THMN1277  Christian Perspectives on Contemporary Issues

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  to provide an accessible introduction to key understandings and principles involved in leading Christian worship and preaching
  
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  to enable students to explore any potential calling to lead worship/preach and provide a foundation of basic skills in these areas of ministry suitable for those returning to learning.
  

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  know the key issues and personnel concerned with the development of Christian worship
  

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  articulate an understanding of worship within their own tradition and other Christian traditions.
  
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  discuss the nature and purpose of preaching within worship, including a basic understanding of different approaches.
  
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  Reflect on key theological principles for leading worship.
  
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  Engage in theological reflection on the challenges, opportunities and skills needed for developing effective communication and authentic worship within contemporary culture.
  
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  Plan and lead worship in well-informed and ways that are sensitive to local context.
  

1. 
   What is worship? (including Biblical perspectives on worship).
   
2. 
   Outline history of the development of Christian worship.
   
3. 
   Approaches to structuring worship, including the strengths and weaknesses of different styles of worship (e.g. written or church liturgies, extempore).
   
4. 
   The role of liturgy and sacrament, including the seasons of the liturgical year, Eucharist and Baptism.
   
5. 
   The place and role of music, hymns, songs, drama, art.
   
6. 
   Using different senses and engaging people with different learning styles, including involving contributions from others and leading all age worship.
   
7. 
   The impact of the context (including building/environment).
   
8. 
   The relationship of worship to mission, pastoral care and theology.
   
9. 
   What is preaching? Its purposes and common approaches.
   
10. 
    Effective communication in preaching, including consideration of different principles and approaches in Christian education.
    
11. 
    An introduction to theological reflection as a basis for preaching, including a basic introduction to different theological approaches (systematic theology, practical theology, etc.).
    
12. 
    A basic introduction to issues in relating worship to contemporary life.
    
13. 
    Preparing and leading a worship service.
    

Day, D., Embodying the Word, a Preacher’s Guide (London

Giles, R., Creating Uncommon Worship (Norwich: Canterbury Press, 2004) part 1.

Kennedy, D., Understanding Anglican Worship (Cambridge: Grove Worship series, 1994) W130.

Lloyd, T. & A. de Lange, How to Share the Leadership of Worship (Cambridge: Grove Worship series, 2009) W199.

New Patterns for Worship (London: Church House Publishing, 2002).

The Using Common Worship Series – particularly ‘Holy Communion’ and ‘Service of the Word’ provide good general introductions and advice about preparing and leading these services.

Common Worship Services and Prayers for the Church of England, 2000

Common Worship Times and Seasons, 2006

Common Worship Festivals, 2008

The Methodist Worship Book, Methodist Publishing House, Peterborough, 1999

Worship from the United Reformed Church Part One, URC London, 2000

Worship from the United Reformed Church Part Two, URC London, 2006

Wholly Worship, URC London, 1999

Wholly Worship, URC London, 1999

Wholly Worship, URC London, 1999

The content of the plan 500 words (30%)

A rationale explaining why the act of worship has been designed in this way 750 words (40%)

A written address 1250 words (30%)