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 exercise is intended to help the student to relate Johnson’s 9 points regarding relevance. The goal here is to foster thought in the mind of the student. How is the student going to penetrate their world with the message of the Gospel? This is the question that this exercise helps to examine.
Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
Relate Johnson’s 9 points regarding relevance.
RESOURCES
Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
Bible
8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
There is a myriad of ways one is relevant to one’s culture. Some obviously are better than others. These methods will depend on one’s age, culture, values, and target audience. If one wishes to be relevant to a group of secular photography enthusiasts, one does not use the medium of tennis to do that.
Your methods of relevance will no doubt vary. Your mission remains the same- to penetrate your culture with the message of the Gospel. Consider Johnson’s 9 points regarding relevance:
1. If you do not preach to people’s needs, they will not listen to you.
2. How do you know what people’s needs are?
a. ask the Lord what they are
b. be among the people and observe- get into their homes, work places, schools, working lunches, etc.
c. have them in your home – this creates bonding – that said, set proper boundaries
d. observe trends in your community
e. be involved in the community- civic clubs, coaching, etc.
f. keep your preaching practical – show them how to do what they ought to do
g. if you use technical language when preaching, interpret it
h. pick the right ministry venue to begin with – make sure where you are ministering is a good fit for you, and your audience
i. consider some kind of internet presence, and what that might look like for you.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Spend some time considering these 9 points regarding relevance.
2. Identify which ones that are applicable to you, and why.
3. Identify which ones are not applicable to you, and why.
4. Consider adding something to this list that might be applicable to you.
5. Share your thoughts in a 2 page Word document.