Greg Adams – Professor
Cell Phone: 817.312.7471
E-Mail: gadamslbchurch@sbcglobal.net
Arlington Baptist College
CM4200 Homiletics I
Fall 2011, 2 hours
CE 204
Tu / Th 11:00 – 11:50 a.m.
CM4200 HOMILETICS I
I.
COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION
The student will thoroughly deal with the fundamentals of sermon preparation and
writing. Emphasis is placed on the various types of messages, including topical,
allegorical and expository. Special emphasis is placed on expositional preaching.
II.
INSTITUTIONAL OBJECTIVES
A. Mission Statement
Arlington Baptist College endeavors to prepare men and women for Christian life and
ministries, both lay and professional, through studies in Bible, general education,
church vocations, and practical service, integrating faith and learning in the content of
a Christian world view.
B. Core Values
1. Integrity
As a Christian, Church member and student at this Bible College, it is
expected of you to exhibit the highest levels of integrity in your personal life
and academic performance. This integrity should be exhibited in your course
work.
2. Excellence
As a Christian, Church member and student at this Bible College, it is
expected of you to strive, to the best of your ability, for excellence in all
areas. Excellence is the opposite of slothfulness/laziness and should be the
mark of a minister/student/Christian.
3. Service
As a Christian, Church member and student at this Bible College, it is
expected of you to serve others first, before you fulfill your own selfcentered desires. This concept surrounds the idea of academic honesty. In
academia, plagiarism is the highest act of selfishness. In addition, you are
not serving others when you see them "falling short" and do not address the
issue with them. The old West Point motto bodes well. "I will not lie, cheat,
or steal, nor tolerate others who do." You have a responsibility to your Lord,
to your Church, to this institution and to yourself to have a "zero" tolerance
towards any action of academic dishonesty either by yourself or another.
III.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. Course Goals
1. As Instructor I will show that preaching is God’s designed method of both seeing
and savoring God.
2. As Instructor I will demonstrate that biblical truth is relevant today and that
biblical preaching meets the needs of contemporary society.
Page 1
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 2
3. As Instructor I will develop the student’s understanding of various types of
sermons.
4. As Instructor I will emphasize the importance of correct interpretation of a
passage enabling the student to accurately handle the Word of Truth.
5. As Instructor I will encourage the student to use good homiletical procedures,
including good form, support material, and artistic creation.
B. Instructional Goals
1. The student will examine the scriptural evidence of the need and purpose for
preaching.
2. The student will sense the responsibility of accurately handling the Word of
Truth.
3. The student will learn to identify the various types of sermons.
4. The student will become skilled in using the exegetical idea of a passage of
scripture to arrive at a homiletical idea.
5. The student will acquire the skill of writing an expository sermon using accepted
outlining techniques and using the elements of good introduction and conclusions.
C. Instructional Objectives
1. The student will demonstrate achievement of the Instructional Goals
through reading and reflecting upon the source material.
2. The student will demonstrate achievement of the Instructional Goals by
completing the written response paper using analysis, interaction, and validation
in presenting their argument and the author’s argument.
3. The student will demonstrate achievement of the Instructional Goals through
proficiency on the identification portion of the mid-term exam.
4. The student will demonstrate achievement of the Instructional Goals through
observable progress in classroom exercise.
5. The student will demonstrate achievement of the Instructional Goals through
the presentation of a written expository message.
IV.
COURSE TEXTBOOKS
A. Required
1. KJV Bible
2. Piper, John. The Supremacy of God in Preaching, rev. ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker
Books, 2004).
3. Robinson, Haddon W. Biblical Preaching, 2nd ed., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan,
2001).
4. Waltke, Bruce K. The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 1-15 in New International
Commentary on the Old Testament, (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans
Publishing, 2004).
5. Waltke, Bruce K. The Book of Proverbs, Chapters 15-31 in New International
Commentary on the Old Testament, (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans
Publishing, 2005).
B. Recommended
Broadus, John. On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, rev. ed., (New York:
Harper & Bros., 1944).
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 3
Brown, H.C. Jr., and H. Gordon Clinard, Jesse J. Nothcutt, Al Fasol. Steps to the
Sermon – An Eight Step Plan for Preaching With Confidence, (Nashville: Broadman,
1996).
Fasol, Al. A Guide to Self-Improvement in Sermon Delivery, (Grand Rapids:
Baker, 1965).
Gibbs, A.P. The Preacher and His Preaching, (Kansas City: Walterick, 2002).
MacArthur, John. Rediscovering Expository Preaching, (Dallas: Word, 1992).
Montoya, Alex. Preaching with Passion. (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2000).
Perry, Lloyd M. A Manual for Biblical Preaching, (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1965).
Robinson, Haddon W. The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages,
(Grand Rapids: Baker, 1980).
Vines, Jerry and Jim Shaddix. Power in the Pulpit, (Chicago: Moody, 1999).
Whittaker, Bill D. Preparing to Preach, (Franklin: Providence House, 1999).
V.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Reading Assignments (20% of final grade)
1. The Supremacy of God in Preaching (10% of final grade)
The reading of this textbook is to be completed by Thursday, September
29th. On that day bring a 3x5 card to class. Write your name and the number
of pages read. Your reading assignment grade will be the percentage of the
reading that you have completed.
2. Biblical Preaching (10% of final grade)
The reading of this textbook is to be completed by Thursday, December 8th.
On that day bring a 3x5 card to class. Write your name and the number of
pages read. Your reading assignment grade will be the percentage of the
reading that you have completed.
B. Response Paper (20% of final grade) – Due Thursday, September 29th
1. Format
Your paper will be formatted with 1 inch margins. It is to be typed using 12
point Times New Roman font and double spaced. The paper should not be less
than 3 pages and not to exceed 5 pages. Substantial penalties will be imposed
on papers that do not meet the minimum length or exceed the maximum
length. Your name should be typed in the top left hand corner. Double space
and type the chapter(s) you will be responding to centered spaced. Double
space and begin your response.
2. Content
Your paper will consist of 3 sections. In the first section explain what Piper is
arguing in that particular chapter(s). The second section will be your response
to what he has written. Be specific where you agree and disagree and why.
Validate your response with other sources. In the final section give specific
applications for your life and ministry and how you plan to implement those
application(s).
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 4
C. Subject / Compliment Exercise (5% of final grade)
This exercise is due Thursday, October 27th. Helpful details will be given in
class on the previous Thursday.
D. Proverb Exegetical Outline (10% of final grade)
In preparation for the first sermon, each student will present to the class his
exegetical outline and proposition (with narrowed subjects and compliments) of
the particular Proverb. This presentation will, essentially, be a discussion between
presenter, professor, and the rest of the class, with the presenting student prepared
to explain and defend his exegetical conclusions. Typed copies of the student’s
textual reference, text, exegetical outline, and exegetical proposition will be
given to each member of the class and the professor on the day of
presentation, Tuesday, November 8th. A template and example will be
distributed on Thursday, November 1st.
E. Proverb Homiletical Outline (15% of final grade)
Prior to the first round of Proverbs sermons, all preachers will condense their
homiletical outlines to one-page and present them (each point as a full sentence
subject with complement(s) proposition) before the class. These first round
outlines will follow this simple structure for the Body of the sermon:
Main Point I. [The PROBLEM] stated in a full, indicative sentence.
Main Point II. [The SOLUTION] stated in a full, indicative sentence.
Main Point III. [The APPLICATION] stated in a full, imperative
sentence.
(This third main point will be the sermon’s homiletical proposition stated as an
imperative.)
(The “Problem-Solution-Application Outline” is one of MANY possible sermonic
structures. This structure is required in order to focus students on the NEED and
the APPLICATION of the sermon for the purposes of this course). In addition,
the one-page outline should include a Theological Proposition, the Sermon
Purpose, the Homiletical Proposition, an Introduction, and a Conclusion (see
Example 1).
F. Proverb Sermon (20% of final grade)
Students will prepare and give WITH NOTES a 15-MINUTE sermon expounding
an entire one-verse (two-line) Proverb. A manuscript for a 15-minute sermon
should be approximately 5–6 pages, double-spaced. (See the Proverbs
Assignment page in this Syllabus for the verses available.) By noon of the day
before the student speaks, he is expected to have completed a typed homiletical
outline of his sermon carried to three levels of subordination (i.e., I. A. 1. 2. B. II.
A. B. 1. 2.) AND a separate, full, typed manuscript. Please send a one-line email
to the professor by noon the day before he preaches simply confirming that the
final outline and manuscript have been completed. A deduction of two marks
(A– to B; B+ to B–; etc.) will occur for lateness. Students are expected to
talk/think their way through their manuscripts at least FIVE TIMES before
presenting their sermons in class. The goal is NOT WORD FOR WORD
MEMORIZATION, but rather MASTERY OF THE FLOW of the material.
A hard copy of the final outline and manuscript is to be submitted to the professor
the day the student preaches. The manuscript should reflect to the fullest extent
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 5
what the student expects to say in the oral presentation (i.e., all transitions,
restatements, Scripture readings, illustrations, etc. should be written out in
full). Don’t forget: The manuscript should be written as a sermon to be heard, not
as an article to be read. Students must not exceed the time limits for each sermon.
A deduction of one mark (A– to B+; B+ to B; etc.) will occur for every thirty
seconds a sermon extends beyond the time allowed. Students will not be allowed
to speak unless they turn in to the professor, by the time they are scheduled to
preach, both a full, typed Homiletical Outline (carried to three levels of
subordination) and a separate, full, typed manuscript. Failure to speak at the
appointed time, either for unexcused absence or incomplete preparation, will
result in no credit for that sermon, and risks failure of the course. Grading for the
first Proverb sermon will correspond to the “Grading Standards Sermons”
included in this syllabus.
VI.
Course Policies
A. Grading
The catalog grading scale will be used:
A= 100 – 93
B= 92-85
C= 84-76
D= 75-70
F= Below 70
B. Weighting of Course Requirements for Grading
1. “Supremacy of God” Reading…………………………….………. 10%
2. “Biblical Preaching” Reading……………….…………………….. 10%
3. Response Paper……………..…………………………………….... 20%
4. Subject / Compliment Exercise.……...…………………….…..….., 5%
5. Proverb Exegetical Outline…,……………….…………………….. 10%
6. Proverb Homiletical Outline…………...…………………………....15%
7. Proverb Sermon….………………………………….…………….... 30%
C. Attendance
Students are expected to attend every class possible. Students not present when the
roll is called may be counted absent. Late arrivals are disruptive. Nine (9) absences
will result in the student failing the class regardless of the grade they have
contracted for with the professor. Perfect attendance will result in the student’s
grade being increased by a half of grade (ex: B to B+).
D. Class Participation
Although you are not assigned a grade for class participation, interaction with the
professor and other students is important to the learning process.
E. Late Assignments
Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period for which they are listed in
the assignment schedule (NO ELECTRONICALLY SUBMITTED
ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED). Extenuating circumstances
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 6
(hospitalization, death, chronic illness, etc.) must be discussed with the professor,
who may at his discretion accept the assignment. Otherwise, NO LATE
ASSIGNMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED! NO EXTRA CREDIT WORK WILL
BE ALLOWED!
Tests fall into the same category as assignments.
VII.
Course Lecture and Assignment Schedule
Date
Lecture Topic
Assignments
08/25
Introduction & Syllabus
08/30
The Goal of Preaching: The Glory of God
09/01
The Ground of Preaching: The Cross of Christ
09/06
The Gift of Preaching: The Power of the Holy Spirit
09/08
The Gravity and Gladness of Preaching
09/13
The Case for Expository Preaching
09/15
What’s the Big Idea?
09/20
Tools of the Trade
09/22
The Road from Text to Sermon
09/27
The Arrow and the Target
09/29
The Shapes Sermons Take
10/04
Making Dry Bones Live
10/06
Start with a Bang and Quit All Over
10/11
The Dress of Thought
10/13
How to Preach So People Will Listen
10/18
The Expositional Process
Text Choices
10/20
Preaching the Proverbs
S / C Help
10/25
The Proposition
Exercise Distributed
10/27
Subjects and Complements
11/01
Discovering Theology in Proverbs
Subject / Compliment Exercise
Exegetical Template
Distributed
11/03
The Audience
11/08
Proverb Exegetical Presentation
11/10
NO CLASS
11/15
Developmental Questions I and II
Piper Reading Report Due
Response Paper Due
Proverb Exegetical
Presentation
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 7
11/17
Developmental Question III
11/22
Proverbs Homiletical Outlines
Proverbs H /O’s
11/29
Proverbs Homiletical Outlines
Proverbs H /O’s
12/01
Proverb Sermons
Proverb Sermons
12/06
Proverb Sermons
12/08
Proverb Sermons
Proverb Sermons
Proverb Sermons
Textbook Reading Report Due
FINALS WEEK 12/12 – 12/16
Example 1
Proverbs 10:25
When the tempest passes, the wicked are no more,
But the righteous are established forever.
Theological Proposition: Only those made righteous in Christ survive God’s eternal judgment.
Sermon Purpose: That my fellow ABC students will warn their neighbors of God’s eternal
judgment.
Homiletical Proposition: Prepare your neighbors for God’s eternal judgment.
INTRODUCTION:
1. (Image) . . . A devastating storm destroys nearly everything in its way.
2. (Need) . . . Your sense of goodwill for others makes you warn them.
3. (Subject) . . . Preparing your neighbors for the coming “storm” . . .
4. (Text) . . . Proverbs 10:25 addresses the “storm” of God’s eternal judgment.
5. (Preview) . . . You will see a Problem, a Solution, and an Application.
BODY:
I. God’s eternal judgment is coming, (25a): PROBLEM.
A. Natural disasters terrorize this earth.
B. God’s eternal judgment (like a tempest) is coming.
II. Only the righteous survive God’s eternal judgment: SOLUTION.
A. The wicked will be consumed in God’s eternal judgment, (25b).
B. The righteous will survive God’s eternal judgment, (25c).
III. Prepare your neighbors for God’s eternal judgment: APPLICATION.
A. Prepare your neighbors by warning them that the “storm” is coming.
B. Prepare your neighbors by sharing with them the righteous standing they can have in
Christ.
CONCLUSION:
1. (Review your structure) . . . Problem, Solution, Application.
2. (Refresh your image) . . . Your neighbors can stand securely with you in the “storm.”
CM4200 Homiletics I
Page 8
“Grading Standard for Sermons”
Category
True
F
for a D
for a C
for a B
for an A
- Significant
questions
concerning
exegetical
accuracy
-
-
-
Clear
- No clear
proposition heard
during the message
- Text’s exegetical
meaning and
structure are clear
- Theological
move is true for
the audience
- Clear proposition
heard in any form:
Exegetical and/or
Theological and/or
Homiletical
-
-
Relevant
- No explicit
indication of
relevance
- Relevance/
application
suggested (but
without concrete
images)
- Clear homiletical
proposition heard
as intended
- All major points
or movements
heard as intended
- At least one
concrete image
- At least one
reference to need/
relevance
- At least one
concrete
application
- Evident use of
the developmental
questions
- Compelling
development of
relevance and
application
Interesting
- Major vocal
or visual delivery
problems
- Minimal vocal
and/or visual
delivery problems
- Numerous strong
and concrete
images throughout
- Significant
development of
need/relevance
- Fully developed
and concrete
application(s)
- Good vocal and
visual delivery
- Good verbal style
in delivery
- Adequate vocal
and visual delivery
- Shows planning
for verbal style
- Outstanding
delivery
appropriate to the
preacher
- Numerous uses
of good style