TD-A CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLE OF RELEVANCE

 

UNIT EIGHT INTRODUCTION
This last unit focuses on the concept of relevance in preaching. Christians have the most important message in the world. Because of this, we need to know how best to approach our audience for the greatest chance at reception. This approach is what we will study this last week.

UNIT EIGHT RESOURCES
 Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
 Bible
 8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance

UNIT EIGHT ASSIGNMENTS
8.1 TEXT/MEDIA: TEXTBOOK; POWERPOINT
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
These reading assignments will prepare you to participate in the discussion regarding the concept of relevance in preaching.

Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
 Explain the view of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching regarding the concept of relevance in preaching.

RESOURCES
 Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
 8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Chapters 29-57 of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching.
2. View the Unit 8 Points on Relevance PowerPoint.

INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
This discussion is designed to help the student examine a cultural example of relevance. The goal of this discussion is to compare and contrast Paul’s example of relevance at Mars Hill with a contemporary example of relevance.

Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
 Examine a contemporary example of relevance.

RESOURCES
 Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
 Bible
 Media Link: Relevant Magazine: www.Relevantmagazine.com
 8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Much is said today about the word relevant. First, we must define what we are talking about: “…having direct bearing on the matter in hand; pertinent.” (dictionary.com)

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If this be the definition we will work with, let us ask ourselves a question- Are we, the people of God, “having a direct bearing” on the world around us via our Gospel communication? Do those who hear us believe that what we say matters? Further, does what we say facilitate life change in our hearers? These are the questions that anyone who communicates the Gospel must ask themselves on a regular basis.

Yet another question we must consider- in our attempt to be relevant, how far is too far? In other words, at what point do we become so much like those we are attempting to reach for the Gospel that we lose our distinctive and no longer stand apart as the people of God? A glance at some Christians’ facebook page will show that their behavior, language and values vary little from secular culture around us. So what separates them from secular culture?

Lastly, you may want to consider a visit to www.relevantmagazine.com. Their purpose statement states the following-

“RELEVANT Media Group is a multimedia company whose purpose is to impact culture and give voice to what God is doing in and through our generation. We believe encountering God changes lives, so the magazine looks at how we can live that out in tangible and intentional ways. We talk about culture and real-life issues that other faith-based magazines might shy away from, because we believe it’s important to address the gritty stuff of life—even when it makes us uncomfortable. If it’s relevant to our readers, you’ll find it on our pages.” (relevantmagazine.com)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Examine the Facebook pages of some of your friends who claim Christ as savior. If you are not a Facebook person (and those people do exist) review the pages of www.relevantmagazine.com or some other website that attempts to engage secular culture for the Gospel.
2. In your initial post, share your thoughts about the following:
a. What did you notice about your examination of the material for Instruction #1?
b. What are those connection points you see as valid and appropriate for Christians to engage in, and why? Be specific

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