Course Description
An advanced study of the basic principles of sermon preparation. Attention is given to the formulation of a biblical philosophy of preaching and to sermon organization that facilitates expository messages which are biblical and relevant. Both the formal and functional elements of the sermon are explored. (Completion of GRK 502 and HEB 502 are recommended.)
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes
Students completing this course should be able
1. to plan, organize, study, write, and deliver sermons from the Bible based on sound methods,
2. to contextualize (from interpretation to application) Biblical passages,
3. to research historical and scholarly materials regarding Biblical texts, and
4. to communicate effectively the Word of God to a contemporary audience.
Course Texts
Chapell, Bryan. Using Illustrations to Preach with Power. Rev. ed. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.
Robinson, Haddon W. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2014.
Course Requirements and Evaluation Procedures
Students should attend every class meeting, study every assigned text before the class meeting for which it is scheduled, participate actively in work done in class, and prepare and/or deliver assigned outlines/sermons/lectures as required.
The student’s grade is based on FOUR factors, each of which is worth one-fourth of the final grade:
1. Attendance. Repeated exposure to the process of sermon development and the input of the professor and other students in the class is vital to the purpose of the course.
2. Text Preparation. Students are expected to do exegetical/interpretive groundwork on passages before the class period for which texts are scheduled. Students must be prepared to give significant input to the interpretation of passages at the beginning of class. Students must have outlines and/or sermons prepared at the beginning of class periods in which they are due.
3. Sermon/Lecture Backgrounds. The students will present and explain exegetical/expository sermons or lectures as required throughout the semester. The frequency of this requirement for each student will be determined by class size and progress.
4. Research Paper. The student must also prepare a research paper on one of the Biblical texts assigned through the semester. The paper should make use of scholarly resources to provide background pertinent to a proper interpretation of the text. The paper should make use of at least eight separate non-internet based sources. The paper should have a section covering exegesis and a section consisting of an expanded sermon outline that contains the main functional elements of an expository sermon (introduction, explanation, illustration, application for each main point, and conclusion). This paper is not less than 7 pages and not more than 10 pages long. The paper is due no later than 12:00am the day of the final. Each day it is late will cost the student 1 letter grade on the paper. Adherence to the Criswell Manual of Style is required.
Policies of Criswell College
Grading Scale:
The significance of letter grades is as follows:
A 97-100 4.0 grade points per semester hour
A- 93-96 3.7 grade points per semester hour
B+ 91-92 3.3 grade points per semester hour
B 88-90 3.0 grade points per semester hour
B- 86-87 2.7 grade points per semester hour
C+ 83-85 2.3 grade points per semester hour
C 80-82 2.0 grade points per semester hour
C- 78-79 1.7 grade points per semester hour
D+ 75-77 1.3 grade points per semester hour
D 72-74 1.0 grade point per semester hour
D- 70-71 0.7 grade points per semester hour
F 0-69 0.0 grade points per semester hour
The following grade symbols are also recognized for transcript evaluation:
AU Audited Course CR Credit
EX Exempt I Incomplete
NC No Credit P Passed Non-credit Course
RC Repeat Course S Satisfactory Progress
W Withdrawn WF Withdrawn Failing
WP Withdrawn Passing
NOTE: An “I” will be changed to an “F” 60 calendar days after the close of the term or semester in which the “I” was awarded, if the course work is not completed by the stated date published in the Academic Calendar.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance: Since class participation is vital to learning, absences should be taken only when absolutely necessary. More than five absences (three for block classes) in a course will result in the reduction of the final grade by one letter. Absences from more than 25% of the class sessions will result in an “F” in that course. All exceptions must be approved by the professor and the Vice President of Academic Affairs. Proportionate absences apply to Summer School. Students are responsible for absences due to late Registration.
Tardiness: Being at least twenty minutes tardy to class is considered an absence. Three instances of tardiness less than 20 minutes equals one absence. The tardy student is responsible for notifying the professor of his/her presence in writing at the end of the class.
Academic Honesty:
Absolute truth is an essential belief and basis of behavior for those who believe in a God who cannot lie and forbids falsehood. Academic honesty is the application of the principle of truth in the classroom setting. Academic honesty includes the basic premise that all work students submit must be their own and any ideas received from somewhere else must be carefully documented.
Learning Disabilities:
If you have learning or other disabilities, please inform the professor at the beginning of the course. Our intention is to help all students learn. We will try to accommodate your needs, if at all possible. Thank you for your cooperation.
Dress Code:
All students are to follow the Criswell College dress code as noted in the Student Handbook. Students not in compliance to the code may be asked to leave class. The dress code reflects our intent of preparing students for leadership in ministry. Here are the basics of the dress code. Jeans and casual wear are appropriate provided that the clothing is modest and in good condition. Both men and women should avoid extremes in hairstyles and jewelry. No body piercings are allowed except women’s earrings. All students are expected to maintain proper hygiene and grooming. Shorts and tank-tops are not allowed on campus. Other inappropriate wear would include torn clothing, skimpy dresses, bare midriffs and bare shoulders.
Reading / Lecture / Discussion Schedule (flexible—based on class size)
Date: / Topic: / Due:08/18
08/25
09/01
09/08
09/15
09/22
09/29
10/06
10/13
10/20
10/27
11/03
11/10
11/17
11/23-27 / THANKSGIVING BREAK
12/01
12/07-11 / FINALS WEEK
The following bibliography is a sampling of works that are helping to form contemporary homiletical thought:
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Adam, Peter. Speaking God’s Words: A Practical Theology of Expository Preaching. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1996.
Akin, Daniel L., David L. Allen, and Ned L. Mathews, eds. Text-Driven Preaching: God's Word at the Heart of Every Sermon. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2010.
Allen, Ronald J. Preaching the Topical Sermon. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1992.
Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic, 1981.
Arthurs, Jeffrey D. Preaching With Variety: How to Re-create the Dynamics of Biblical Genres. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2007
Awbrey, Ben. How Effective Sermons Begin. Scotland, UK: Christian Focus Publications, 2008.
Barth, Karl. Church Dogmatics. Translated by G. T. Thomson. Vol. 1, The Doctrine of the Word of God. Pt. 1. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1936.
Bartow, Charles L. God's Human Speech: A Practical Theology of Proclamation. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997.
Baxter, Batsell Barrett. The Heart of the Yale Lectures. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1971.
Baxter, Richard. The Reformed Pastor. Edited by William Brown. 5th ed. London: Religious Tract Society, 1862.
Beasley-Murray, George R. Preaching the Gospel from the Gospels. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996.
Beaudeau, Jr., John William. Paul’s Theology of Preaching. NABPR Dissertation Series, no. 6. Macon: Mercer University Press, 1988.
Beecher, Henry Ward. Yale Lectures on Preaching. New York: J. B. Ford, 1872.
Blackwood, Andrew W. The Preparation of Sermons. New York: Abingdon-Cokesbury, 1948.
Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. Worldly Preaching: Lectures on Homiletics. Edited by Clyde E. Fant. Rev. ed. New York: Crossroad, 1991.
Broadus, John Albert. A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons. Edited by Jesse Burton Weatherspoon. New and rev. ed. New York: Harper Brothers, 1944.
Brooks, Phillips. The Joy of Preaching. London: H. R. Allenson, 1895. Reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1989.
Brown, Jr., H. C., H. Gordon Clinard, Jesse J. Northcutt, and Al Fasol. Steps to the Sermon: An Eight-Step Plan for Preaching with Confidence. Rev. ed. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996.
Browne, R. E. C. The Ministry of the Word. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1976.
Brueggemann, Walter. Cadences of Home: Preaching Among Exiles. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1997.
Burghandt, Walter J. Preaching: The Art and the Craft. New York: Paulist, 1987.
Busch, Wilhelm. Jesus predigen. Neukirchen-Vluyn: Aussaat-/Schriftenm, 2001.
Buttrick, George A. Jesus Came Preaching: Christian Preaching in the New Age. New York: Scribner, 1931.
Chapel, Bryan. Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.
Cox, James W. Preaching: A Comprehensive Approach to the Design and Delivery of Sermons. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985.
Davis, Henry Grady. Design for Preaching. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1958.
Day, David, Jeff Astley, and Leslie J. Francis. A Reader on Preaching: Making Connections. Burlington, VT: Ashgate, 2005.
Dockery, David S. Christian Scripture: An Evangelical Perspective on Inspiration, Authority, and Interpretation. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf & Stock, 1995.
Duduit, Michael. Handbook of Contemporary Preaching. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1992.
Edwards, J. Kent. Deep Preaching. Nashville: Broadman & Holmon, 2009.
English, Donald. An Evangelical Theology of Preaching. Nashville: Abingdon, 1996.
Fabarez, Michael. Preaching That Changes Lives. Nashville: Nelson, 2002.
Fasol, Al. A Complete Guide to Sermon Delivery. Nashville: Broadman & Holmon, 1996.
Gordon, T. David. Why Johnny Can’t Preach. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2009.
Greidanus, Sidney. The Modern Preacher and the Ancient Text: Interpreting and Preaching Biblical Literature. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.
Hall, E. Eugene and James L. Heflin. Proclaim the Word. Nashville: Broadman, 1985.
Jowett, John Henry. The Preacher: His Life and Work. George H. Doran Company, 1912. Reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1968.
Kaiser, Jr., Walter C. Preaching and Teaching from the Old Testament: A Guide for the Church. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
Klein, George L., ed. Reclaiming the Prophetic Mantle: Preaching the Old Testament Faithfully. Nashville: Broadman, 1992.
Koller, Charles W. Expository Preaching without Notes. Evangelical Pulpit Library. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1962.
Larsen, David L. The Anatomy of Preaching: Identifying the Issues in Preaching Today. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989.
Lischer, Richard. A Theology of Preaching: The Dynamics of the Gospel. Rev. ed. Durham, NC: Labryinth, 1992.
Litfin, A. Duane. St. Paul’s Theology of Proclamation: 1 Corinthians 1-4 and Greco-Roman Rhetoric. Monograph Series / Society for New Testament Studies, 79. Cambridge, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1994.
Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. Preaching and Preachers. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971.
Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1989.
MacArthur, Jr., John and the Master's Seminary Faculty. Rediscovering Expository Preaching. Edited by Richard Mayhue. Dallas: Word, 1992.
Massey, James Earl. The Burdensome Joy of Preaching. Nashville, TN: Abingdon, 1998.
Mathews, Alice. Preaching That Speaks to Women. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
Matthewson, Steven. The Art of Preaching Old Testament Narrative. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002.
Mawhinney, Bruce. Preaching With Freshness. Eugene, OR: Harvest, 1991. Reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1997.
McDill, Wayne. The 12 Essential Skills for Great Preaching. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1994.
Merida, Tony. Faithful Preaching. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2009.
Miller, Calvin. Preaching: the Art of Narrative Exposition. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006.
Mitchell, Henry H. Black Preaching: The Recovery of a Powerful Art. Nashville: Abingdon, 1990.
Mohler, R. Albert, Jr. He is Not Silent: Preaching in a Postmodern World. Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 2008.
Mounce, Robert H. The Essential Nature of New Testament Preaching. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1960.
Noll, Mark. The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994.
Olford, Stephen F. and David L. Olford. Anointed Expository Preaching. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1998.
Piper, John. The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Rev ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004.
Quicke, Michael J. 360-Degree Preaching: Hearing, Speaking, and Living the Word. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001.
Richard, Ramesh. Preparing Expository Sermons: A Seven-Step Method for Biblical Preaching. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001.
Robinson, Haddon W. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001.
Rummage, Stephen. Planning Your Preaching: A Step-By-Step Guide for Developing a One-Year Preaching Calendar. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2002.
Sangster, W. E. The Craft of Sermon Construction: A Source Book for Ministers. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1972.
Scherer, Paul. The Word God Sent. New York: Harper & Row, 1965.
Sleeth, Ronald E. Persuasive Preaching. New York: Harper, 1956.
Smith, Robert Jr. Doctrine that Dances. Nashville: B&H Publishers, 2008.
Smith, Steven W. Dying to Preach. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2010.
Stanley, Andy. Communicating for a Change. Oregon: Multnomah Publishers, 2006.
Steimle, Edmund A., Morris J. Niedenthal, and Charles L. Rice. Preaching the Story. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2003.
Stewart, James S. Heralds of God: A Practical Book on Preaching. London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1946. Reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1972.
Stott, John R. W. Between Two Worlds: The Art of Preaching in the Twentieth Century. 1st American ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.
Sunukjian, Donald R. Invitation to Biblical Preaching: Proclaiming Truth with Clarity and Relevance. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2007.
Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Preaching Life. Boston, Massachusetts: Cowley Publications, 1993.
Taylor, Gardner C. How Shall They Preach? Elgin: Progressive Baptist, 1977.
Thompson, James. Preaching Like Paul: Homiletical Wisdom for Today. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000.
Unger, Merrill F. Principles of Expository Preaching. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1955.
Vines, Jerry and Jim Shaddix. Power in the Pulpit: How to Prepare and Deliver Expository Sermons. Chicago: Moody, 1999.
Whitesell, Faris D. The Art of Biblical Preaching. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1950.