Communication I: God-Centered Preaching & The God-Centered Preacher Syllabus - Spring, 2012 Instructor: Rev. Dr. Jon D. Payne Contact Info: [email protected] / 770-489-6758 Course Purpose The purpose of this course is to help students cultivate a Biblical / Reformed understanding of the preaching of the Word of God. Course Goals 1. Foster confidence in the Word of God to save, sanctify and comfort God’s elect. 2. Understand the relationship between preaching and worship (Liturgy). 3. Consider the profound benefits of lectio continua preaching. 4. Introduce the rich history of Biblical preaching throughout the ages. 5. Learn the biblical qualifications for the calling and preparation of the preacher. General Course Outline 1. Introduction to Course: An Overview Of What Biblical Preaching Is ... and Is Not. 2. Preaching & Scripture, Part I: Inerrancy, Authority, Efficacy, & Sufficiency. 3. Preaching & Scripture, Part II: Inerrancy, Authority, Efficacy, & Sufficiency. 4. Preaching & the Reformed Confessions 5. Seminar One: Essay & Book Reviews, discussion, etc. 6. How Shall We Then Preach? A Brief Look at Different Styles of Preaching With a Specific Focus Upon Systematic Expository Preaching (Lectio Continua). 7. The History of Lectio Continua Preaching, Part I 8. The History of Lectio Continua Preaching, Part II 9. Seminar Two: Essay & Book Reviews, discussion, etc. 10. Preaching As Worship Part I: Exploring the themes of covenant renewal and the relationship between preaching and the various elements of a Reformed liturgy. 11. Preaching As Worship, Part II: Exploring the themes of covenant renewal and the relationship between preaching and the various elements of a Reformed liturgy. 12. Preaching As Worship, Part III: Exploring the themes of covenant renewal and the relationship between preaching and the various elements of a Reformed liturgy. 13. Seminar Three: Essay & book reviews, discussion, etc. 14. The Call of the Preacher: Understanding the internal and external call. 15. The Preparation of the Preacher, Part I: Biblical qualifications, theological education, personal piety, a heart for Christ’s flock, etc. 16. The Preparation of the Preacher: Part II: Biblical qualifications, theological education, personal piety, a heart for Christ’s flock, etc. 17. Seminar Four: Essay & book reviews, discussion, etc. 18. Review / Final Lecture / ExamRequired Reading 1. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching & Preachers (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1971) 325 pgs 2. Hughes Old, The Reading And Preaching Of The Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church, Volume 4: The Age of the Reformation (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002) 514 pgs 3. Jon D. Payne, In the Splendor of Holiness: Rediscovering the Beauty of Reformed Worship for the 21st Century (White Hall, W.V.: Tolle Lege Press, 2008) 120 pgs 4. T. David Gordon, Why Johnny Can’t Preach (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2009) 108 pgs. Essay Topics 1. Preaching as a Means of Grace 2. A Modern Preaching Crisis & an Ancient Solution 3. The Foolishness of Preaching 4. Lectio Continua Preaching & the Protestant Reformation 5. It Shall Not Return Void: The Sufficiency and Efficacy of Faithful Preaching Grading Scale Essay: 50% Seminars: 10% Final Exam: 25% Required Reading: 15% Extension Policy All assignments and exams are to be completed by the deadlines announced in this syllabus or in class. Extensions for assignments and exams due within the normal duration of the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. Extensions of two weeks or less beyond the date of the last deadline for the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. A grade penalty may be assessed. Extensions of greater than two weeks but not more than six weeks beyond the last deadline for the course may be granted in extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, family emergency). For an extension of more than two weeks the student must request an Extension Request Form from the Student Services Office. The request must be approved by the Professor and the Academic Dean. A grade penalty may be assessed. (RTS Catalog p. 42 and RTS Atlanta Student Handbook p. 14) Any incompletes not cleared six weeks after the last published due date for course work will be converted to a failing grade. Professors may have the failing grade changed to a passing grade by request. (RTS Catalog p. 42)Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes Course: Communication 1 Professor: Jon D. Payne Campus: Atlanta Date: 1-18-12 MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes. *As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. Rubric  Strong  Moderate  Minimal 9. None Mini-Justification Articulation (oral & written) Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. Strong 19. Each student will participate in an oral seminar, discussing key texts on preaching. 20. Each student will write an essay focusing upon important theological, historical, and cultural aspects of preaching. Scripture Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Strong 5. Discuss biblical foundation of preaching as a means of grace. 6. Discuss history of lectio continua preaching from early church to the present. Reformed Theology Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. Strong 6. Study Six Major Reformed Confessions on the subject of preaching. 7. Discuss what is a Reformed approach to preaching. Sanctification Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student’s sanctification. Moderate 1. Learn how preaching is a means of growth and maturity in Christ. Desire for Worldview Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word