ATP 302: Preaching

Subtitle: From Exegesis to Exposition in the Pulpit

Course Description

Welcome to ATP 302: Preaching! This course is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge and essential skills for powerful, biblical preaching. In the field of homiletics, the journey from the sacred text to the pulpit is a critical one. We will cover the entire process, starting with the careful, prayerful study of a biblical passage (exegesis) and moving through the stages of structuring, crafting, and delivering a sermon that is faithful to Scripture and relevant to the modern listener (exposition). Whether you are a seasoned pastor looking to sharpen your skills or a new leader preparing for ministry, this course will provide you with a systematic framework for proclaiming God’s Word with clarity, conviction, and confidence.

Course Structure

This course is composed of five chapters, each building upon the last to guide you through the process of sermon preparation and delivery. Each chapter includes a detailed summary, five in-depth lessons, a chapter test, and an optional “Deep Dive” for further study. The course culminates in a final course test.

• Course: Syllabus + Interactive Syllabus + 5 Chapters + Course Test
• Chapter: Summary + 5 Lessons + Chapter Test + Deep Dive

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate a Biblical Theology of Preaching: Understand the purpose, authority, and spiritual significance of preaching in the life of the Church.
2. Perform Accurate Exegesis: Apply sound hermeneutical principles to a biblical text to discern its original meaning and central theological message.
3. Develop a Sermon Outline: Structure a sermon with a clear, logical flow, including a compelling introduction, a well-supported body, and a powerful conclusion.
4. Craft an Engaging Exposition: Learn to use illustrations, applications, and transitions effectively to connect the biblical truth to the hearts and minds of the audience.
5. Cultivate Effective Delivery Skills: Understand the principles of verbal and non-verbal communication in the pulpit and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering the preacher.
6. Construct a Complete Sermon: Integrate all learned skills to prepare and write a full expository sermon manuscript.

Course Outline

Chapter 1: The Foundation of Proclamation

• Lesson 1: What is Biblical Preaching? The Call and the Task
• Lesson 2: The Preacher’s Character: Authority, Humility, and Integrity
• Lesson 3: The Theology of the Word: Why We Preach the Bible
• Lesson 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Preaching
• Lesson 5: A Survey of Preaching History and Methods

Chapter 2: From Text to Sermon Idea (Exegesis)

• Lesson 1: Choosing Your Text: Passage Selection and Planning
• Lesson 2: Observation: What Does the Text Say?
• Lesson 3: Interpretation: What Does the Text Mean? (Context and Grammar)
• Lesson 4: Finding the “Big Idea”: Distilling the Central Truth of the Passage
• Lesson 5: Theological and Christological Connections

Chapter 3: Building the Sermon’s Framework (Homiletics)

• Lesson 1: The Three Essential Parts of a Sermon
• Lesson 2: Crafting Compelling Introductions
• Lesson 3: Structuring the Sermon Body (Deductive and Inductive Approaches)
• Lesson 4: Creating a Coherent Outline and Main Points
• Lesson 5: Designing Powerful Conclusions and Calls to Response

Chapter 4: Fleshing Out the Message (Exposition)

• Lesson 1: The Art of Illustration: Painting Pictures with Words
• Lesson 2: The Science of Application: Making the Truth Relevant
• Lesson 3: Transitions and Flow: Connecting the Sermon’s Parts
• Lesson 4: Clarity and Language: Speaking in a Way People Understand
• Lesson 5: Preaching Different Genres (Narrative, Poetry, Epistle, etc.)

Chapter 5: Delivering the Word with Power

• Lesson 1: Preparation and Practice: From Manuscript to Pulpit
• Lesson 2: Verbal Delivery: Using Your Voice Effectively
• Lesson 3: Non-Verbal Communication: Body Language and Presence
• Lesson 4: Connecting with Your Audience
• Lesson 5: Overcoming Fear and Relying on the Spirit

Assessments & Grading

• Chapter Quizzes: Short quizzes will follow each lesson to assess comprehension.
• Chapter Tests: A test at the end of each of the five chapters will review the material covered.
• Final Course Test: A comprehensive final exam will cover the key ideas from all five chapters.
• Passing Requirement: To successfully complete this course, you must achieve a score of 80% or higher on each of the five Chapter Tests and the Final Course Test.