This course is a brief introduction to the art of Christian proclamation, specifically the preaching of a sermon within the context of a Christian assembly at worship. Like all art, the art of preaching is a mixture of inspiration, creativity, and carefully learned skills and practices, that are honed over time and experience. We will begin to discover the skills of listening to the biblical text with an ear to the homiletical task. As we look at Scripture, we will underscore the, Law/Gospel understanding of the Word with a special attention to its importance in evangelical preaching. We will be introduced to ways in which we may listen to the context of where will live and where we worship, and how that informs our preaching. Finally, we will learn preaching by practicing preaching as well as listening and evaluating others as they preach.
Learning Competencies
1. Acquire skills in listening to a biblical text toward the homiletical task.
2. Begin to learn methods and skills of sermon development.
3. Appreciate the need to proclaim to a particular community.
4. Gain sensitivity in listening to who the people are who hear your sermon.
5. Practice giving truthful, compassionate and critical feedback to colleagues.
6. Work on the ability to analyze one’s own preaching accurately.
Evaluation
This is a pass/fail course fulfills a requirement of the training to become a Synodically Authorized Minister with the Alaska Synod of the ELCA, and is a resource for those who serve as lay preachers.
Schedule
The course will be held on two Saturday sessions:
Day 1, March 10 - will focus on the reading assignments and cover the “nuts and bolts” of preaching.
NOTE: Given the intensity of the course, it will be assumed that students have read the required
reading before coming to class.
Day 2, April 14 – will focus on the doing of the preaching task. Students will bring a sermon to class and
present it before their peers, who will be part of the evaluation of that sermon. The
purpose being that we learn by the act of preaching in front of others, but equally
important, we hone our theological “ears” by listening to others preach.
Before this day, students must email the instructor an electronic copy (.doc or .pdf) of
their sermon. Students may participate by Zoom on this day if they are able to deliver the sermon by computer camera.
Required Texts:
• The Witness of Preaching, Third Ed., by Thomas G. Long (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2016)
• “A Brief Instruction on What to Look for and Expect in the Gospels” – Martin Luther (Handout)
Highly Recommended:
• Reading the Bible with Martin Luther, by Timothy J. Wengert (Baker: 2013)
• The Preaching Life, by Barbara Brown Taylor (Cowley: 1993)
Teacher: The Reverend Dr Martin Eldred, pastor of Joy Lutheran Church, Eagle River. PhD in New Testament
Suggested contribution: $50
Learning Competencies
1. Acquire skills in listening to a biblical text toward the homiletical task.
2. Begin to learn methods and skills of sermon development.
3. Appreciate the need to proclaim to a particular community.
4. Gain sensitivity in listening to who the people are who hear your sermon.
5. Practice giving truthful, compassionate and critical feedback to colleagues.
6. Work on the ability to analyze one’s own preaching accurately.
Evaluation
This is a pass/fail course fulfills a requirement of the training to become a Synodically Authorized Minister with the Alaska Synod of the ELCA, and is a resource for those who serve as lay preachers.
Schedule
The course will be held on two Saturday sessions:
Day 1, March 10 - will focus on the reading assignments and cover the “nuts and bolts” of preaching.
NOTE: Given the intensity of the course, it will be assumed that students have read the required
reading before coming to class.
Day 2, April 14 – will focus on the doing of the preaching task. Students will bring a sermon to class and
present it before their peers, who will be part of the evaluation of that sermon. The
purpose being that we learn by the act of preaching in front of others, but equally
important, we hone our theological “ears” by listening to others preach.
Before this day, students must email the instructor an electronic copy (.doc or .pdf) of
their sermon. Students may participate by Zoom on this day if they are able to deliver the sermon by computer camera.
Required Texts:
• The Witness of Preaching, Third Ed., by Thomas G. Long (Westminster/John Knox Press, 2016)
• “A Brief Instruction on What to Look for and Expect in the Gospels” – Martin Luther (Handout)
Highly Recommended:
• Reading the Bible with Martin Luther, by Timothy J. Wengert (Baker: 2013)
• The Preaching Life, by Barbara Brown Taylor (Cowley: 1993)
Teacher: The Reverend Dr Martin Eldred, pastor of Joy Lutheran Church, Eagle River. PhD in New Testament
Suggested contribution: $50
