Preaching and Teaching the Grand Story of the Bible – HOMI 810

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

A study of the principles for accurate interpretation and appropriate application and delivery of Scripture in its various settings or genre. Problems created by various literary forms, cultural differences, and theological issues will be considered. Preaching will be engaged with personal examination, employment of forms in light of literary, cultural and theological issues.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Believers in all walks of life need the ability to interpret God’s Word correctly. Pastors, teachers, and other leaders need these abilities to develop expository sermons and lessons. Every believer can benefit from the ability to integrate biblical truths with the principles and theories of others. Every believer needs hermeneutical skills to identify and defend against errors in doctrine and to grow in the Christian faith. Believers also need to recognize that there may be more than one plausible interpretation of a biblical passage and be willing to show respect when others interpret Scripture differently than they do. As a result, believers must “hold their theories tentatively” so that they are willing to change their opinions when new biblical data would warrant doing so.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each one. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLOs: C, E)

McDill Worksheet Assignments (12)

The student will complete the 12 worksheets found in Wayne McDill’s 12 Essential Skills textbook. (CLOs: A, B)

Sermon Manuscript Assignments (4)

The student will write 4 separate 10–12-page sermon manuscripts for 4 preaching passages from the book of Philippians. Each manuscript must follow current Turabian format. There must be a sermon manuscript from each chapter of Philippians. (CLOs: B, C, D, E)

Reflection Paper Assignment

The student will write a 1,000-word minimum, research-based paper in current Turabian format that discusses Goldsworthy’s thesis for biblical theology in expositional preaching. The student must interact substantively with Goldsworthy’s development of his thesis as it relates to the student’s preaching. The paper must include references to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLOs: D, E)

Homiletical Outline of Philippians Assignment

The student will complete a homiletical outline for the book of Philippians. A template example will be provided within the course. (CLOs: B)

Integration Paper Assignment

The student will write a 1,000-word minimum, research-based paper in current Turabian format that focuses on integrating the concepts from the Smith and Stanley & Jones textbooks as they relate to sermon development and delivery. The paper must include references to the course textbooks and the Bible. (CLOs: D, E)