southern california bible college & seminary · advanced students: group activity and...

EBI Church Planting Training Centers 217a Preaching Skills Portfolio

© 2013 Equip Biblical Institute 1 www.shadowmountain.org/ebi

Name Date Course Grade

Session 1: The Topical Sermon ................................................................................................... 2 Session 2: The Structure .............................................................................................................. 5 Session 3: The Proposition ........................................................................................................... 8 Session 4: The Illustrations ........................................................................................................ 12 Session 5: Study Guide for the Midterm Exam .......................................................................... 16 Session 6: Present Sermon 1 ..................................................................................................... 17 Session 7: The Board Meeting ................................................................................................... 18 Session 8: A Day in the Life ....................................................................................................... 18 Session 9: Vary the Vehicles ...................................................................................................... 22 Session 10: Surprising Requests ............................................................................................... 24 Session 11: Turning the Lights on the Sermon .......................................................................... 26 Session 12: Home at Last! ......................................................................................................... 28 Session 13: Present Sermon 2 ................................................................................................... 30 Session 14: Study Guide for the Final Exam .............................................................................. 32

Course Description

This course focuses on how to prepare and deliver sermons and lessons that effectively communicate the Word of God. Topics include sermon preparation process, the use of illustrations, the sermon delivery process, the teaching process, the use of technology in preaching and teaching, making biblical applications, and listening and caring skills in ministry. Students will prepare messages, deliver messages in class, and evaluate messages.

Required Textbooks

1. Life Application Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.

2. Dr. James Braga. How to Prepare Bible Messages: A Manual on Homiletics for Bible students. Portland, OR: Multnomah, 2005. http://www.bestwebbuys.com/9781590524510

3. Dr. Bruce Mawhinney. Preaching with Freshness. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel, 19973. http://www.bestwebbuys.com/9780825431982

4. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Edited by Charles Draper. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003.

Additional Books for Advanced Students and Pastors

5. Dr. Jerry Vines. Guide to Effective Sermon Delivery. Chicago, IL: Moody, 1999. http://www.bestwebbuys.com/9780802448965

To receive the MS Word version of the portfolio and notes, email [email protected].

Preaching Skills

How to Prepare Biblical Messages

http://www.bestwebbuys.com/9781590524510



mailto:[email protected]



Session 1: The Topical Sermon Name Date Points /50

Overview of Syllabus (10 minutes) Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. Writing answers to questions is an opportunity to retrain the mind to actively observe, analyze, interpret, and summarize key concepts before class, which will then be applied in class. Learners remember more of what they actively discuss and apply than what they passively read and hear. This is a key component of accelerated adult learning. Each student must do the assignment before class so that the entire group can benefit from observations, interpretations, and applications. Students learn better together. 1. Prepare a topical outline using one of the themes listed under the section, “Kinds of Topics.” Make sure that each of your divisions is derived from the central thought and that it has sound Biblical support. 2. List seven suitable topics for a Mother's Day service and make a topical outline on one of them. 3. Examine the Epistle to the Philippians and make a list of five doctrinal characteristics. Formulate a topical outline from the same epistle on any one of these five items. 4. Prepare a textual outline on Titus 2:11-13, giving the title, central thought, and main divisions. As instructed above, quote after the main divisions the portions of text which apply to the respective main divisions. 5. Use only the second half of the Psalm 51:7 as your text and formulate an outline from it, stating the title, central thought, and main divisions.



6. Prepare a textual outline on Daniel 6:10, indicating the title, central thought and main divisions. 7. This chapter contains the titles for a series of four messages about "The praises of Christ’s enemies"; copy these titles and add three more of such "praises" giving the text and a title for each. 8. Prepare an expository outline of 1 Corinthians 3:18, giving the title, central thought and main divisions of the passage. Indicate the verses which relate to each main division. 9. Formulate an outline of numbers 21:4-9, using some of the truths suggested by the passage for your main divisions. State the title and central thought of the text. 10. List the five titles on the life of Joseph, taken from Genesis 37-50. Indicate the expository units for each title and make an expository outline on one of these portions.



Journal Reflections and Applications (40 minutes) Writing journal reflections is an opportunity to experience transformational life change and develop Christian character. Thinking about what you are learning and discussing how to apply it with others has a way of making learning practical and meaningful. Reflection on Christian virtues (sexual purity, integrity, honesty, self-control, charity, generosity, diligence, persistence, patience, kindness, compassion, courage, and humility) is a key component of character development. 1. What is it that you really want to learn in this course? In light of the textbook readings, group discussion, and/or recommended resources, what is God teaching you? How did this session strengthen your relationship with God and others? 2. How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry? 3. How could we as church leaders teach these lessons to current and future leaders? Advanced Students: Group Activity and Presentations (20 minutes) In groups of three or four, advanced students will apply what they are learning by creating illustrations, charts, dramas, role-play, and/or visuals. The group activity and presentations is an opportunity for students to display their thinking in charts, graphs, illustrations, and drawings. Displaying thinking brings ideas to life and engages the whole group in the creative thinking process. Students learn better together. Over 80% of adults are visual and relational learners. This is a key component to creativity, collaboration, cooperation, and team leadership—as well as in teaching the Bible.



Session 2: The Structure

Name Date Points /50

Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. The following sermon titles appeared on the church pages of one of the newspapers in Portland, Oregon. Make a list of the numbers of those which do not meet the qualifications of a good sermon title and after one each state the reason for your decision.

(1) «God's way is simple and strong»

(2) «Revival or apostasy–which?»

(3) “Return to vital religion” (4) "Strength for today"

(5) «Outside the camp»

(6) “Come and dine" (7) «The Prince of peace predicts war»

(8) "Till the end»

(9) "Illusion and reality" (10) "The door was shut" (11) “Cater to the rich" (12) ' Clearing the way for God" (13) "The message of God’s prisoner" (14) "Jesus is Lord" (15) «From fear to faith»

(16) «Seven women shall take ahold of one man"

(17) 'The tragedy of religious compromise" (18) «Nebuchadnezzar's dream will come true»

(19) “Go to church? What for?” (20) «My greatest necessity»

(21) «Joseph’s wagons»

(22) "Man and the universe" 2. The following list contains twelve titles, each based on a different passage of Scripture. Find those which need correction and indicate how you would improve them.

(1) «Rahab lie», based in Joshua 2. (2) “The Beatitudes”, based on Matthew 5:3-12. (3) "Advice to a young man», based on 1 Timothy 4:12-16. (4) «Vision», based on Genesis 13:14-17. (5) «Paul’s burden for Israel», based on Romans 9:1-5. (6) “A prayer for love," based on Ephesians 3:14-19. (7) "The man who is blessed", based on Psalm 1.



(8) "Wrong vision", based on Numbers 13:25-33. (9) “The smiting of conscience,” based on Matthew 14:1-12. (10) "Concerning spiritual gifts,” based on 1 Corinthians 12:1-31. (11) “Christian brotherhood,” based on Philemon, vs. 4-21. (12) «The city that lies foursquare», based on Revelation 21:10-27.

3. Prepare a suitable title for each of the following texts:

(1) "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves" (Rom. 15:1). (2) «Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not to defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank» (Dan 1:8). (3) “I sat where they sat"(Ezek. 3:15). (4) "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures" (1 Cor. 15:3). (5) “Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing" (2 Sam. 24:24). (6) “And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father” (1 Kings 22:43). (7) “Stretch forth thy hand" (Luke 6:10). (8) “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly" (Ps. 84:11). (9) "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart" (Jer. 15:16). (10) “This they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Cor. 5:8). (11) "We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world" (1 John 4:14). (12) “He [Moses] endured, as seeing him who is invisible" (Hebrews 11:27).



Journal Reflections and Applications (40 minutes) As you write these answers you are increasing your long-term memory that will transform your understanding of these key concepts. 1. In light of the textbook readings, group discussion, and/or recommended resources, what is God teaching you? How did this session strengthen your relationship with God and others? 2. How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry? 3. How could we as church leaders teach these lessons to current and future leaders? Advanced Students: Group Activity and Presentations (20 minutes) Advanced students will apply what they are learning by creating illustrations, charts, dramas, or visuals.



Session 3: The Proposition Name Date Points /50

Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. Chapter 1 gives the titles shown below for a series of topical messages. Prepare a topical outline on any one of these titles:

“The disciplined life” “The consecrated life” “The contented life” “The prayerful life” “The abundant life” 2. Construct a textual outline on the text shown below. Give an appropriate title, and write out the introduction word for word. Also formulate the proposition, interrogative, transitional sentence, and main divisions. 3. Point out all the errors you can find in the following topical outlines and correct them:

(1) Title: "Wait upon the Lord" Proposition: It is good to wait upon the Lord

Interrogative: Why is it good to wait upon the Lord?

Transitional sentence: Let us consider three essential aspects of waiting upon the Lord:

I. The Lord listens to the cry of the believer (Ps. 40:1) A God desires that men seek Him (Lam. 3:25) B. My earnest desire for God (Ps. 42:1)

II. God renews the believer’s strength (lsa. 40:31) A. Day by day (2 Cor. 4:16) B. Through knowledge (Col. 3:10)

III. Guidance is promised for the believer’s pathway (Ps. 32:8) A. When we are yielding to Him (Ps. 25:4-5) B. Upright before Him (Prov. 21:29) C. As we seek the will of God (Prov. 3:5-6) D. When we are bewildered (Rom. 12: 1-2) E. If we are meek (Ps. 25:9)

(2) Title: «God’s abundance»



Proposition: God is a God of abundance

Interrogative: How can we learn about God’s abundance?

Transitional sentence: By noting the word «abundant» or «abundance» in the Bible in relation to God, we learn all about God’s abundance.

I. He is abundant in mercy, (1 Pet. 1:3) A. The meaning of mercy

B. To all who believe

II. He is abundant in grace (Rom. 5:17) A. Which means that grace is freely bestowed because all the demands of holiness have been satisfied. B. In Christ.

III. He is abundant in comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-5) A. When need it. B. To enable us to comfort others.

IV. The abundance of God’s power (Eph. 3:20) A. Which is exceeding abundant. B. According to the power that works in us.

4. Prepare a topical outline appropriate for an Easter Sunday morning worship service, giving the title, introduction, proposition, interrogative, transitional sentence, main divisions and subdivisions. 5. Construct a textual outline on Isaiah 41:10, with the same features as called for under Exercise 4.

6. Prepare an expository outline on Acts 12:1-19, with the same features as required under Exercise 4.



7. Make a list of ten proverbs and state under what circumstances you would use them in a sermon. 8. Collect thirty pithy sayings and place them under appropriate classifications. Put the aphorisms under each classification on a separate sheet of paper. 9. Prepare a topical outline appropriate for a communion service, giving the title, introduction, proposition, interrogative, s transitional sentence, main divisions and subdivisions. Expand the outline by use of the rhetorical devices, such as those discussed in this chapter: interpretation, argumentation and quotation. Write your sermon notes as briefly as possible. 10. Select your own text and construct a textual outline drawn from that text for a message which would be appropriate for the first Sunday of the new year. Follow the same instructions as for Exercise 4 in the construction and development of the outline.



Journal Reflections and Applications (40 minutes) 1. In light of the textbook readings, group discussion, and/or recommended resources, what is God teaching you? How did this session strengthen your relationship with God and others? 2. How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry? 3. How could we as church leaders teach these lessons to current and future leaders? Advanced Students: Group Activity and Presentations (20 minutes) Advanced students will apply what they are learning by creating illustrations, charts, dramas, or visuals.



Session 4: The Illustrations Name Date Points /50

Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. State how you would illustrate each of the following texts:

(1) "The wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23). (2) “He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). (3) “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Ps. 23:3). (4) "Bless them which persecute you" (Rom. 12:14). (5) "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen. 15:1). (6) “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Mat. 5:8). (7) "Seek ye the Lord while he may be found" (Isa. 55:6).

2. Use your imagination to invent an illustration for each of the following subjects:

(1) A vessel unto honor. (2) An obedient son. (3) An idolatrous service. (4) Diligence in study. (5) A slave before his master. (6) Disappointment. (7) Persistent pleading.

3. Find two Scriptural examples or incidents to illustrate each of the following:

(1) A manifestation of meekness. (2) A hasty action. (3) Joy in the midst of trial. (4) A hateful attitude. (5) A faithful servant. (6) A woman diligent in the service of others. (7) An expression of kindness. (8) A selfish attitude. (9) A forgiving spirit. (10) A wrong promise. (11) The love of money. (12) Resistance to temptation.



(13) A cowardly act. (14) The folly of worldliness.

4. Make a list of Scripture passages which deal with the following emotional states or attitudes:

(1) Love. (2) Fear. (3) Contentment. (4) Self-confidence. (5) Joy. (6) Discontent. (7) Trust. (8) Callous. (9) Hope. (10) Jealousy. (11) Bitterness. (12) Peace. (13) Selfishness. (14) Guilt. (15) Frustration. (16) Meekness.

5. For each of the above emotional states or attitudes, give at least one example of its manifestation by an individual in the Bible. 6. Prepare a topical message suitable for a group of college-age young people. Give the title, introduction, proposition, interrogative, transitional sentence, main divisions, and subdivisions. Expand the outline, using brief phrases whenever possible as shown in the examples of expanded outlines at the conclusion of chapters 9 and 11.



7. Prepare a suitable introduction and conclusion for the topical sermon outline entitled "God Our Rock” in Chapter 8. 8. Study the outline and remarks in Chapter 3 on the expository outline entitled “Wit’s End Corner” and then formulate an appropriate introduction, proposition, interrogative, transitional sentence, and conclusion for the outline. 9. Instead of the conclusion shown at the close of Chapter 9 for the sermon entitled «Won by love», provide an illustration which may form a fitting climax to the message. 10. By use of the rhetorical processes discussed in chapters 9, 10 and 11, expand the outline on "The Psalm of Contentment" shown in this chapter.



Session 5: Study Guide for the Midterm Exam

Memorize the answers to the following questions before class. Answers should be about 20-50 words. The midterm exam is worth 100 points. 1. What is a topical sermon? 2. What is a textual sermon?

3. What is an expository sermon?

4. What are the key ideas in "homiletical structure"?

5. What are the key ideas in "The Title"?

6. What are the key ideas in "The Introduction"?

7. What are the key ideas in "The Proposition"?

8. What are the key ideas in "The Divisions"? 9. What are the key ideas in "The Discussion"?

10. What are the key ideas in "The Illustrations"?

11. What are the key ideas in "The Application"? 12. What are the key ideas in "The Conclusion"?

Group Activity (20 minutes) Professor will guide students in working on their sermons.



Session 6: Present Sermon 1


Preaching Skills – How to Prepare Bible Messages

Type of Sermon:

Text and Context

Title

Introduction

Proposition

Divisions

Discussion

Illustrations

Application

Conclusion



Session 7: The Board Meeting Name Date Points /50

Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Board Meeting"?

2. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Return of Dr. Vickerson"?

3. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Preacher’s One Business"?

4. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The importance of starting early"?

5. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Redeeming the time"?



Session 8: A Day in the Life


Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "A day in the life"?

2. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Rifles and shotguns"? 3. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Preaching with aphorisms"?

4. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Jonah snoring"?

5. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Shaping the purpose into an aphorism"?



Session 9: Vary the Vehicles


Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Vary the vehicles"?

2. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Persuasion and procedure"?

3. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Surprise power"?

4. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Creating internal dialogue"?

5. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Nehemiah Project"?



Session 10: Surprising Requests


Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Surprising requests"?

2. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Reservoir power"?

3. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "A visit to Forest Hills"?

4. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The three R’s of preaching"?

5. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Six Fold Path"?



Session 11: Turning the Lights on the Sermon


Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Turning the Light on the Sermon"?

2. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Snob appeal or sense appeal?"

3. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Light from fog"?

4. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Campfire Reflections on Preaching"?

5. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Tale of the Tapes"?



Session 12: Home at Last!


Discuss Observation and Interpretation Questions (60 minutes) Answer the questions before class. Answers should be about 50 words. This assignment is worth 50 points. 1. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Home at Last!"?

2. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "The Late Night Phone Call"?

3. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "A promise kept”?

4. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "Aftermath"?

5. What are the key ideas in the chapter titled "A seminar on fresh preaching"?



Journal Reflections and Applications (40 minutes) 1. In light of the textbook readings, group discussion, and/or recommended resources, what is God teaching you? How did this session strengthen your relationship with God and others? 2. How are you going to apply these concepts to your life, family, and ministry? 3. How could we as church leaders teach these lessons to current and future leaders? Group Activities (20 minutes) Advanced students will apply what they are learning by creating illustrations, charts, dramas, or visuals. Professor will guide students in preparing for student presentations. Professor will guide students in writing the term paper.



Session 13: Present Sermon 2 Name Date Points /150

Preaching Skills – Preaching with Freshness

Text and Context

Type of Sermon

Title

Needs of the Hearers – The Holy Spirit’s Purpose

Introduction

Proposition

Divisions/Outline

Illustrations

Application

Conclusion



Group Activities The professor and students will provide positive feedback on the sermons. Professor will guide students in preparing for the final exam.



Session 14: Study Guide for the Final Exam The final exam is worth 100 points. The final exam is a review of the key concepts in this course. The final exam is an opportunity for students to put their thoughts together so that they can act on them and experience transformational life change. The final exam provides multiple exposures to key concepts. Writing clarifies and sharpens students’ thoughts. By reviewing the final exams each year students will be able to harvest and retrieve what they have learned. Evaluated writing is a key component of learning, communicating, and leading. 1. In Preaching with Freshness, what are the key ideas in "The importance of starting early"? 2. What are the key ideas in "Rifles and shotguns"? 3. What are the key ideas in "Vary the vehicles”? 4. What are the key ideas in "Persuasion and procedure"? 5. What are the key ideas in "Creating internal dialogue"? 6. What are the ideas of key in "The three R’s of preaching"? 7. What are the ideas of key in "Six fold path"?

8. What are the key ideas in "Light from fog"? 9. What are the key ideas in "Campfire reflections on preaching"?

10. What are the key ideas in "The Tale of the Tapes"?



Debriefing and Testimonials 1. What learning activities did you enjoy most about this course? What assignments were most helpful? How did they help you learn? 2. How have you applied what you learned during this course? What difference is it making? How did this course strengthen your relationship with Jesus and His Body—the Church? Group Activity Permit students to share what they have learned in this course.

Transfer of Credits to Southern California Seminary To transfer credits from Equip Biblical Institute to Southern California Seminary, students must present a complete portfolio of their course work. The portfolio consists of the quizzes, journal reflections, booklets or term papers, and exams for each course. Upon successful completion of the course, students may transfer units into the Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies degree. If the portfolio for a course is not complete, the credits may not be transferable. Attendance Policy. Attending class on time is important to receive the most out of the course. Entering class late disrupts the learning process of all students. Students are permitted three absences for a 14-week semester course. For the semester (28 classroom hours plus 56 homework hours) courses, more than 10 minutes late is a Tardy; more than 20 minutes late is an Absence. Two tardies count as one absence. College credit cannot be transferred to Southern California Seminary when a student misses four or more class sessions. A grade of NC (No Credit) will be recorded when a student misses four sessions or does not complete coursework on time. Exceptions must be approved in writing by the class instructor, the Site Director, and the Director of Equip Biblical Institute and will involve additional assignments mandated by Equip Biblical Institute. Students who attend all 14 sessions will receive 100 points. Transformational Learning Tip: If you review this portfolio once a year (such as on New Year’s Day) as part of a commitment to life change—you will exponentially increase your memory and ability to apply this material to your life, family, and ministry.

southern california bible college & seminary · advanced students: group activity and...

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