Biblical Preaching Class Lecture Notes

Opening: Welcome and Prayer

• Welcome: Professor started with a greeting and encouraged people to give a warm smile to neighbors.
• Prayer: Prayer to invite God's presence and guidance for the day's activities and learning.

Feedback Session Introduction

• Purpose: Feedback sessions aim to give a gift to the preacher through constructive feedback.
• Example: Dr. Dave is praised for his contributions to Biblical preaching and is the subject of today’s feedback.
• Importance: Everyone needs feedback, regardless of experience.
• Environment: Create a grace-filled, constructive environment for feedback.

Structure of Feedback

1. Descriptive Affirmation: Describe what was done well and why it was effective.
   • Example: Emotional impact, effective rhetorical questions, meaningful illustrations.
2. Constructive Suggestions: Provide actionable advice for improvement without tearing down the speaker.
   • Example: Suggestions on pacing, more examples of specific points, etc.
3. Final Blessing: Offer words of encouragement and blessings for future ministry.

Feedback Examples

• **Affirmations: ** Effective use of rhetorical questions, relatable illustrations, emotional engagement.
• Suggestions: Speak slower for non-native speakers, clarify transitions, focus more on specific narrative points.
• Blessings: Continuing impact and growth, maintaining passion and authenticity.

Practical Techniques for Effective Feedback

• Engagement: Encourage active listening and participation from all class members.
• Positivity: Focus on positive reinforcement while offering helpful advice.
• Implementation: Practical techniques can be applied to personal preaching practices.

Dr. Dave's Reflection on Feedback

• Intake: Dr. Dave took notes and reflected on received feedback aiming to improve.
• Encouragement: Recognizing that feedback enhances growth and development in preaching.
• Time Management: Mentioned the importance of scheduling and time management in preparing sermons.

Detailed Observation: Practical Application

• Example Passage: Psalm 67
• Technique: Use a 4-column inductive study (verse, observation, question, hunch).
• Objective: Understand each word and phrase by observing carefully before assigning meaning.
• Tools: Dictionaries, various Bible translations for richer understanding.

Managing Sermon Preparation

• Time Crunch: Importance of managing your time to avoid burnout.
• Structured Schedule: Have a calendar or plan to spread out sermon preparation tasks.
• Integration: Aim to integrate these techniques into your regular sermon preparation routine.

Workshop and Practice Techniques

• Word by Word Analysis: Emphasis on a careful, detailed observation process for sermon content.
• Overlapping Techniques: Combining different methods like narrative focus, character study, etc.
• Feedback Loop: Often revisit your method to constantly improve.

Conclusion: Final Encouragement

• Preparation Type: Slow and steady preparation leads to effective sermons.
• Spiritual Focus: Keep your preaching content-driven and spiritually focused.
• Practical Takeaways: Apply practical tools and feedback to your preaching preparation process.