SYLLABUS FOR COMMUNICATION 1: PT 03PT508/01
REFORMED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY – CHARLOTTE
FALL 2015
REV. MICHAEL DIXON
michaelgreydixon@gmail.com
1. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course addresses total communication for pastors with an emphasis on
preaching philosophy and style, textual exposition, and sermon structure. Written and oral, verbal and
non-verbal communications are included. Aspects of oral communication include preaching,
extemporaneous speaking, vocabulary development, elocution, and elements of drama.
2. Course Purpose: The purpose of this course is to help students construct a Biblical theology of preaching
and a basic understanding of sermon construction
3. Course Objectives
o To foster confidence in the preached Word to save, sanctify, and comfort God’s elect.
o To emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in Biblical preaching
o To introduce students to the distinct nature of expository preaching
o To introduce students to the basic construction of sermons
o To explain the different elements of a sermon
o To introduce students to basic pulpit etiquette and technique
4. REQUIRED READING:
o Primary Textbook
 Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching
o Required Supplemental Books
 Martyn Lloyd Jones, Preaching and Preachers
 Murray Capill, The Heart is the Target
 Auturo Azurdia III, Spirit Empowered Preaching
 J.C. Ryle, Simplicity in Preaching
5. Grades
o
o
o
o
o
o
Assigned Reading
Written Sermon
Expositional Project
Final Exam
Weekly Quizzes
Public Speaking Assignment
40%
20%
15%
15%
5%
5%
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course: Communication 1
Professor: Michael Dixon
Campus: Charlotte, North Carolina
Date: Fall 2015
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Rubric
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.
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
Mini-Justification
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both Strong
Articulation
(oral & written) oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Each student will prepare a written
sermon, a homiletic project, and
speak in front of the class for a brief
public speaking task
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
Discuss biblical foundation and
nature of preaching. Develop a
method to have the Scriptures be
the shining theme of preaching.
Reformed
Theology
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Moderate
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Moderate
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Minimal
Students will interact with a
Reformed approach to preaching,
specifically through expository
preaching and the lectio continua
preaching
Discuss how sermon preparation
contributes to the life of the pastor,
and sermon delivery to the life of the
body
Explore how expository preaching is
the outworking of a Reformed
worldview.
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.)
Strong
Discuss the importance charity and
grace in sermon delivery.
Preach
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Strong
Worship
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
Moderate
Shepherd
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
Church/World Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
Minimal
This is the primary course goal.
Students will learn a basic theology
and methodology for preaching.
Explore how preaching and sermon
preparation function in the worship
service.
Discuss how preaching exegetes two
texts, the passage of the Bible and
the hearts of the people. One
textbook focuses on this point
Discuss preaching in a fallen world.