Course Description

This is an introductory course in analyzing, writing, and preaching sermons in the Christian tradition. Participants will draw on their past experiences of biblical study and listening to sermons, as well as engage current homiletical theory and practice to craft compelling, biblically and theologically sound sermons.  Participants will practice assessing others’ sermons for biblical and theological content. They will also assess the sermons of others for the stated or implied behavioral purpose. This is a major focus of the method emphasized by the authors of the texts.

Using two texts by Rev. Dr. Henry Mitchell and by Rev. Dr. Martha Simmons, participants will go through the components of a sermon as they prepare to write two sermons. The components include: the behavioral purpose, lectionary preaching, genres, holistic encounters, sermon outlines, introductions, celebrations, and title.

Learning Objectives

• Illustrate ways the Holy Spirit works through us as we preach, pray, live the scripture.
• Demonstrate a time when a sermon changed a person or yourself.
• Demonstrate through preaching how the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament are relevant to our lives today.
• Exhibit ways to bring life to sacred stories and traditions of Christianity.
• Develop a sermon outline that addresses issues of injustice and oppression.
• Identify and be able to relate to the local context where your sermon is delivered.

Required Texts:

• Simmons, Martha J. Doing the Deed: The Mechanics of 21st Century Preaching, The African American Pulpit, Inc., 2012.
• Mitchell, Henry H., Celebration & Experience in Preaching: Revised Edition, Abingdon Press, 2008.

Recommended Commentary Resources

• Blount, Brian K., General Editor. True to Our Native Land: An African American New Testament Commentary. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2007.
• Feasting on the Word, Lectionary Commentary Series, Westminster John Knox, 2000’s.
• Abingdon New Testament Commentaries, Abingdon Press,  2000’s.
• Fortress Commentary on the Bible, Fortress Press, 2000’s.
• The New Interpreter’s Bible,  A Commentary in Twelve Volumes, Abingdon Press, 1996 Edition.
• Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, 17 volume series, Westminster John Knox Press, 1990’s to present.
• The Anchor Yale Bible Commentaries, Yale University Press, 1990’s.