Hello Everyone, I am fairly new to the course, having just completed segment 6 "The Preparation of the Preacher." Thus far, it has been an enjoyable learning experience. I was deeply impressed and moved by the material in segment 5 "Mimetic Sermon Analysis." It is good to know that even though there is import in sermon analysis, the most important inquiry asks if the preacher is miming what the Holy Spirit is doing. Are the words spoken given by direction of the Holy Spirit? Is the congregation sensing the presence and the power of God? Does the preacher take the audience into the presence of God? I find it comforting to know, that no matter what level of education a preacher possesses, no matter how many alphabets are behind his name, the most important measure of success is, was the message from God! To God be the glory and to Him alone.

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    Wow, this lesson plan is quickly progressing! Today, I completed segment 28; hence, the half-way point is already behind me. It has been a wonderful journey and very enjoyable actually putting academic study to sermon approaches. I think many preachers naturally do some of these techniques, but it is intellectually rewarding to glean the expertise of Professor Carr and the authors of the various required and suggested texts. The value of their combined knowledge helps prevent reinventing the wheel. The process has a very "mentoring" feel. If anyone has been struggling with sermon prep, I highly recommend CM101. It will get you on track using very fundamental and established approaches.

  3. The finish line is in sight. I believe only one lecture remains. Today, I completed segment 42: Using the Notes Function in Logos. My question for anyone comfortable with the "Sermon Editor" function in Logos, has there been any issues with newer versions of the software not precisely matching the segment assignments for this course? Specifically, in today's assignment, I was supposed to use "Thematic Outlines" within the sermon editor to create a sermon outline. After considerable time searching the net, YouTube, etc., I was unable to find a tutorial demonstrating how to find the Thematic Outlines. For instance, I found on the Faithlife site these instructions: In Sermon Starter Guide, the Thematic Outlines section generates a list of sermon outlines based on your Preaching Theme or passage search. • Click the small arrow beside each matching outline to expand it. • To build on the outline, click the drop-down menu beside Copy to. Then choose where to send the outline. This will copy the whole outline, including Bible references. Unfortunately, in my up-to-date version of Logos, I could not locate within the sermon editor a place for the passage theme or passage search. I am sure the error is on my part and want to take advantage of this tool within Logos if it still exists. Having a tool creating a host of possible sermon outlines based on scripture passages or message themes is attractive. If anyone can get me back on track with Thematic Outlines, your assistance will be greatly appreciated!

  4. CM101-Basic Elements of Preaching: An Introduction to Homiletics Homiletics is defined as a conversation, or a talk, or a sermon.  Preparing and delivering a sermon is considered both a science and an art form.  It is a science in that one must be able to analyze a passage and determine what the scripture actually means.  It is an artform in that one must present that message, engage the listeners, and move that audience to a decision.  Through the mystery of the sermon, the preacher hopes to inform, elevate, reprove, incite, and/or open a way for the Spirit of God to move upon the listener. One of the desired sermon outcomes is to increase the audience’s knowledge of the scriptures.  At the same time, the preacher hopes to bring about a change in the hearer’s character.  These goals are accomplished via the Holy Spirit.  It inspires the spoken Word.  It illuminates our understanding of God’s Word and anoints the communication of it.  It enlightens the minds of the listeners, convicts their hearts, and prompts a response. One key to analyzing a sermon is through mimetics.  This is done when the preacher is in tune with the audience.  Sermons are memorable when the audience knows the preacher has captured their reality.  The speaker needs to have his/her finger on the pulse of the listeners and know what they need to hear.  The audience also needs to sense the presence and power of God.  This is the result of rightly exposing the mind of the Holy Spirit in every given text of scripture.  The preacher must identify the passage.  He must then exegete that passage and draw out the original meaning.  This draws the people into the text and leads them to a decision.  Like any well-spoken or written message, the sermon begins with an introduction.  It is here the preacher defines the starting point and tells the audience where they are going during this journey together.  The preacher opens the minds of the listeners and arouses interest.   During this introduction, the preacher demonstrates the biblical importance of the message and defines why they should listen.  It is here, the listener is “hooked.” To help draw the audience into the message, there is a need for the use of illustrations.  We are a visual society; therefore, we comprehend better when we can “see” the message.  This is one of the reasons God gave us an illustrative Bible.  We are a people who like stories.  With this in mind, Jesus Himself taught in parables.  The lesson is this: No matter how deep our knowledge of the text, if there are no stories/illustrations to accompany the message, then we have missed God’s methodology.  If the message cannot be illustrated, do not preach it. Illustrations interest the mind and secure continued attention from the audience.  They make preaching lifelike.  They communicate convincingly by helping the listeners create mental pictures.  By involving all of the senses, the hearer becomes absorbed into the message.  Thus, we can say that illustrations get what is inside the heart and mind of the teacher and places it inside the heart and mind of the listener. Ultimately, a sermon is derived to make points, usually two to five of them during any one message.  These main points are simple one-sentence phrases that are freshly tailored to the needs of the audience.  For instance, these points can be based on cultural clues or community issues to connect people with the reality of the Gospel.  This is how the pulpit helps answer the questions that everyone is asking.  In truth, the preacher exegetes the culture and applies it to the text (rather than vice-versa).  This effort, known as “Incarnational Preaching” is successful because it gets into the minds of the culture and identifies with the people. Through the use of these sermon points, the listener is lead to a conclusion.  This is the moment of decision.  In this moment, the conclusion takes everything that has been said and summarizes it in a manner that the hearer applies to his/her life.  In a sense, the preacher’s message becomes the listener’s conclusion.  This is that moment where the message makes a difference in someone’s life.  They are confronted with the truth and challenged to respond.  This is that moment when the listener realizes the message was meant just for him/her! In closing, let us recognize the power of a God-given sermon. Truth within the context of scripture is where the supernatural power of God resides.  The message’s authority derives from the truth of the Word rightly proclaimed.  To ensure success, the preacher should be “prayed up” with a life lived continually before God.  The preacher should be “prayed through” with a willingness to stand up and speak for God with confidence.  Lastly, the preacher should be “prayed in” with a message that has been saturated with prayer.  When all the pieces come together, the preacher confronts the culture with a proclamation that makes unmistakably clear the radical demands of the Gospel.