AT246 (3 CR)

Note: This course is not offered on audit basis.

SYNOPSIS

Preaching is the art of communicating the Word of God from the heart (to another heart). But art does not mean unrestrained, impromptu and extemporaneous “sharing” of the Word. The Scriptures were written to a specific setting which is separated from our world by a massive chasm of language, culture, time, history, practices, values etc. It is only logical that the preacher must first engage in a disciplined and unmitigated study of the Word before he can make it clear to his listeners.

This module consists of three parts:

1. The basic concepts of preaching and the mechanics of translating a text to a message.
    
2. The Challenge of Postmodernism to Biblical Preaching
   
   “Postmodernism” is a slippery concept. It is neither a definitive ideology proposed and constructed by certain individuals nor a natural evolution of ideas emanating from modernism. It is rather a spontaneous antagonistic reaction against modernism and a rejection to its pretentious and elitist culture.
   
   As postmodernism lacks clearly definitive lines where relativity and inclusivity reign as its primary pillars, the concept of truth is constantly challenged and redefined. The task of the expositor remains the same – i.e. to faithfully expound the word clearly and to bring the audience to a point of decision. The challenge is to relate the message in a culturally sensitive way without compromising its integrity. We shall address the question: Is homiletics the antithesis and antidote to postmodernism?
    
3. The Exploration of Topical Sermons
   
   This section will examine the different types of topical sermons and the methods of constructing a sermon (e.g. using inductive and deductive methods). It will also probe how each genre influences the form and function of sermons.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• To equip you to be an effective in expositor
• To impress upon you the primacy of the Scriptures in contemporary preaching
• To guide you in the art and discipline of sermon preparation
• To equip you in preaching to a postmodern audience