This course combines two formerly sequenced preaching courses and thus treats sermon preparation and delivery. It introduces the student to the study of homiletics with an emphasis on the preparation of biblical, effective sermons that bring the Bible to bear on the everyday lives of the listeners. It also addresses the principles and practices of effective delivery.
This course will make the student aware of the breadth of homiletic studies and will suggest practical ways in which the student may approach the biblical text according to sound exegetical principles to deliver God's message to the listeners. The course will build upon the fact of biblical inspiration and will address valid hermeneutical principles. How the various genre of Scripture may best be preached will also be considered. Emphasis will be given to organizing thoughts so that hearers are able to understand the message clearly. The student will be expected to learn how to examine the text with multiple and varied audiences in view.
Of first importance, the course will require introspection from the student, as only spiritually prepared messengers can deliver effectively a prepared spiritual message. Messengers must be prepared even as messages are prepared. "In a day when the church and preaching are widely viewed with skepticism, the minister must be certain of his own heart, his calling, and purpose for preaching." Students will be expected to examine their personal faith, relationships, and lifestyles and to be committed to being God's person.
Regarding preparation, this course is designed to acquaint the student with the challenge and methods of effectively delivering the sermon. A major thrust of the course will be the study of the text itself with a view to communicating the message of the text in a contemporary world.
Student Expectations
[Student expectations are set forth in the OVC catalog. These paragraphs supplement the matters addressed therein as they pertain to this class.]
Attendance Policy -- The school attendance policy will be followed. Students whose unexcused absences exceed one week of class will be dropped. Students dropped are required to meet with the professor and submit their plan for maintaining attendance in the class before reinstatement. Unexcused absences will lower the student's final grade up to ½ a grade point for each absence. Excused absences are available only through contact with the instructor the day class is missed or in advance. Students are responsible for consulting with the instructor when absent. The student is responsible for obtaining and completing all assignments.
Classroom Conduct -- Students must arrive at class on time. (See catalog.) A student who must arrive at class late is expected to enter class without being disruptive and wait until after class to explain the reason for his or her tardiness. Three tardies count as one absence for purposes of administering the attendance policy.
Late Assignments -- Homework must be turned in on time or early. Daily in-class work and quizzes cannot be made up.
Make-up Test Policy -- Make-up tests are generally discouraged and unavailable. You must consult with the instructor in advance to arrange an alternate grading plan.
Withdrawal Procedure -- Class withdrawal procedures are set forth in the catalog and must be followed. The student must initiate an official process. Non-attendance does not constitute official withdrawal. The student who neither attends nor drops the class will ultimately receive an "F" grade.
Goals and Objectives Criteria for Evaluation Evaluation Grading Scale Please Note: This syllabus is an agreement between the student and the instructor of BIB323. The professor reserves the right to amend any or all of this syllabus as he deems necessary during the course of the semester, and will promptly notify all students involved of the changes.
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Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) _____________________
Course Calendar
Week 1-5 Week 6-10 Week 11-15 Additional Readings: *Anderson, Lynn. Freshness for the Far Journey. Abilene, TX: ACU Press, 1992.
Blackwood, Andrew W. The Fine Art of Preaching. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1976 reprint (p).
Broadus, John A. On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. 4th ed., rev. New York: Harper & Row, 1979.
Jackson, Edgar N. How to Preach to People's Needs. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1972 reprint (p).
*Kennedy, Gerald. The Seven Worlds of the Minister. New York: Harper & Row, 1968.
*Ladd, George E. The New Testament and Criticism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1967.
*Lewis, Ralph L. Inductive Preaching: Helping People Listen. Westchester, IL: Crossway, 1983.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Preaching and Preachers. London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1971.
*McClure, John S. The Four Codes of Preaching. Minneapolis: Fortress, 1991.
*North, Ira. Balance. Nashville: Gospel Advocate, 1983.
*Shelly, Rubel. The Divine Folly: A Theology for Preaching the Gospel. Nashville: 20th Century Christian, 1990.
1. The student will be introduced to the study of homiletics.
2. The student will examine his own heart, his calling, and purpose for preaching. "Students will be expected to examine their personal faith, relationships, and lifestyles and to be committed to being God's person."
3. The importance of biblical, effective sermons that bring the Bible to bear on the everyday lives of the listeners will be understood.
4. The student will be aware of the breadth of homiletic studies.
5. The student will be able to set forth in definition, description, result, and consequences the fact of biblical inspiration.
6. The student will learn practical ways to approach the biblical text according to sound exegetical principles to deliver God's message to the listeners.
7. The student will understand basic hermeneutical principles which guide the process of developing biblical sermons.
8. The student will be able to describe various genre of Scripture and suggest how each may best be preached.
9. Within his own unique style and personal preferences, the student will be encouraged to organize thoughts so that hearers are able to understand the message clearly.
10. The student will learn how to examine the text by considering multiple audiences.
11. The student will learn how to preach the text by considering the various segments of his audience.
12. The student will develop a beginning portfolio of effective, biblical sermons.
13. The student will have a clear understanding of the sermon preparation and delivery process.
14. The student will continue to hone sermon preparation skills. The student should produce new sermons for this class.
15. The student will reflect an awareness of the unique concerns, themes, topics, theology, outline, chronology, and purposes of each of the biblical books in sermon delivery.
16. The student will be able to analyze sermons he hears and understand the dynamics employed by the speaker.
17. The student will grow in his ability to prepare and deliver sermons, based on feedback and analysis of his from his classmates and the professor.
18. All students should expect to be involved in outside readings which will complement the course content and provide additional orientation to the current state of homiletic studies, insofar as is practical in an upper-level undergraduate course. Students will be encouraged to advance as far as they are willing.
The successful student will not master some of the above objectives while ignoring others, but will obtain a degree of mastery in each objective. The successful student will cooperate with the professor in a mutually stimulating and exciting learning experience. Evaluation will be based upon mastery of these goals and objectives as reflected in class participation, quizzes, homework and other various assignments, and examinations.
45% Three sermon manuscripts with supporting materials [including, but not necessarily limited to the steps outlined in the three texts]
15% Three reviews (videos, journal articles, books, materials, etc.), one each in support of the three texts
15% Three supporting assignments of the students' choice, to demonstrate awareness and learning, one each in support of the three texts
15% Three tests, one over each of the texts and class lectures/discussions related to that text
10% Final Examination
100% Total
A 93-100%
B 85-92%
C 75-84%
D 65-74%
F <65%
If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify the Office of the Provost before or immediately after your first scheduled class meeting. After your disability has been verified, your instructor will work with you and the Office of the Provost to insure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in the course.
FINAL EXAMINATION, Tuesday, December 11, 8:00-9:50 a.m.
All of the following books should be available through ILL if they are not in the OVC library. Those with asterisks are especially recommended for reading and reports.
[A word to the wise: If you are planning to obtain a book through ILL and have a report deadline, start early!]
