HOM101
Comprehensive study of sermon preparation, delivery, and communication. Develops skills in biblical interpretation, theological articulation, and effective proclamation. Combines classical homiletical theory with contemporary preaching practice.
About 15 hours of study material
Homiletics is the art and science of preaching · Rich historical tradition: apostolic, medieval scholastic, Reformation biblical, modern diverse · Preaching is proclamation, dialogue, event, and service
Preaching rooted in Scripture as God's living, active Word · Nehemiah 8:8 model: read, explain, give meaning, people understand · Jesus preached with authority, compassion, challenge, and invitation
Exegesis draws meaning out of the text; eisegesis reads meaning in · Seven exegetical steps: read, identify form, analyze grammar, research context, consult commentaries, identify main idea, note theology · Consider four levels of context: immediate, broader, historical, theological
Classical structure: introduction (hook, relevance, thesis), body (2-4 points), conclusion (reinforce, apply, invite) · Introduction should hook attention and state thesis (10-15% of sermon) · Each main point: explanation, illustration, application
Theological preaching articulates God's truth and grounds ethics in gospel · Five steps: identify theological idea, ground in Scripture, connect to theology, address context, apply to life · Application must be specific, practical, challenging, hopeful, and inviting response
Voice: vary pace, volume, pitch, and tone; use silence purposefully · Body language: open posture, natural gestures, genuine eye contact · Presence: authentic, passionate, genuinely caring for your congregation
Know your congregation: demographics, maturity, culture, challenges, questions · Contextual sensitivity: respect culture without compromising biblical truth · Funeral: comfort and resurrection hope; Wedding: covenant celebration; Crisis: honest hope
Sermon preparation requires 12-15 hours for a 30-minute sermon · Eight steps: prayer, exegesis, meditation, idea development, research, outline, write/notes, practice · Meditation: let the text speak to you before you preach it
Common pitfalls: boring delivery, unclear message, irrelevance, proof-texting, moralism · Unclear message: develop one central idea; state it explicitly twice · Handle criticism with thick skin and humble heart
Preaching voice = theology + communication + pastoral heart + authenticity · Four dimensions: theological, communication, pastoral, prophetic voices · Be yourself — your congregation needs YOU, not a copy of another preacher
Full lesson content and quizzes unlock in the classroom once you enroll. This page shows the complete syllabus so you know exactly what you're getting.
Cross Life School of Divinity is accredited through the Council for Theological Accreditation and Review (CTAR), a private religious accrediting body. CTAR accreditation is not recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).