Biblical interpretation, preaching and teaching. The instructor will be responsible for giving instruction and directing the student’s practice in these activities. Students will be responsible for completing all assigned readings, preparing Biblical interpretations, sermons, and lessons at home and then delivering and discussing these in class.

REQUIRED READING:

Fred B Craddock, Preaching, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2010, 25th anniversary edition. ISBN 0687659949 ($20.83, paperback, $15.39 Kindle) Lenora Tubbs Tindale and Thomas Troeger, A Sermon Workbook: Exercises in the Art and Craft of Preaching, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2013. ISBN: 1426757786 ($22.78, paperback, $14.94 Kindle) Lucy Lind Hogan, Graceful Speech: An Invitation to Preaching, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006, first printing edition. ISBN 0664228771 ($28.61, paperback)

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

The student’s final grade will be weighted in the following manner:

10% Attendance, interest, participation, contribution, engagement with colleagues

10% Reading and demonstrated comprehension of assigned texts, weekly reading reflections

5% Introductory Preaching Reflection

5% What is Preaching? Reflection

25% Exegetical Worksheet

15% Teaching Template

20% Sermon

10% Sermon Reflection (final exam)

PREREQUISITES:

None

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

This course fulfills a core requirement for the Diploma in Theology program.