Master of Divinity Program

Preaching

The very heart of pastoral ministry requires the proclamation, explanation, and application of the Word of God. Homiletics teaches students these skills. Effective, pastoral preaching informs the mind, pricks the heart, and propels the conscience of the listener to embrace and emulate the truth of Scripture. Our communication classes focus on cultivating skills to meet these ends. John Stott reminds us that “there are four ways in which human beings learn: by listening, discussing, watching, and discovering.” In the classroom students are expected to master a theory of preaching derived from Scripture. In the preaching lab students have opportunities to apply that theory by preparing and delivering sermons in a supporting encouraging environment.