Introduction to Homiletics - Class 1
What is the definition of the word “Homiletics”?
The English word “homiletics” is most often defined as the “science or art
of preaching.”
“The branch of rhetoric (the art of effective or persuasive speaking or
writing, especially the exploitation of figures of speech and other compositional
techniques) that treats the composition and delivery of sermons” (Funk &
Wagnalls)
“The art of preaching, so far as this is an art; sacred eloquence; the method
of addressing an audience on the highest subjects which, with the Divine blessing,
is most likely to affect the consciences, the hearts and the intellect of the hearers.”
(The New International Dictionary)
“Homiletics is the study of the composition and delivery of a sermon or
other religious discourse. It includes all forms of preaching.”
The Greek word from which the English word is derived sheds additional
light on the meaning. There are three Greek words that form a basis of our
English word “homiletics.”
a. Homiletikos (from Homileo) which means “to be in company with, to
impart insights through sharing common time together”;
b. Homilia which means “communion and conversation”;
c. Homilos which is composed of homos meaning “same” and ilos meaning
“crowd";
These three Greek words can be summarized to define Homiletics as “sharing
insights through conversation with a crowd.”
 Discussion Question: Why is it different speaking to a crowd as
opposed to speaking to an individual one on one?
What are some notable quotes regarding the subject of homiletics or preaching?
“Preaching is, in one regard, like bringing up children; we know all about it
until we have to do it; then we know nothing.” (George Buttrich,)
“Preaching is an art, and in this, as in all other arts, the bad performers far
outnumber the good.” (Aldous Huxley,)
“True Christian preaching is…a proclamation which claims to be the call of
God through the mouth of man and, as the word of authority, demands belief.”
(Rudolph Bultmann)
“Among all the duties of the pastor after justice and life, holy preaching is
the most praised.” (John Wycliff)
Why should we study the subject of homiletics?
a) Because preaching is God’s means of bringing the world to Christ (I Cor.
1:18-25);
b) Because preaching is God’s means of inspiring faith (Rom. 10:14-17;
16:25; Tit. 1:1-3);
c) Because good preaching is a science and an art (II Tim. 2:15);
d) Because good preaching is hard work (II Tim. 2:15).
A preacher is considered a worker. In other words preaching is work.
1 - Our goal in preaching is to be effective communicators for God. Apollos is a
great model for us in this area of preaching (Acts 18:24-28).
a) He was humble and wanted all that God had to give him (Acts 18:26).
Even though he had been preaching his message for twenty years or more he was
still open to receive from others, including a woman and a tentmaker;
b) He was fervent in spirit (Acts 18:25);
c) He was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). You do not become mighty
in the scriptures without giving yourself to the scriptures;
d) He was eloquent in speech (Acts 18:24). He was someone who
understood the importance of his message and was willing to hone (improve) his
skills to make himself more effective at what he was called to do;
e. He was accurate in ministry (Acts 18:25). He understood how important
accuracy and diligence was in the ministry of the word. It is the truth that sets
free not our interpretation of the truth;
f. He was bold in speaking (Acts 18:26). He was carrying words of life. There
is no reason to be shy or apologetic when it comes to the message of the Gospel;
g. He was a great help (Acts 18:27). Some people are a help when they are
around. Others are a great help. You cannot be a great help unless you place a
high value on others and have the true spirit of a servant;
h. He was vigorous in all that he did (Acts 18:28). The word “vigorously” in
this passage literally means “at full stretch.” The only other place this word is
used in the New Testament refers to the way in which the Jewish leaders opposed
Jesus (Luke 23:10). You cannot defeat an enemy that is raging with half measures.
We must run at full stretch.
2 - Our specific goals in this course are five-fold:
a. To introduce you to helpful preaching materials;
b. To expose you to a variety of preaching methods;
c. To help you in the organization and delivery of sermons;
d. To help you to overcome the fear of preaching;
e. To challenge you to discover your specific talents and gifting;
Jay Adams states that true instruction in homiletics ought to teach the
following three things (Preaching with Purpose).
1. How to remove all obstacles to preaching the truth.
2. How to make the message as clear as possible.
3. How to point the listener to Christ alone as the foundation for his belief
and actions.