Course Descriptions: Homiletics

HOM 529 Communicating the Message I
A comprehensive course dealing with essential and creative elements in the development of sermons. Attention will be given to all aspects of preparation and composition and to each part of the message. The theology and history of preaching, contemporary perspectives, methods, development of resources, and sermon analysis will also be considered. This course will enhance the skills of veteran preachers while providing a solid foundation for the less experienced.

HOM 531 Methods of Biblical Preaching
An emphasis on the nature, method, variety, and importance of preaching from the Bible. Emphasis will be placed on the practical implementation of theory by requiring full development of a series of sermons. Prereq: Communicating the Message I (HOM 529) or equivalent. To seek waiver of prerequisite, contact the Records Office.

HOM/BOT 620 Expository Preaching in the Pentateuch and Historical Books
This course examines Old Testament narrative books as well as the skills and methods
necessary for developing expository messages from the OT narrative material. Special
attention will be given to major OT motifs such as election, covenant, deliverance and law.
Also, genre-specific hermeneutical issues will be examined. The specific biblical material
studied may vary from semester to semester. Prereq: HOM 529 and HOM 633.

HOM/BOT 621 Expository Preaching in the Prophets and Apocalypse
This course examines Old Testament prophetical books and the Apocalypse, as well as the
skills and methods necessary for developing expository messages from the OT/NT prophetical
material. Special attention will be given to salient prophetic motifs such as, Messianic
prophecies, justice, idolatry, exile, restoration and creation/new creation. Also, genre-specific
hermeneutical issues will be examined. The specific biblical material studied may vary from
semester to semester. Prereq: HOM 529 and HOM 633.

HOM/BOT 622 Expository Preaching in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature
This course examines Old Testament poetic and wisdom books, as well as the skills and
methods necessary for developing expository messages from these genres. Special attention
will be given to organizing the Psalms and Proverbs for expository series. Also, genre-specific
hermeneutical issues will be examined. The specific biblical material studied may vary from
semester to semester. Prereq: HOM 529 and HOM 633.

HOM/BNT 623 Expository Preaching in the Gospels & Acts
This course examines New Testament narrative books as well as the skills and methods
necessary for developing expository messages from the narrative material, including the sub-
genres of miracle, parable and discourse. The narratological structure of Luke-Acts will receive
special attention each semester. Otherwise, the specific biblical material will vary from
semester to semester. Prereq: HOM 529 and HOM 633.

HOM/BNT 624 Expository Preaching in the Epistles
This course examines New Testament letters, focusing especially on the development of
expository series that work through the entirety of individual letters. Special attention is
given to historical-grammatical exegesis, epistolary form and the propositional mode of
writing that characterizes epistolary literature. The course analyzes the role of grammar and
syntax in unpacking the meaning of paragraphs and larger pericopes. Prereq: HOM 529 and HOM 633.

HOM 633 Communicating the Message II
A course which focuses on the development of the verbal and nonverbal communication skills for effective preaching and oral reading of Scripture. The basic principles of voice quality and tone, expressions and gestures, and overall platform manners are examined. The student’s verbal and nonverbal communication skills are evaluated through delivery critique forms and video tapes. Prereq: Communicating the Message I (HOM 529) or equivalent.

HOM 635 Theology of Preaching
An examination of verbal proclamation from the biblical and historical perspectives. Specific attention is given to the prophetic office as it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ and the preaching ministries of the Apostles.

HOM 640 Specialized Studies in Homiletics
A course offered, as the need arises, to deal with a specific area of interest in homiletics.

Updated: Tuesday, May 6, 2008 3:41 PM