Introduction to Preaching (PT 506)
Fall 2011
Richard (Dick) Belcher, Jr. (rbelcher@rts.edu)
Course Description
This course is an introduction to preaching that lays a foundation for the necessity of
preaching for the church. It lays out a theology of preaching as a basis for understanding
the role of preaching within God's redemptive program and explores some hermeneutical
issues related to preaching. There is also an emphasis on the principles and process of
sermon preparation.
Course Objectives
1) To lay a foundation for the necessity of preaching in understanding the theology of
preaching.
2) To introduce the hermeneutics of preaching and its significance for understanding the
task of preaching.
3) To develop the importance of the preparation of the preacher in preaching.
4) To develop a methodology of sermon preparation by working step by step through the
construction of a sermon.
Textbooks
1) Christopher Ash, The Priority of Preaching (Ross-Shire: Christan Focus, 2009); read
Chapter 3 and the Appendix
2) Robert J. Cara, "Redemptive-Historical Themes in the Westminster Larger
Catechism," in The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century (ed. Ligon
Duncan; Ross-Shire: Christian Focus Publications, 2009), 55-76. This book will
be on reserve in the library.
3) Bryan Chapell, Christ-Centered Preaching (2nd ed.; Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005)
4) D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971)
5) T. David Gordon, Why Johnny Can't Preach (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R, 2009)
6) Arturo Azurdia III, Spirit Empowered Preaching (Christian Focus, 2003); buy from
the RTS Charlotte bookstore
7) R. Albert Mohler, Jr., He is Not Silent (Chicago: Moody, 2008)
Intro to Preaching Syllabus
2
Assignments
1) The assigned reading must be read (see the Schedule for the class). Although the
reading is laid out according to the class schedule, the only reading that is tied to
the class lectures is the reading in Chapell and the Cara article.
2) There will be a quiz each week which will include memorizing benedictions. The
following translations may be used for this memorization: KJV, NKJV, NASV,
NIV, ESV. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped and your first missed quiz is a
dropped quiz regardless of the reason for missing the quiz.
3) There is one Exam based on the lectures covering the Theological Foundation of
Preaching (Lectures 1-4) and the Hermeneutics of Preaching (Lectures 5-7).
There will also be a question on this Exam concerning the percentage of reading
you accomplished for this class.
4) Two written sermons are required following the methodology laid out in the course.
a) Students will be assigned a text from Philippians and Amos.
b) On certain weeks assignments will be due from the Philippians texts in light of what is
covered in class that week.
c) The sermon will follow the following format
i) state the audience to whom you are speaking
ii) propositions, main points, and subpoints should be in bold type
iii) transitional statements should be in italic type
iv) placement of the text (reference to verses) should be underlined, for example, v 7
d) The sermon from Philippians is due mid-semester (see the Class Schedule). The
student will hand in a Homiletical Outline and the full written sermon.
e) The sermon from Amos is due at the end of the semester (see the Class Schedule). The
student will hand in a Homiletical Outline and the full written sermon.
5) A "mini-speech" is required to give the student some exposure to speaking before a
large group (length to be determined but either 3 or 4 minutes). The speech
should focus on one or more of the following topics, but it must include
comments on how preaching was significant to the topic.
a) conversion to Christ
b) the kind of church you grew up in
c) call to ministry
d) how you came to accept Reformed theology
3
Intro to Preaching Syllabus
Grades
1) Written Sermons
2) Exam
3) Homework Assignments
50%
20%
10%
4) Quizzes
5) Reading
6) Mini-speech
10%
05%
05%
4
Intro to Preaching Syllabus
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Date:
Introduction to Preaching (PT 506)
Richard Belcher
Charlotte
March 2009
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.
Rubric




Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
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.
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.)
Reformed
Theology
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Winsomely
Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Preach
Worship
Shepherd
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both
in America and worldwide.
Strong
Strong
a three minute speech and two
written sermons are required; a
theological basis and the
hermeneutics of preaching are
covered
Preaching focuses on the original
meaning as a basis for modern
meaning; there is an emphasis on
using the languages in
undertanding the original meaning
for preaching purposes
Minimal
the theology and hermeneutics of
preaching touches on a few issues
Minimal
discussions of application of the
text deals with sanctification issues
Minimal
the goal of preaching is to help
people do this
Minimal
respect for other methods of
preaching is encouraged
this is the heart of the course
Strong
None
None
although the importance of
shepherding to preaching is
commented on
5
Intro to Preaching Syllabus
Church/World
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
None