3. Interactive sessions on set passages from the text
4. Major Theological themes
NB: The text chosen for study will normally be Hebrews but an alternative text could be chosen in subsequent years to reflect current research and teaching interests of biblical studies staff at Cranmer/WSC. Students will be notified in advance of the module beginning which text is to be studied.
Indicative bibliography
Broyles, C.C. (ed.), Interpreting the Old Testament: A Guide for Exegesis (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001)
Fee, G.D., New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Third Edition (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002).
Green, J.B. (ed.), Hearing the New Testament. Strategies for Interpretation. Second Edition. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2010)
Hayes, J.H. and C.R. Holladay, Biblical Exegesis. A Beginner’s Handbook. Third Edition. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007).
McKenzie, S.L. and S.R. Haynes (eds.), To each its Own Meaning: An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and their Application. Revised and expanded edition (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1999).
Stuart, D. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. Fourth Edition (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2009).
In addition: selected studies and commentaries relevant to the selected biblical text for the year
HEBREWS
Commentaries on Hebrews by H Attridge, P Ellingworth, G H Guthrie, D A Hagner, C R Koester & W L Lane
Teaching methods
After an appropriate introduction to the text as a whole the course will take the format of close reading of the selected text, with students preparing exegetical notes in advance each week and discussing their findings in class, guided by the course teacher to work with particular resources and approaches.
This will ensure exposure to the most helpful scholarship and resources, as well as facilitating the development of the student’s own skills in these areas
To enable theological reflection on preaching in contemporary culture, and to build initial skills in preaching and apologetic approaches in the contemporary world.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module, candidates will gain:
i) Subject Knowledge:
a) conceptual understanding of the theology and methods of preaching in contemporary culture;
b) a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities of contemporary culture as it relates to preaching in the context of a local church;
c) awareness of the basic elements needed to construct a theology of preaching.
ii) Subject Skills:
a) an appreciation of the skills necessary to reflect on the effectiveness of preaching;
b) initial skills in analysing and interpreting the biblical text;
c) ability to select and apply appropriate methods and creative strategies to shape, evaluate and deliver sermonic content.
iii) Key transferable Skills:
a) development of communication skills:
• oral communication skills;
• skills in the structured presentation of information in written form;
b) the capacity for independent thought and judgement, including the ability to critically assess the ideas of others and to reflect on their own performance.
Content
Opportunities and challenges: The context of Western culture;
Building bridges: Apologetics today;
Thinking through your Preaching Ministry: level 1 seminar ‘Basic skills in Preaching’
Lowry, E.E., The Homiletic Plot: the Sermon as Narrative Art (Louisville: WJK, 2001).
McGrath, Alister E., Bridge-Building: Effective Christian Apologetics (London: IVP, 2002).
Stevenson, G. (ed) Pulpit Journeys, ed (DLT,2006)
Stevenson, G., (ed) The Future of Preaching (London: SCM, 2010)
Stott, J., I Believe in Preaching, (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1998)
Teaching methods
Overall, sessions in this course combine a variety of teaching and learning strategies, incorporating:
Lecture input: to convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject knowledge presented and offering opportunity for the modelling of subject specific skills by tutors.
Seminars – to provide differentialition between levels 1 and 2 (See Indicative summary of course content)
Plenary discussion: to give students the opportunity to engage critically with material presented by the lecturer, ask questions, and engage with the questions and perspectives of others.
Small group discussions:
to offer opportunity for developing and exploring questions relating to exegesis and homiletic strategy;
to give space for students to hone basic preaching skills;
to give students the opportunity to critically reflect on the strategy and effectiveness of other people’s preaching. Such peer review offers students a model of life-long learning and enabling others in the preaching ministry.
Formative assessment
Write and deliver a 500-700 word dramatic monologue.
Peer and tutor feedback.
Summative assessment
Video-recorded sermon (10-15 mins).
Written critical reflection on sermon, 2000 words.
