0

Introduction

The instructor manual for Preaching the Whole Counsel of God is intended as a guide to help you, the instructor, most effectively utilize this textbook while also freeing you to spend time on what matters most to you—teaching your students. Therefore, the material is divided into six sections.

The first section lists various websites that will be useful in teaching your students how to preach the whole counsel of God. Each section will also contain a list of websites or other media resources that are particularly helpful for that chapter.

The second section, chapter summaries, contains six parts for each individual chapter: chapter summaries, key terms, key points, pedagogical suggestions, and other media, such as websites and videos pertinent to that particular chapter, and suggested essay questions. Chapter summaries summarize the major points of each chapter. Key terms are important for your students to know for each chapter. Key points outline the major points of each chapter. Pedagogical suggestions are suggestions for activities inside and outside of the classroom to help your students internalize the material. Other media are websites, videos, lectures, articles, etc., that will help your students understand the material better by supplementing what is found in the textbook. The suggested essay questions will provide a starting place for helping your students to think through the material in each chapter.

The third section contains lesson objectives for each chapter. These will help you to develop your syllabus and lesson plans around what each chapter is intended to teach.

The fourth section contains chapter quizzes for each chapter, which are composed of twenty questions. The correct answers are bolded.

The fifth section includes a midterm and final exam, culled from the chapter quizzes.The sixth section contains a sample syllabus for a 15-week course, with a schedule both

for classes that meet three days per week and classes that meet two days per week. Thank you for choosing Preaching the Whole Counsel of God to teach through this

exciting aspect of pastoral ministry. I hope that this manual will prove fruitful as you engage your students with God’s Word.

Russell L. Meek

1

Table of Contents

Suggested Websites 3

Chapter Summaries 4

Student Learning Objectives 24

Chapter Quizzes 28

Sample Syllabus 51

Midterm Exam 55

Midterm Exam Study Guide 60

Final Exam 61

Final Exam Study Guide 66

2

Suggested Websites www.preaching.org : This site contains multiple preaching resources. www.patheos.com : This blog includes posts on preaching, as well as other issues relevant

to preaching and pastoral ministry. www.sermoncentral.com : This site is a repository of sermons and information for

preaching. www.thegospelcoalition.org : This collaborative website contains many resources for

preachers. www.ftc.co : As with The Gospel Coalition, this collaborative website contains many

resources for preaching. www.preachingtoday.com : This website is devoted to resources on preaching.

3

Chapter Summaries Chapter 1: Praying, Selecting, Reading, and Meditating

Key Termspraying, selecting, reading, meditating, herald, gospel-centered, Mars Hill, lectio continua, topical/textual

Key Points The four steps of praying, selecting, reading, and meditating proved an indispensible

foundation for the herald of the King as he discovers, discerns, and delivers gospel-centered sermons.

Early Christian leaders devoted themselves to prayer, and Christian leaders today should follow that example.

Knowing one’s audience is an important part of both selecting one’s text and preaching it.

When selecting a text, the preacher should pray, pattern, and pastor. Meditation is a foundational part of sermon preparation whereby the preacher reflects on

God’s wisdom for God’s glory and our good.

Chapter Summary Early Christian leaders devoted themselves to praying and teaching. In this they followed

the example of Jesus. Paul also highly valued prayer in his ministry. Prayer is therefore foundational for all aspects of sermon preparation.

Selection of a text to preach is a crucial part of the process of sermon preparation. Knowing one’s audience is a key part of selecting a text. Paul demonstrates this in the different texts he used when preaching at Athens and Antioch. There are three pieces of advice for selecting a text: pray, pattern, and pastor. There are three patterns that can be followed: lectio continua, topical/textual, and the lectionary. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Preachers must finally think pastorally about their selection of texts to preach, which includes thinking about the unique needs and makeup of their particular congregation.

The next step in the process is to read the biblical text to be preached. First, read the text, then read the text in its context. Two questions should be answered: What is the text about? What kind of response does it call for?

The final step is to meditate on the text. This is the process whereby one centers the mind in reflection on God through his Spirit-given Word for the purposes of worship and wisdom. Christian meditation is distinct from Eastern religious tradition in that it focuses the Christian outward, toward God as he is revealed in his Word.

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students reflect on their current practice of sermon preparation. Have students discuss which of the four steps (praying, selecting, reading, and

meditating) with which they are most comfortable and why.

4

Other Media Sources/Websites “How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Preaching with Bryan Chapell”:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=moUmWBxv-jo “Christ-Centered Worship” by Bryan Chapell: www.youtube.com/watch?

v=ZmqomnaeRmU “22 Benefits of Meditating on Scripture”:

www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2015/03/13/22-benefits-of-meditating-on-scripture/

Suggested Essay Questions What does it mean to meditate on Scripture? How might meditation influence how you

preach? Why is it important to know the congregation to which you are preaching? Thinking of your current church, answer the questions related to thinking pastorally about

preaching on page 23. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the three patterns for determining which

portions of Scripture to preach?

5

Chapter 2: Interpreting the Text: Linguistic, Literary, Life-Setting Analysis

Key Termsperspicuity; historical particularity; exegetical process; author; recipient; praying; reading; sermon proposition; semantic range; literary analysis; linguistic analysis; genre; life-setting analysis

Key Points Interpretation of the biblical text must be approached with the belief that God’s Word is

trustworthy because it is inspired by God. Scripture is characterized by perspicuity. Interpreters must learn to read the text and ask the right questions of it. Linguistic analysis seeks to determine what the text actually says. Literary analysis examines how the text says what it says. Life-setting analysis examines when and why the text says what it says.

Chapter Summary Interpretation of the biblical text must be approached with the belief that God’s Word is

trustworthy because it is inspired by God. God’s Word is therefore relevant and authoritative as well as characterized by perspicuity.

The fundamental key to discovering the truth of the text is “to learn to read the text carefully and to ask the right questions of the text.” There are three stages of interpretive analysis: linguistic analysis, literary analysis, and life-setting analysis.

Linguistic analysis seeks to determine what the text actually says. It comprises six steps: praying, reading the passage, formulating a preliminary sermon proposition; translating the passage; identifying the syntax and structure of the passage; and reformulating the sermon proposition.

Literary analysis examines how the text says what it says. This analysis includes examining the passage in light of the chapter and book, in light of the other books in the Bible, and in light of its genre. Genre analysis helps to classify the type of literature a book is and clarify its meaning.

Life-setting analysis examines when and why the text says what it says. There are two main areas of life-setting analysis: examining the general historical and cultural backdrop and examining the specific occasion and purpose of the biblical text. In completing this process, you are determining the “fallen-condition focus” of the biblical text.

Pedagogical Suggestions Choose a biblical text and have students determine its fallen-condition focus. Choose a biblical text and walk through the process described in this chapter as a way to

illustrate the process along with teaching it. Choose a common biblical text, such as John 3, and find several sermons on it. Have

students listen to a few of the sermons and determine what accounts for the differences between the sermons.

6

Other Media Sources/Websites “Q&A with Bryan Chapell on Christ-Centered Preaching”:

news.sbts.edu/2010/06/03/qa-with-bryan-chapell-on-christ-centered-preaching/ “The Fallen Condition Focus and the Purpose of the Sermon” by Bryan Chapell:

news.sbts.edu/2010/06/03/qa-with-bryan-chapell-on-christ-centered-preaching/

Suggested Essay Questions What is the “fallen-condition focus” and why should it impact how one develops a

sermon? Why is performing linguistic analysis on a biblical passage important for preaching it? In what way does the context of a passage impact how it is preached? Describe a sermon you have heard preached that is not gospel-centered or Christ-

centered. How could that sermon have been gospel-centered?

7

Chapter 3: Why Should We “Preach Christ”? Because It’s Foundational, Biblical, and Practical

Key TermsPaul; Peter; Emmaus Road; Moses and all the prophets; the law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms; Tanakh; Torah; Nevi’im; Kethuvim; biblical theology; systematic theology; typology

Key Points Preaching Christ is biblical, foundational, and practical. Jesus and the apostles preached Christ from the Old Testament with a controlling

message and specific evangelistic purpose. Preaching Christ is foundational to our understanding of the entire story of the Bible. Preaching Christ from all Scripture is eminently practical.

Chapter Summary There exists significant disagreement over what it means to “preach Christ.” Some are

not even convinced that Christ should be preached from all Scripture. This chapter explains three reasons to preach Christ: it is biblical, foundational, and practical.

First, preaching Christ is biblical—Jesus and the apostles did it. Early Christian preaching had a central controlling message and a specific evangelistic purpose. Both Peter and Paul preached Christ from the Old Testament, as did Jesus himself. Jesus’ sermon in John 6 demonstrates his Christological view of the Old Testament. Here Jesus uses Exodus 16:4 and Isaiah 54:13 to explain his feeding of the 5,000. The apostles followed suit in preaching Christ. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost provides a prime example of the apostles’ Christological preaching.

Second, preaching Christ is foundational to our understanding of the entire biblical story. The central narrative of Scripture is God and redemption, which cannot be understood apart from Jesus Christ. Further, only Christ can resolve and fulfill the interpretive tensions of the Old Testament. As a result, the interpreter must discover the truths of God in Scripture and discern how those truths find fulfillment in Christ. Typology is an important interpretive method developed by the NT authors of reading the Old Testament Christologically.

Third, preaching Christ from all Scripture is eminently practical. In fact, a person cannot even become a Christian without the grace Christ provides—the entire Christian endeavor is predicated on his life, death, and resurrection! The gospel is about what God has already done, not what people must do for God. Jesus himself is the good news, and this good news is not only for unbelievers who need to know Jesus but also for believers who already have a relationship with him.

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students discuss the practical implications of preaching Jesus from all of Scripture. Before explaining typology, have students discuss their understanding of the concept.

Then, use an Old Testament passage to demonstrate the proper application of this interpretive method.

8

Other Media Sources/Websites “Christ-Centered Preaching and Teaching” E-book (free):

www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2013/october/free-e-book-from-gospel-project-christ-centered-preaching-a.html

“Panel on Preaching Christ in the Old Testament”: www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oBKylT9Ju8

Suggested Essay Questions Why should we preach Christ? In what way is preaching Christ foundational to the preaching task? Read Jesus’ Bread of Life discourse and explain his Christological reading of the Old

Testament. How was apostolic preaching Christ-centered? How can their method of interpreting and

preaching Scripture be applied today?

9

Chapter 4: Preaching Christ from the Old Testament

Key TermsAbraham; genre; poetry; prose; allegory; moralism; typology; protagonist; antagonist; supporting cast; shalom; omission; repetition; dialogue; semantics

Key Points The Bible as a whole is essentially one story with one main character: God and his

redemptive purposes. The narrow historical context is vital in understanding God’s ultimate purpose—

redemption. Four features of narrative are important for interpretation: people, plot, places, and

particulars.

Chapter Summary There are multiple difficulties to overcome when preaching Christ from the Old

Testament. However, the Bible as a whole is essentially one story with one main character. An important aspect of understanding this story is to examine the Bible’s redemptive and historical contexts.

The Bible is a story about God and his redemptive purposes. God accomplishes this ultimate purpose—redemption—through the narrow history of Israel.

How should we preach Christ through Old Testament prose/narrative? Stories form 60 percent of Scripture for several reasons. First, stories are powerful. Second, they help concretize abstract ideas. Four features of narrative are important for interpretation: people, plot, places, and particulars. Character analysis is important because it reveals details about God and humans. Plot moves the story forward and helps the reader understand what is important about it. The places described in the plot are important because physical details are not often included in biblical narrative. Three narrative particulars help preachers understand and preach narrative: omission, repetition, and dialogue. Omission refers to the omission of details; repetition refers to the use of a detail multiple times; dialogue refers to conversational interaction between characters in the narrative.

The strategy for preaching Christ from the Old Testament involves three steps. Level one involves discovering a passage’s original purpose for the original audience through linguistic, literary, and life-setting analysis. Level two involves discerning how the passage points to Christ. Level three involves discovering how the gospel should transform you and your hearers.

Christ can and should also be preached from OT poetry and Psalms. Poetry has several distinctive features, such as terseness, parallelism, and imagery. There are also several unique components associated with the book of Psalms. These include historical and literary considerations, purpose and theme, structure, categories, and poetic style.

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students bring a recording of a favorite song or poem to class to illustrate the power

of poetry even today.

10

Have students select one passage of OT Scripture and demonstrate how Christ could be preached from it.

Choose one passage of Scripture and have students each come up with an allegory on their own to explain it. This will illustrate the dangers in allegorical interpretation.

Other Media Sources/Websites “Practical Application in Christ-Centered Expository Preaching” by Tony Merida:

tonymerida.net/2013/christ-centered-preaching-part-3-practical-application-in-christ-centered-expository-preaching/

“Preaching Christ from the Old Testament” by Sinclair Ferguson: www.monergism.com/preaching-christ-old-testament

Suggested Essay Questions How can one preach Christ from the Psalms? What does it mean to preach Christ from the Old Testament? Why should preachers seek first to discover a passage’s original meaning before moving

on to discuss the passage’s Christological implications? Describe the three features of OT narrative texts that help in interpretation.

11

Chapter 5: Preaching Christ from the New Testament

Key TermsGospels; moralism; protagonist; antagonist; supporting cast; historical narratives; teaching discourse; gospel genre; evangelist; parable; miracle narrative; birth narrative; parable; controversy narrative; passion narrative; typology

Key Points The gospel genre contains two types of literature: historical narrative and teaching

discourse. The four gospels were written to different communities of faith and give readers today

both the gospel message and a hermeneutical model to follow. Christ must be preached from the Gospels as well as the ethical/law passages in the New

Testament.

Chapter Summary It may seem counterintuitive to discuss preaching Christ from the New Testament, but

many preachers compose sermons from the NT that do not properly preach Christ, but are rather moralistic sermons. Preachers must preach in a way that is true to human and divine authorial intent.

Many features discussed regarding OT narrative are also present in the Gospels. There are several other additional features as well. First, the gospel genre contains two types of literature: historical narrative and teaching discourse. The book of Exodus helps to understand the gospel genre in several ways. First, they share similar themes. Second, they share similar genres. The gospel genre can be defined as an announcement of good news set within God’s history. In order to preach this genre properly, we must note both continuities and discontinuities between our present context and the original context.

The purpose of the Gospels is important for preaching and interpretation. The four gospels were written to different communities of faith and give readers today both the gospel message and a hermeneutical model to follow. The Gospels share similar themes, but unpack those themes to reveal the individual Gospel’s purpose in unique ways.

The Gospel writers reveal their purpose through their text. Luke and John both contain explicit purpose statements. All the Gospels reveal their purpose through individual texts and how those texts are put together to form a whole. The gospel writers also use literary structure to communicate their purpose. Occasion is the final feature that displays the purpose of the gospel writers. There are several subgenres in the Gospels that have unique features: birth narratives, miracle narratives, controversy narratives, parables, and passion narratives.

The strategy for preaching Christ from the Gospels involves three steps. Level one involves discovering a passage’s original purpose for the original audience through linguistic, literary, and life-setting analysis. Level two involves discerning how the passage points to Christ. Level three involves discovering how the gospel should transform you and your hearers.

Christ must also be preached from the ethical/law passages in the New Testament. This genre presents several difficulties, such as the differing standards between ancient and modern

12

times, the danger of promoting either legalism or license, and the danger of preaching a works-based—that is, false—gospel.

Ethical/law passages can be divided into and interpreted with several categories. Principles, rules, and instructions form the first category. The second category comprises moral, civil, and ceremonial laws. Moral laws are eternal standards; civil laws are judicial and administrative laws for the nation of Israel; and ceremonial laws regulated the worship and identity of the Israelites. There are three uses of biblical laws: pedagogical, civil, and normative. Finally, laws must be taught within the historical-redemptive framework of the Bible.

The strategy for preaching Christ from the ethical/law passages involves three steps. Level one involves discovering a passage’s original purpose for the original audience through linguistic, literary, and life-setting analysis. Level two involves discerning how the passage points to Christ. Layer three involves discovering how the gospel should transform you and your hearers.

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students compare and contrast the purpose statements of the gospel of John and the

gospel of Luke and discuss what makes each purpose statement distinctive. Choose a law passage from the Old Testament and have students explain how each law

can be categorized within its context according to the civil/moral/ceremonial distinctions.

Other Media Sources/Websites “Preach Christ from the Gospels”:

www.sbts.edu/resources/magazines/preach-christ-from-the-gospels/ “Schreiner, the Three-Fold Division, and the Law of God”:

thecripplegate.com/schreiner-the-threefold-division-and-the-law-of-god/

Suggested Essay Questions What is the purpose of the law? What is the purpose of the Gospels? How can a person preach Christ from the parables? Explain the three ways that the gospel writers reveal their purpose, with examples of

each.

13

Chapter 6: The Blueprints of Sermon Design—Part 1

Key Termspreaching; logos; ethos; pathos; linguistic analysis; life-setting analysis; literary analysis; hearers; preacher; dénouement; sermon proposition

Key Points Preaching is the Spirit-directed interpretation, explanation, proclamation, and application

of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sermons should be designed according to the foundational principles of truth, beauty, and

goodness. A sermon characterized by truth, beauty, and goodness should be developed by using the

broad framework of a story. Within the story framework, the hearers, not the preacher, plays the role of hero.

Chapter Summary Preaching is the Spirit-directed interpretation, explanation, proclamation, and application

of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sermons should be designed according to three foundational principles. First, the preacher must design a sermon characterized by truth. Second, the preacher must design a sermon that is characterized by goodness. Third, preachers should design a sermon that is characterized by beauty.

This type of sermon can be designed with the broad framework of a story. The story arc forms a crucial part of this process, with hearers of the sermon playing the role of the hero. They must be taken from their original location to the greater destination through transformation by God’s Word. The beginning of the sermon should introduce hearers to what God’s Word says about their current location and God’s desired location. The middle of the sermon presents and resolves the complications hearers will face on their journey from their current location to God’s desired location. The sermon ends with the dénouement, where the hearer sees how the truth of the passage moves them from their first location to the desired location.

There are three components to sermon structure. First, the sermon proposition is one sentence that communicates the central idea and purpose statement of the sermon. The sermon proposition should be covenantal (related to the relationship God has with his people), Christ-focused, cogent (logical and clear), and consequential.

Second, the sermon must have main points that comprise an outline. The outline should be textual (based in the biblical text), truthful (emerging from the text and consistent with the context and co-texts), transferable (able to move from the text to the hearer), and traveling (stepping-stones to a particular destination).

Third, the sermon must contain subpoints within its outline. These should be selective, that is, do not include everything that can be included. The subpoints should also be simple, specific, succinct, significant, sympathetic, sensitive, symmetrical, sticky, and surprising.

14

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students discuss their previous process for developing a sermon outline and

compare it to the method identified in chapter 6. Have students listen to two or three sermons and determine whether subpoints are

consistent with the principles outlined in chapter 6 for developing subpoints.

Other Media Sources/Websites “Six Sermon Preparation Steps for Bivocational Pastors”:

www.lifeway.com/Article/Sermon-preparation-steps-for-bivocational-pastors Repository of sermons by Julius Kim (these can be used as models for how to deliver the

types of sermons described in the book): www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&Keyword=Julius%5EKim

Suggested Essay Questions What, in your opinion, are the three most important aspects of developing appropriate

sermon subpoints? Explain. Why must sermons be characterized by truth, beauty, and goodness? How does one determine whether or not a sermon is truthful? Good? Beautiful? Why are the hearers, instead of the preacher or God, the hero in the story of a sermon?

15

Chapter 7: The Blueprints of Sermon Design—Part 2

Key Termslogos; ethos; pathos; transition; application; illustration; introduction; conclusion; composition; working outline; formal outline; speaking outline

Key Points Transitions are important because they demonstrate the sermon’s unity, symmetry, and

proportion (or not). In addition to explaining the biblical text and proclaiming Christ in the text, preachers

must also apply the text to the hearers. Each of the nine elements listed in chapters 6 and 7 are crucial for the design and delivery

of a sermon characterized by truth, beauty, and goodness.

Chapter Summary This chapter covers the final six components of designing a sermon characterized by

truth, goodness, and beauty. The fourth element is transitions, which is how you will connect the points of your sermon. Transitions are important because they demonstrate the sermon’s unity, symmetry, and proportion (or not). Good transitions will indicate where a sermon is going, where it has been and how long the journey will take. Ultimately, transitions should connect to the previous idea, propel to the next idea, and relate to the sermon proposition. There are four common types of transitions: internal preview, internal summary, signposts, and connectives.

The fifth element is applications. In addition to explaining the biblical text and proclaiming Christ in the text, preachers must also apply the text to the hearers. There are four basic guidelines to follow when making applications: make sure they are present in the text, perceptible to the mind, penetrating to the heart, and practical to life. The sixth element is illustrations, or brief stories that help readers to connect with the point(s) of the sermon. Illustrations should not be used as entertainment, but they are useful for 1) supplementing and complementing the sermon’s propositions, 2) concretizing abstract truth, 3) retaining and increasing attention, and 4) connecting the truth to the hearer. Illustrations should be connected, clear, concrete, concise, colorful, and careful.

Element 7, introductions, have four building blocks: interest, inspiration, intention, and index. The eighth element, the conclusion, should contain three important features: closure, coherence, and conviction. The ninth element is composition, or the actual writing of the sermon. There are three sermon outlines that should be used during the sermon’s design: a working outline, a formal outline, and the speaking outline.

Pedagogical Suggestions Choose one biblical passage and have a group of students develop an illustration for it.

Then critique the illustrations according to the guidelines in this chapter. Mix poor and good transitions into a lecture in order to illustrate the importance of good

transitions (but be sure to let your students know why you are using poor transitions!).

16

Other Media Sources/Websites Online repository of sermon illustrations:

www.sermonillustrations.com/ UNC Writing Center website for how to write conclusions:

writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/conclusions/

Suggested Essay Questions What are the components of a good illustration? Choose a biblical passage and write a

sermon illustration for it that follows the guidelines of this chapter. What are the benefits of using a speaking outline instead of a formal outline, or

manuscript, in the pulpit? Why are good transitions important? What are the components of a good sermon

transition? How should a sermon’s introduction and conclusion fit together? What are the distinct

purposes of each?

17

Chapter 8: The Influence of Neuroscience on the Design and Delivery of the Sermon

Key Termscredibility; encoding; top-down attention; bottom-up attention; sender-oriented; prefrontal cortex; synapses; experience-independent wiring; experience-expectant wiring; experience-dependent wiring; mirror neurons; verbal rehearsal

Key Points The design and delivery of a sermon is just as important as the discovery and discernment

of the biblical text. The preacher must avoid being sender-oriented in the delivery of sermons. Since every person’s brain is wired differently, preachers cannot approach all their

listeners in the same way.

Chapter Summary A sermon’s design and delivery is as important as discovering and discerning the biblical

text. This chapter examines twelve brain functions along with the implications for preaching in light of these brain functions.

First, character matters; that is, if the hearer believes the speaker to be credible, the hearer’s level of attention and retention increases. Two ways to build your credibility are through how you dress and how you carry yourself. Second, the brain goes through the process of ready (loading information), aim (searching for more information), and fire (acting on the information given). The preacher should therefore aim for maximum encoding through previewing points, presenting points in novel, unique, and repetitive ways, and illustrating with focused imagery, among other things.

Third, the brain usually organizes one thing at a time in a linear, serial pattern. However, preachers often deliver too much information or deliver information that is not pertinent to the homiletical goal. Instead, the preacher should be selective with information, simple with ideas, and succinct with words. The prefrontal cortex, which connects the head, heart, and hands, is the part of the brain that is primarily activated while listening to a sermon. When information is emotionally relevant, the hearer is more likely to encode that information meaningfully. Thus, the preacher should seek to make information emotionally relevant. Ways to achieve this goal include stating why the information is relevant, applying each point in the sermon, using illustrative material, using vivid language, focusing on human experience, and being creative.

Fifth, the brain has three types of wiring built into it: experience-independent wiring; experience-expectant wiring; and experience-dependent wiring. Since every person’s brain is wired differently, preachers cannot approach all their listeners in the same way. The preaching implications for this brain function include anticipating questions and objections, answering those questions and objections, asking questions to persuade and propel, and applying points to the whole person. Sixth, brain research indicates that the intensity of a stimulus impacts how attentive the brain is to it. In order to utilize this brain functions, preachers should make eye contact with each person in the room, signal emphasis with varying pitch, volume, and body language, and show emotion.

18

Seventh, sensory processes are wired to work together, which means that people who receive information through multiple senses usually remember it better. Preachers should therefore integrate their words and actions for maximum impact, take advantage of the opening moments of a sermon, and repeat key ideas with multisensory clues. Eighth, ideas must move from working memory to long-term memory, which requires frequent repetition, or verbal rehearsal. To apply this principle, preachers should be convinced that only the gospel can save people and then be consistent and persistent in preaching the gospel.

Ninth, the brain grows tired, especially when confronted with irrelevant, uninteresting, and uninspiring information. Therefore, the preacher should insert cognitive breaks, build sections into the sermon that allow downtime for the brain, and perhaps allow for quiet reflection after the sermon. Tenth, distractions decrease brain function and cognitive control. Therefore, the preacher should remove and respond to distractions.

Eleventh, practice makes perfect, so preachers should practice their sermons repeatedly, assess the first two minutes of a sermon, not practice in front of a mirror, and not memorize the entire sermon. Twelfth and finally, exercise improve concentration, mental perseverance, and the ability to identify and process stimuli. Thus, the preacher should exercise regularly and encourage the congregation to do the same.

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students choose one of the twelve brain functions and demonstrate to the class how

they would apply the preaching implications to a sermon. Have students study brain function research and give a 2–3 minute presentation on their

findings.

Other Media Sources/Websites The Brain-Targeted Teaching Model:

www.braintargetedteaching.org/ Brain-Based Learning Resource Round-Up:

www.edutopia.org/article/brain-based-learning-resources

Suggested Essay Questions Why should preachers care about brain research? Choose one of the twelve facts regarding brain function and discuss how it can be

practically applied to the preaching task. Describe a memorable sermon. Thinking of that sermon, what aspects of brain research

does it seem that the preacher utilized? Do you agree that “the design and delivery of a sermon is just as important as the

discovery and discernment of the biblical text”? Why/why not?

19

Chapter 9: Delivery: Nonverbal Communication

Key Termsverbal communication; nonverbal communication; Western; “four corners” technique; gestures; body control; conviction; sympathy; empathy

Key Points How one speaks is just as or even more important than what one speaks. The goal is for nonverbal communication to complement and reinforce the verbal

content. Culture plays a significant role in how one defines and understands nonverbal

communication. Nonverbal communication should be engaging, inspiring, and shepherding.

Chapter Summary The faithful preacher must be excellent in both verbal and nonverbal communication.

How one speaks is just as or even more important than what one speaks. The goal is for nonverbal communication to complement and reinforce the verbal content. An important tool in developing good nonverbal communication skills is recording and viewing your sermons. Culture plays a significant role in how one defines and understands nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication should be engaging, inspiring, and shepherding.

Engaging nonverbal communication includes making good eye contact with the audience. One technique for making eye contact with the entire room is the “four corners” technique. Facial expressions communicate how you and the audience view the material being spoken. Gestures, or body movements the speaker makes, also convey a message. Body control is also important because it impacts how people perceive our feelings. Finally, humor can be used to engage an audience.

Inspiring nonverbal communication comes from the speaker’s own conviction. Other features that inspire audiences are passion and respect.

Finally, nonverbal communication must also be shepherding. Shepherding involves being empathetic rather than sympathetic, exhibiting joyful gravity, and having inhibition.

Pedagogical Suggestions Have students describe situations in which a person’s nonverbal communication did not

match his or her verbal communication. Have students take turns speaking and contradicting their words with nonverbal cues.

Other Media Sources/Websites Ted Talks: This website contains Ted Talks, which provide excellent examples of

nonverbal communication. www.ted.com/talks “Non-Verbal Communication—For the Birds”: www.youtube.com/watch?

v=ihKXQbYeV5k&list=RDihKXQbYeV5k#t=3

20

Suggested Essay Questions Why is nonverbal communication important? Describe an instance in which you experienced dissonance between a person’s nonverbal

and verbal cues. Which aspects of nonverbal communication do you excel at? Which need work? How

can you further develop those areas that need work? Describe, using specific examples and following the categories in chapter 9, how a

person can be engaging in his or her nonverbal communication.

21

Chapter 10: Delivery: Verbal Communication

Key Termsverbal communication; nonverbal communication; volume; pitch; monotony; clarity; enunciation; vocalized pause

Key Points A person should not devote so much attention to style that he or she ignores content, but

some attention to style is appropriate. The preacher should take care to utilize the appropriate volume, pitch, and clarity of his

or her words. The preacher should vary his speed according to the topic, setting, and whether the

audience is predisposed to the topic. The preacher should signal to the audience when to “lean in” and when to “lean out.” The preacher should utilize silence, or pauses, in the sermon.

Chapter Summary There are five elements of verbal communication to address: style, sound, speed, signal,

and silence. The first element to address is style. A person should not devote so much attention to style that he or she ignores content, but some attention to style is appropriate. Preachers should strive for what Bryan Chapell calls a “heightened conversational” style.

The second area to consider is sound, that is, the volume, pitch, and clarity of words. A preacher’s volume must be loud enough so all can hear, but low enough so that it can be raised for emphasis. The preacher must also attend to the pitch of his or her voice, as using pitch appropriately helps to convey meaning and signal changes in emphasis. It is very important to avoid monotony and repetitious patterns in pitch. The preacher must also speak with clarity, articulating and pronouncing words correctly.

The third area to consider is the speed at which one speaks. Speed should be varied according to the topic, the setting, and whether the audience is predisposed to the topic. Avoid using a constant speed and avoid speaking too quickly. The fifth important element in verbal communication is signal variation. This refers to the speaker’s ability to signal to the audience when to listen closely and when to relax and conserve energy. This technique presupposes that the speaker has already prioritized content. The final element to consider in verbal communication is silence. Silence, or pauses, are an important part of sermon delivery and should be used appropriately. Finally, after all has been done, it is time to rehearse. Three goals of rehearsal are to refine the sermon, remember the sermon, and finally to relax.

Pedagogical Suggestions Show students a brief video clip of a sermon and have them evaluate the speaker

according to the five areas of verbal communication. Have students discuss the variances in style among their favorite preachers.

22

Other Media Sources/Websites Ted Talks: This website contains Ted Talks, which provide excellent examples of verbal

communication. www.ted.com/talks “Skills: Delivering the Sermon”: A repository of resources for delivering sermons well.

www.preachingtoday.com/skills/themes/deliveringthesermon/

Suggested Essay Questions Describe an instance in which you experienced a monotonous sermon or lecture. Why is

variation in verbal communication important? Who is your favorite preacher? Describe their style and discuss how it differs from the

style of other preachers. Outline the author’s goals for sermon rehearsal. Which of these do you think is most

important? Why? What is the most helpful thing you’ve learned about the design and delivery of sermons

throughout this book?

23

Student Learning ObjectivesChapter 1: Praying, Selecting, Reading, and Meditating

Students should be able to:

1. Describe the importance of praying while selecting a biblical text to preach.2. Describe the process of selecting a biblical text to preach.3. Describe the importance of reading the biblical text to preach.4. Describe the process of meditating on a biblical text to preach.5. Differentiate between the three patterns for selecting a biblical text to preach.6. Understand how Jesus, Paul the apostle, and early church leaders relied on prayer.7. Understand what it means to think pastorally about selecting a biblical passage to preach.8. Understand the distinctive features of Christian meditation.

Chapter 2: Interpreting the Text: Linguistic, Literary, Life-Setting Analysis

Students should be able to:

1. Articulate the process for performing linguistic analysis on a biblical passage.2. Articulate the process for performing literary analysis on a biblical passage.3. Articulate the process for performing life-setting analysis on a biblical passage.4. Understand the importance of approaching the biblical text as authoritative and

perspicacious. 5. Understand the importance of literary context for preaching a biblical passage.6. Understand the importance of historical context for preaching a biblical passage.7. Describe the meaning of “fallen-condition focus” of the text.8. Recite the three questions asked of a text to determine its fallen-condition focus.

Chapter 3: Why Should We “Preach Christ”? Because It’s Foundational, Biblical, and Practical

Students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate why preaching Christ is foundational.2. Demonstrate why preaching Christ is biblical.3. Demonstrate why preaching Christ is practical.4. Articulate the Christological preaching method employed by Jesus.5. Understand how Jesus preached about himself from the Old Testament in his Bread of

Life discourse. 6. Summarize how the apostles preached Christ from the Old Testament.7. Understand the concept of typology and its importance for preaching Christ from all of

Scripture. 8. Articulate how preaching Christ impacts preaching to both Christians and non-Christians.

24

Chapter 4: Preaching Christ from the Old Testament

Students should be able to:

1. Describe the challenges of preaching Christ from the Old Testament.2. Understand the role in interpretation of the redemptive and historical contexts of the Old

Testament.3. Analyze the people, plot, places, and particulars of narrative.4. Describe the importance of character analysis in preaching OT narrative.5. Describe the role of omission, repetition, and dialogue in OT narrative.6. Describe the unique features of OT poetry and Psalms.7. Develop a Christ-centered sermon from an OT narrative text.8. Develop a Christ-centered sermon from an OT poetic text.

Chapter 5: Preaching Christ from the New Testament

Students should be able to:

1. Describe the challenges of preaching Christ from the New Testament. 2. Identify the features of the gospel genre. 3. Describe the similarities between the Gospels and the Pentateuch.4. Define the gospel genre. 5. Identify the purpose of the Gospels.6. Identify the features of ethical/law passages in the New Testament.7. Preach a Christ-centered sermon from the Gospels.8. Preach a Christ-centered sermon from a New Testament ethical/law passage.

Chapter 6: The Blueprints of Sermon Design—Part 1

Students should be able to:

1. Understand how to design a sermon characterized by truth. 2. Understand how to design a sermon characterized by beauty. 3. Understand how to design a sermon characterized by goodness. 4. Demonstrate why a sermon should follow the framework of a story. 5. Develop a sermon following the framework of a story.6. Develop a sermon proposition statement.7. Develop the main points of a sermon.8. Develop the subpoints of a sermon.

Chapter 7: The Blueprints of Sermon Design—Part 2

Students should be able to:

1. Describe the elements of a transition.2. Describe the features of applications.

25

3. Describe the features of good illustrations.4. Explain the reasons for and against using illustrations.5. Develop a good sermon introduction. 6. Write a gripping sermon conclusion.7. Understand and distinguish between working outlines, formal outlines, and speaking

outline.8. Design a sermon characterized by truth, beauty, and goodness.

Chapter 8: The Influence of Neuroscience on the Design and Delivery of the Sermon

Students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the influence of neuroscience on the design and delivery of sermons. 2. Explain how the preacher’s credibility impacts the hearers’ ability to encode the sermon. 3. Understand the importance of repetition in a sermon. 4. Describe why one should develop a sermon’s points in a linear, serial pattern. 5. Explain the importance of multisensory presentation. 6. Develop empathy with an audience. 7. Understand the importance of removing distractions during a sermon.8. Apply the findings of neuroscience to the preaching task.

Chapter 9: Delivery: Nonverbal Communication

Students should be able to:

1. Distinguish between verbal and nonverbal communication.2. Describe the importance of nonverbal communication.3. Develop strategies for having engaging nonverbal communication.4. Develop strategies for having inspiring nonverbal communication.5. Develop strategies for having shepherding nonverbal communication. 6. Articulate how to ensure one’s body language does not contradict one’s verbal message. 7. Distinguish between empathy and sympathy.8. Know various practical strategies for developing strong nonverbal communication skills.

Chapter 10: Delivery: Verbal Communication

Students should be able to:

1. Articulate the importance of verbal communication.2. Identify various ways to improve verbal communication.3. Describe the important elements of style.4. Demonstrate why developing a unique voice, as opposed to emulating another preacher,

is important. 5. Describe the importance of sound in verbal communication.6. Describe the importance of speed in verbal communication.7. Describe the importance of signal (variation) in verbal communication.

26

8. Describe the importance of silence in verbal communication.

27

Chapter QuizzesChapter 1: Praying, Selecting, Reading, and Meditating

True/False

1. T/F There are four foundational steps to delivering gospel-centered sermons.

2. T/F The early church leaders devoted themselves to proper organizational systems.

3. T/F Christian meditation is the same as Eastern religious meditation.

4. T/F The apostle Paul prioritized prayer in his ministry.

5. T/F Prayer is not a necessary part of preparing to preach.

6. T/F The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in preparing a sermon.

7. T/F Heralds of the gospel typically speak truth in the abstract.

8. T/F All sermons should be gospel-centered.

9. T/F Selecting a text is an unnecessary part of sermon preparation.

10. T/F Knowing one’s audiences influences which passage of Scripture one preaches.

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following items is not one of the four foundational steps in delivering gospel-centered sermons?

a. Preachingb. Prayingc. Selectingd. Meditating

2. Who said, “Apart from me you can do nothing”? a. Paulb. Markc. Jesusd. John the Baptist

3. Which of the following is not a piece of advice for selecting a passage to preach?a. Prayb. Pattern

28

c. Hope d. Pastor

4. Which pattern of selecting a text refers to following the text as it has been given?a. Lectio continuab. Topical/Textualc. Lectionaryd. Exegetical

5. Which pattern of selecting a text refers to following a book that contains preassigned Scripture readings for worship?

a. Lectio continuab. Topical/Textualc. Exegeticald. Lectionary

6. Which pattern of selecting a text refers to choosing a theme and then preaching a passage that addresses that theme?

a. Lectio continuab. Topical/Textualc. Lectionaryd. Exegetical

7. Which Christian father mentioned in chapter 1 wrote a book that is essentially an exercise of meditation?

a. Tertullianb. Augustinec. Marciond. Aquinas

8. With what does Christian meditation start and end?a. The Bibleb. Jesus Christc. A devotional bookd. Self

9. Which biblical book is the following quote from: “his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night”?

a. Proverbsb. Johnc. Ecclesiastesd. Psalms

29

10. Which of the following questions is not included in the list of questions in chapter 1 that will help a pastor determine how to “know, feed, lead, and protect” his

flock?a. Has there been a balance of preaching from the OT and the NT?b. Is there a balance of doctrinal topics covering the major loci of theology?c. What person is committing a sin that I especially despise?d. What texts or topics do your fellow leaders recommend?

30

Chapter 2: Interpreting the Text: Linguistic, Literary, Life-Setting Analysis

True/False

1. T/F The truth of a biblical text is unimportant for preparing and delivering a sermon.

2. T/F The Bible must be approached as an authoritative text.

3. T/F The Bible cannot be understood by normal means.

4. T/F The Bible has both a human and a divine author.

5. T/F Careful interpretation is not necessary for preaching.

6. T/F The words of the Bible are influenced by language and culture.

7. T/F Interpreters must ask the right questions of the biblical text.

8. T/F All Scripture is the same genre.

9. T/F Genre can be ignored when preparing a sermon.

10. T/F Pastors should translate the biblical passage they are preaching.

Multiple Choice

1. The Word of God is _________ and ____________.a. Authoritative; relevantb. Outdated; irrelevantc. Relative; relevantd. Authoritative; irrelevant

2. Perspicuity means that: a. The Bible cannot be understood by normal meansb. Interpretation is unnecessaryc. The Bible can be understood by normal meansd. The Bible can be understood by those with doctoral degrees

3. When we read the Bible, we bring along oura. Historyb. Experiencesc. Knowledged. All of the above

4. Which of the following principles is true?

31

a. Scripture cannot be understood by normal meansb. Scripture can be interpreted apart from the Holy Spiritc. Scriptures interpret Scriptured. Interpretation is easy

5. Which of the following is a stage of interpretative analysis? a. Linguistic analysisb. Life-setting analysisc. Literary analysisd. All of the above

6. Which of the following is not a step in linguistic analysis?a. Prayb. Readc. Cryd. Translate

7. When looking at context, you should examine a book according to which of the following?

a. The chapter and bookb. Other books of the Biblec. Its genred. All of the above

8. Works of the shame genre share in common all of the following except:a. Author b. Stylec. Formd. Tone

9. Poetry is characterized by:a. Parallelismb. Figurative languagec. All of the aboved. None of the above

10. All sermons must center on:a. Sinb. The congregationc. The pastord. Jesus Christ

32

Chapter 3: Why Should We “Preach Christ”? Because It’s Foundational, Biblical, and Practical

True/False

1. T/F Preaching Christ is the same thing as including a five-minute gospel presentation at the end of a sermon.

2. T/F Preaching Christ from all Scripture is an historically rooted practice.

3. T/F Everyone agrees on what the phrase “preaching Christ” means.

4. T/F The Old Testament was the apostles’ Scripture.

5. T/F The gospel is about human efforts for God.

6. T/F The apostles preached with a specific evangelistic purpose.

7. T/F The apostles rarely, if ever, preached Christ from the Old Testament.

8. T/F The two disciples on the Emmaus road showed Jesus how the Scriptures were about him.

9. T/F The primary focus of apostolic preaching was Jesus Christ.

10. T/F The entire story of the Bible is about God’s redemption through Jesus Christ.

Multiple Choice

1. Who said, “But we preach Christ crucified”? a. Jesusb. Peterc. Jamesd. Paul

2. Which of the following is not a reason why we should preach Christ?a. It is foundationalb. It is biblicalc. It is easyd. It is practical

3. Who preached a Christ-centered sermon at Pentecost?a. Peterb. Johnc. James

33

d. Mark

4. According to the author, what is humanity’s only hope?a. Good preachingb. Christian radioc. Good Christiansd. Christ crucified

5. Which phrase did Jesus use to refer to the Old Testament in its entirety?a. The Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalmsb. Old Testamentc. Tanakhd. The Law

6. To which of the following does “Tanakh” refer?a. Torahb. Nevi’imc. Kethuvimd. All of the above

7. From which biblical book does the apostle preach at Pentecost?a. Micahb. Nahumc. Deuteronomyd. Joel

8. Jesus’ primary text in John 6 is from which biblical book?a. Isaiahb. Exodusc. Deuteronomyd. Ezekiel

9. Interpreters must do what?a. Discover the truths of Godb. Discern how truth finds ultimate fulfillment in Christc. None of the aboved. All of the above

10. New Testament authors chose which word to describe their unique message?a. Euangelionb. Sophiac. Gnōsisd. Didachē

34

Chapter 4: Preaching Christ from the Old Testament

True/False

1. T/F It is easy to preach Christ from the Old Testament.

2. T/F The Bible has a single storyline.

3. T/F God accomplishes his ultimate purposes through the narrow history of Israel.

4. T/F We can interpret the OT apart from Israel’s relationship with God.

5. T/F Stories make abstract ideas understandable.

6. T/F The main character of a story is called the antagonist.

7. T/F Plots have a middle, beginning, and end.

8. T/F The biblical authors usually include descriptions of geography.

9. T/F Dialogue can easily be ignored in a biblical text.

10. T/F Moralism as an interpretive method should be eschewed.

Multiple Choice

1. How many main characters does the Bible have, according to your author? a. One b. Twoc. Tend. Twenty

2. The Bible is a story about what?a. Sinb. Humanityc. Redemptiond. Sports

3. Who is the primary agent in redemption?a. Humansb. Jesus Christc. The Fatherd. The Holy Spirit

4. The two main genres of literature in the OT are poetry and _______.a. Prophecy

35

b. Wisdomc. Mysteryd. Prose

5. Approximately how much of the Bible is written in narrative form?a. 30 percentb. 40 percentc. 50 percentd. 60 percent

6. All of the following are features of OT narrative text except which one?a. Peopleb. Plotc. Prayer d. Particulars

7. Which of the following is a narrative particular?a. Repetitionb. Omissionc. Dialogued. All of the above

8. Which biblical book features the use of a leitwort, according to the author?a. Micahb. Nahumc. Jonahd. Habakkuk

9. Which of the following is not primarily poetrya. Psalmsb. Wisdom literaturec. Pentateuchd. Prophets

10. Which of the following is a feature of OT poetry?a. Tersenessb. Imageryc. Parallelismd. All of the above

36

Chapter 5: Preaching Christ from the New Testament

True/False

1. T/F All New Testament sermons are Christ-centered by default.

2. T/F Preaching moralistic sermons from the New Testament is problematic.

3. T/F The Gospels are primarily two types of literature.

4. T/F Law and history were often combined in ancient Near Eastern literature.

5. T/F The Gospels are not concerned with the fulfillment of covenantal history.

6. T/F Generally speaking, genre can be ignored when interpreting the New Testament.

7. T/F Matthew wrote as a Jew for Jews.

8. T/F The Hebrew term torah means “instruction.”

9. T/F The OT laws were given outside the context of a relationship.

10. T/F The law can serve a pedagogical purpose.

Multiple Choice

1. How many Gospels are there?a. Oneb. Twoc. Threed. Four

2. Which of the following is not a subgenre found in the Gospels? a. Parableb. Legal pronouncementc. Psalm d. Apocalyptic discourse

3. The Gospels share many similarities with which OT book?a. Genesisb. Micahc. Exodusd. Deuteronomy

37

4. The good news about Jesus is rooted in the redemption and deliverance promised in which OT passage?

a. Isaiah 49b. Isaiah 66c. Isaiah 52d. Isaiah 53

5. Which of the following is not a way the Evangelists reveal their purpose in writing? a. Textb. Vocabularyc. Literary structured. Occasion

6. Which of the following gospel subgenres focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of OT prophetic promise?

a. Birth narrativesb. Miracle narrativesc. Controversy narrativesd. None of the above

7. Which of the following gospel subgenres function similarly to OT wisdom literature?a. Birth narrativesb. Controversy narrativesc. Parablesd. None of the above

8. Which of the following gospel subgenres focus on the suffering and death of Jesus?a. Birth narrativesb. Controversy narrativesc. Parablesd. Passion narratives

9. Which of the following refers to God’s eternal standards for his people?a. Moral laws b. Civil lawsc. Ceremonial lawsd. None of the above

10. Which of the following refers to laws that regulated the worship and identity of Israel?a. Moral lawsb. Civil lawsc. Ceremonial lawsd. None of the above

38

Chapter 6: The Blueprints of Sermon Design—Part 2

True/False

1. T/F Leonardo da Vinci drew the Vitruvian Man.

2. T/F The preacher is a herald of God’s Word.

3. T/F Only the truth expressed in the Bible is God’s truth.

4. T/F The NT authors were only influenced by the OT understanding of God’s beauty in worship.

5. T/F The apostle Peter said that he had “become all things to all people” in order to save some.

6. T/F The preacher should think carefully about the main points of his sermon.

7. T/F A sermon’s subpoints should be related closely to its main points.

8. T/F The preacher is the hero of a sermon.

9. T/F A sermon should move the hearer from what is to what could be.

10. T/F The sermon proposition is the same thing as the exegetical thesis of the sermon passage.

Multiple choice

1. Sermons should be characterized by which of the following?a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodnessd. All of the above

2. Which of the following is not a classical rhetorician? a. Augustineb. Aristotlec. Cicerod. Quintilian

3. Logos refers to:a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodness

39

d. Righteousness

4. Ethos refers to: a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodnessd. Righteousness

5. Pathos refers to:a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodnessd. Righteousness

6. Which biblical author said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”? a. Peterb. Jamesc. Pauld. John

7. Who should be the hero of a sermon, according to the author?a. The preacherb. Jesusc. The Fatherd. The hearers

8. The beginning of the sermon introduces readers to their current location and ________.a. God’s desired destinationb. Their desired destinationc. The preacher’s desired destinationd. None of the above

9. The sermon proposition should be _______.a. Covenantalb. Christ-focusedc. Consequentiald. All of the above

10. A sermon’s subpoints should be:a. Generalb. Longc. Forgettabled. None of the above

40

Chapter 7: The Blueprints of Sermon Design—Part 2

True/False

1. T/F The best sermon transition is no sermon transition.

2. T/F An important function for transitions is to act as a map for the sermon’s hearers.

3. T/F Good transitions give no indications of how much of a sermon remains.

4. T/F The internal preview is effective for introducing subpoints in a sermon.

5. T/F Summary transitions signal to hearers that you are transitioning to a new idea.

6. T/F Preachers should use as many illustrations as possible.

7. T/F In order for a person to be saved during a sermon, the preacher must use an illustration.

8. T/F Humility must be a hallmark of the preacher.

9. T/F According to Bryan Chappell, illustrations should be used in order to entertain one’s congregation.

10. T/F A sermon’s conclusion should motivate hearers to respond to gospel applications in the sermon.

Multiple Choice

1. How many elements are there in the blueprint of sermon design?a. Threeb. Sixc. Nined. Twelve

2. According to the author, transitions must demonstrate all of the following except:a. Unityb. Symmetryc. Proportiond. Insight

3. Which of the following is not a question that will help ensure your argument is logical?a. What am I trying to prove?b. Is the argument rational?

41

c. Is my presentation good?d. Is the argument complete?

4. Every transition should do which of the following things?a. Connect to the previous ideab. Propel to the next ideac. Relate to the sermon propositiond. Summarize the sermon

5. Which of the following types of transitions adds one idea to another? a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

6. Which of the following types of transitions shows how two ideas are different? a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

7. Which of the following types of transitions establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas?

a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

8. Which of the following types of transitions shows how one idea proceeds or follows from another in time?

a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

9. Principles for applications include all of the following except:a. Perceptible to the mindb. Present in timec. Penetrating to the heartd. Practical to life

10. Which of the following outlines is also known as a manuscript?a. Working outlineb. Formal outline

42

c. Running outlined. Speaking outline

43

Chapter 8: The Influence of Neuroscience on the Design and Delivery of the Sermon

True/False

1. T/F The design and delivery of a sermon is just as important as the discovery and discernment of the biblical text.

2. T/F The preacher should not worry about how his message is delivered as long as the message is characterized by truth, beauty, and goodness.

3. T/F Neuroscience should have no impact on preaching.

4. T/F Retention and attention has been linked to a speaker’s credibility.

5. T/F How a preacher dresses doesn’t matter.

6. T/F Facial expressions and body language communicate with an audience.

7. T/F For every word preached, maximum encoding is the goal.

8. T/F Research shows that all memories are the same in strength.

9. T/F Tight organization improves the brain’s ability to remember.

10. T/F Bottom-up attention occurs when the brain voluntarily and intentionally chooses to pay attention to stimuli.

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is one of the parts of the three-step process the brain goes through for maximum attention to occur?

a. Loadingb. Aimingc. Firingd. All of the above

2. Which of the following does not impact maximum retention?a. Intensity of initial firing b. Number of repeated firingsc. Loudness of the speakerd. Relevance of the memory

3. Which of the following is not a way to improve maximum attention and retention?a. Preview your points

44

b. Present your points in novel, unique, and repetitive waysc. Illustrate with general imageryd. Make your points meaningful

4. The brain processes information similar to how a ________ works. a. Conveyor beltb. Fire hosec. Revolving doord. Elevator

5. Which part of the brain connects the head, heart, and hands?a. Amygdalab. Medulla oblongatac. Hippocampusd. Prefrontal cortex

6. When information is emotionally relevant the likelihood of ________ increases.a. Attentionb. Retentionc. Integrationd. All of the above

7. Which of the following types of brain wiring refers to basic brain functions? a. Experience-independent wiringb. Experience-dependent wiringc. Experience-expectant wiringd. None of the above

8. According to one study, how many more creative solutions did people learning in multisensory environments have?

a. 10–15%b. 25–40%c. 50–75%d. 90%

9. Which of the following terms refers to the idea that students learn better from words and pictures than words alone?

a. Temporal contiguity principleb. Coherence principlec. Spatial contiguity principled. Multimedia principle

10. Which of the following terms refers to the idea that students learn better when extraneous material is excluded rather than included?

45

a. Temporal contiguity principleb. Coherence principlec. Spatial contiguity principled. Multimedia principle

46

Chapter 9: Delivery: Nonverbal Communication

True/False

1. T/F How you say your message doesn’t really matter.

2. T/F Only the Holy Spirit can transform lives.

3. T/F People do not judge based on how you look.

4. T/F Nonverbal communication should complement verbal communication.

5. T/F Culture does not influence nonverbal communication.

6. T/F Humans are wired to mirror those around us.

7. T/F Body control is important for conveying confidence.

8. T/F The good sermon is primarily humor with little else.

9. T/F Good speakers generally speak out of the conviction of others.

10. T/F Is important to demonstrate that you respect your audience.

Multiple Choice

1. Nonverbal communication accounts for how much of communication? a. 25%b. 40%c. 66%d. 75%

2. Nonverbal communication includes all of the following except ________.a. Facial expressionsb. Body languagec. Spoken wordsd. Gestures

3. The textbook was written from a _______ perspective.a. Easternb. Westernc. Southernd. Northern

47

4. How long should a speaker maintain eye contact with each person in the audience?a. 1–2 secondsb. 2–3 secondsc. 4–5 secondsd. 20 seconds

5. Which of the following terms refers to body movements that convey messages? a. Facial expressionsb. Gesturesc. Body controld. Eye contact

6. Which of the following terms refers to facial features used to interpret the feelings and emotions of others?

a. Facial expressionsb. Gesturesc. Body controld. Eye contact

7. Standing in a position of confidence increases which hormone?a. Estrogenb. Cortisolc. Melatonind. Testosterone

8. Which term describes the ability to experience the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of others?

a. Sympathyb. Empathy c. Feelingd. Honesty

9. The preacher’s tone should be which of the following? a. Graciousb. Humblec. Irenicd. All of the above

10. Which of the following is not helpful for strong nonverbal communication? a. Talking immediatelyb. Taking a deep breathc. Placing your hands on the podium in front of youd. Speaking slowly at first

48

Chapter 10: Delivery: Verbal Communication

True/False

1. T/F Preachers should copy the external style of their favorite preacher.

2. T/F Paying attention to style is contrary to the high calling of heralding God’s Word.

3. T/F Preachers should communicate God’s message in a way that reveals their honest and real persona.

4. T/F Preaching requires a heightened conversational style.

5. T/F Finishing sentences strongly is not important.

6. T/F One should vary the volume of one’s voice during a sermon.

7. T/F Speaking very, very loudly for an entire sermon is appropriate.

8. T/F Preachers should vary their delivery.

9. T/F One study has shown that speaking at a faster rate increased persuasion.

10. T/F The natural tendency when speaking is to speak too slowly.

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following is required to develop one’s “voice”? a. Practiceb. Experiencec. Timed. All of the above

2. When is volume most important?a. At the beginning of a sermonb. During illustrationsc. In the middle of the sermond. All of the above

3. Which of the following should a person drink before a sermon?a. Milkb. Coffeec. Herbal tead. Alcohol

4. Which of the following terms refers to the sound of words as found on a musical scale?a. Volume

49

b. Pitchc. Toned. Style

5. Which of the following terms refers to words such as “uh” and “um”? a. Pauseb. Vocalized pausec. Silenced. All of the above

6. The average American English speaker speaks at a rate of approximately _______ words per minute.

a. 60–80b. 90–100c. 110–150d. 230

7. Pauses should be used before and after ________.a. Transitionsb. Main pointsc. Key insights d. All of the above

8. What percentage of a sermon should be memorized?a. 25%b. 50%c. 75%d. 100%

9. Sermons should be designed and delivered with _______.a. Goodnessb. Truthc. Beautyd. All of the above

10. Which of the following is not a recommended rehearsal strategy?a. Simulate the situation in which you will be speakingb. Focus proportionately on the sermon’s prioritiesc. Practice in front of a mirrord. Run through the sermon three or four times aloud

50

Sample Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Professor’s Name: Professor’s Office Phone: Office #: Alternate Phone (Optional):E-mail Address: Twitter:

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An overview of the preaching task.

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND INDICATORS

Students who complete this course will be able to:

1) Identify the purpose of preaching Christ-centered sermons2) Articulate the basic content of how to preach Christ from various biblical genres3) Become familiar with various methods of verbal and nonverbal communications4) Understand the how to design and deliver Christ-centered sermons

TEXT BOOKS & REQUIRED READING

Required Reading:

Kim, Julius J. Preaching the Whole Counsel of God: Design and Deliver Gospel-Centered Sermons. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CREDIT

Grade ScaleA 96-100 C 77-79A- 93-95 C- 73-76B+ 90-92 D+ 70-72B 87-89 D 67-69B- 84-86 D- 64-66

51

C+ 80-83 F 63 and below

COURSE ORGANIZATION

Reading (10% of total grade): Students must read the textbook in its entirety.

Exams (40% of total grade): There will be two exams—the midterm and the final.

Daily Quizzes (20% of total grade): Students will take a quiz each day of class that covers the required reading for that day. No make-up quizzes are allowed, but the lowest three (3) quiz grades will be dropped. These represent 20% of the total grade.

Sermon: Students will choose a particular passage and deliver a sermon on it. The sermon should follow the guidelines presented in the textbook and reviewed in class. It will be graded according to its adherence to the principles outlined therein.

Important: Students are allowed three absences. On the fourth absence, the student’s grade will be

reduced by one letter each absence until the seventh absence. Eight absences results in an automatic F.

Two tardies equals one absence. Students will be counted tardy if they are not seated in class when roll is taken.

Looking at your phone equals one tardy. Computers are not allowed to be open in class. (Your professor simply cannot compete

with the glories of the internet.) Bring a hardcopy of the Bible as you will not be able to use electronic devices in class.

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

M/W/F Schedule:

Class Date Chapter(s) Being Covered Due1-1 Course Introduction1-2 Chapter 11-3 Chapter 12-1 Chapter 1 Quiz2-2 Chapter 22-3 Chapter 23-1 Chapter 2 Quiz3-2 Chapter 33-3 Chapter 34-1 Chapter 3 Quiz

52

4-2 Chapter 44-3 Chapter 45-1 Chapter 45-2 Chapter 4 Quiz5-3 Chapter 56-1 Chapter 56-2 Chapter 5 Quiz6-3 N/A Midterm7-1 Chapter 67-2 Chapter 67-3 Chapter 6 Quiz8-1 Chapter 78-2 Chapter 78-3 Chapter 7 Quiz9-1 Chapter 89-2 Chapter 89-3 Chapter 8 Quiz10-1 Chapter 910-2 Chapter 910-3 Chapter 9 Quiz11-1 Chapter 1011-2 Chapter 10 Quiz11-3 Sermons Sermons12-1 Sermons Sermons12-2 Sermons Sermons12-3 Sermons Sermons13-1 Sermons Sermons13-2 Sermons Sermons13-3 Sermons Sermons14-1 Sermons Sermons14-2 Sermons Sermons14-3 Reflection and Review Reading ReportFinals Week Final Exam

Class Date Chapter(s) Being Covered Due1-1 Course Introduction1-2 Chapter 12-1 Chapter 1 Quiz2-2 Chapter 23-1 Chapter 2 Quiz

53

3-2 Chapter 34-1 Chapter 3 Quiz4-2 Chapter 45-1 Chapter 4 Quiz5-2 Chapter 56-1 Chapter 5 Quiz6-2 Midterm Midterm7-1 Chapter 67-2 Chapter 6 Quiz8-1 Chapter 78-2 Chapter 7 Quiz9-1 Chapter 89-2 Chapter 8 Quiz10-1 Chapter 910-2 Chapter 9 Quiz11-1 Chapter 1011-2 Chapter 10 Quiz12-1 Sermons12-2 Sermons13-1 Sermons13-2 Sermons14-1 Sermons14-2 Reflection and Review Reading ReportFinals Week Final

T/TR S

54

55

Midterm Exam

True/False

1. T/F There are four foundational steps to delivering gospel-centered sermons.

2. T/F The early church leaders devoted themselves to proper organizational systems.

3. T/F Christian meditation is the same as Eastern religious meditation.

4. T/F The apostle Paul prioritized prayer in his ministry.

5. T/F Prayer is not a necessary part of preparing to preach.

6. T/F The words of the Bible are influenced by language and culture.

7. T/F Interpreters must ask the right questions of the biblical text.

8. T/F All Scripture is the same genre.

9. T/F Genre can be ignored when preparing a sermon.

10. T/F Pastors should translate the biblical passage they are preaching.

11. T/F Everyone agrees on what the phrase “preaching Christ” means.

12. T/F The Old Testament was the apostles’ Scripture.

13. T/F The gospel is about human efforts for God.

14. T/F The apostles preached with a specific evangelistic purpose.

15. T/F The apostles rarely, if ever, preached Christ from the Old Testament.

16. T/F The main character of a story is called the antagonist.

17. T/F Plots have a middle, beginning, and end.

18. T/F The biblical authors usually include descriptions of geography.

19. T/F Dialogue can easily be ignored in a biblical text.

20. T/F Moralism as an interpretive method should be eschewed.

56

21. T/F All New Testament sermons are Christ-centered by default.

22. T/F Preaching moralistic sermons from the New Testament is problematic.

23. T/F The Gospels are primarily two types of literature.

24. T/F Law and history were often combined in ancient Near Eastern literature.

25. T/F The Gospels are not concerned with the fulfillment of covenantal history.

Multiple Choice

26. Which of the following is not a piece of advice for selecting a passage to preach?a. Prayb. Patternc. Hope d. Pastor

27. Which pattern of selecting a text refers to following the text as it has been given?a. Lectio continuab. Topical/Textualc. Lectionaryd. Exegetical

28. Which pattern of selecting a text refers to following a book that contains preassigned Scripture readings for worship?

a. Lectio continuab. Topical/Textualc. Exegeticald. Lectionary

29. Which pattern of selecting a text refers to choosing a theme and then preaching a passage that addresses that theme?

a. Lectio continuab. Topical/Textualc. Lectionaryd. Exegetical

30. Which Christian father mentioned in chapter 1 wrote a book that is essentially an exercise of meditation?

a. Tertullianb. Augustinec. Marcion

57

d. Aquinas

31. The Word of God is _________ and ____________.a. Authoritative; relevantb. Outdated; irrelevantc. Relative; relevantd. Authoritative; irrelevant

32. Perspicuity means that: a. The Bible cannot be understood by normal meansb. Interpretation is unnecessaryc. The Bible can be understood by normal meansd. The Bible can be understood by those with doctoral degrees

33. When we read the Bible, we bring along oura. Historyb. Experiencesc. Knowledged. All of the above

34. Which of the following principles is true?a. Scripture cannot be understood by normal meansb. Scripture can be interpreted apart from the Holy Spiritc. Scriptures interpret Scriptured. Interpretation is easy

35. Which of the following is a stage in interpretative analysis? a. Linguistic analysisb. Life-setting analysisc. Literary analysisd. All of the above

36. Who said, “But we preach Christ crucified”? a. Jesusb. Peterc. Jamesd. Paul

37. Which of the following is not a reason why we should preach Christ?a. It is foundationalb. It is biblicalc. It is easyd. It is practical

58

38. Who preached a Christ-centered sermon at Pentecost?a. Peterb. Johnc. Jamesd. Mark

39. According to the author, what is humanity’s only hope?a. Good preachingb. Christian radioc. Good Christiansd. Christ crucified

40. Which phrase did Jesus use to refer to the Old Testament in its entirety?a. The Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalmsb. Old Testamentc. Tanakhd. The Law

41. The Bible is a story about what?a. Sinb. Humanityc. Redemptiond. Sports

42. Who is the primary agent in redemption?a. Humansb. Jesus Christc. The Fatherd. The Holy Spirit

43. The two main genres of literature in the OT are poetry and _______.a. Prophecyb. Wisdomc. Mysteryd. Prose

44. Approximately how much of the Bible is written in narrative form?a. 30 percentb. 40 percentc. 50 percentd. 60 percent

45. All of the following are features of OT narrative text except which one?a. Peopleb. Plot

59

c. Prayer d. Particulars

46. The Gospels share many similarities with which OT book?a. Genesisb. Micahc. Exodusd. Deuteronomy

47. The good news about Jesus is rooted in the redemption and deliverance promised in which OT passage?

a. Isaiah 49b. Isaiah 66c. Isaiah 52d. Isaiah 53

48. Which of the following is not a way the evangelist reveals their purpose in writing? a. Textb. Vocabularyc. Literary structured. Occasion

49. Which of the following gospel subgenres focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of OT prophetic promise?

a. Birth narrativesb. Miracle narrativesc. Controversy narrativesd. None of the above

50. Which of the following gospel subgenres function similarly to OT wisdom literature?a. Birth narrativesb. Controversy narrativesc. Parablesd. None of the above

60

Midterm Exam Study Guide

The midterm covers chapters 1–5. Since the midterm is taken from the weekly quiz questions for each of these chapters, students should use the quizzes as a study guide. Additionally, students should be familiar with the following items:

Key terms from each chapter Key ideas from each chapter The process for determining a passage to preach (ch. 1) The features of each of the three processes of interpreting a passage in preparation for

preaching (ch. 2): o Linguistic analysiso Literary analysiso Life-setting analysis

The reasons for preaching Christ (ch. 3) The redemptive and historical contexts of the Old Testament (ch. 4) The distinctive features of various Old Testament genres (ch. 4) What to avoid in preaching the Old Testament (ch. 4) The distinctive features of various New Testament genres (ch. 5) The definition of the gospel genre (ch. 5) The distinctive features of the subgenres within the Gospels (ch. 5) The strategies for preaching Christ from law/ethical passages (ch. 5)

61

Final Exam

True/False

1. T/F The preacher is a herald of God’s Word.

2. T/F Only the truth expressed in the Bible is God’s truth.

3. T/F The NT authors were only influenced by the OT understanding of God’s beauty in worship.

4. T/F The apostle Peter said that he had “become all things to all people” in order to save some.

5. T/F The preacher should think carefully about the main points of his sermon.

6. T/F An important function for transitions is to act as a map for the sermon’s hearers.

7. T/F Good transitions give no indication of how much of a sermon remains.

8. T/F The internal preview is effective for introducing subpoints in a sermon.

9. T/F Summary transitions signal to hearers that you are transitioning to a new idea.

10. T/F Preachers should use as many illustrations as possible.

11. T/F Facial expressions and body language communicate with an audience.

12. T/F For every word preached, maximum encoding is the goal.

13. T/F Research shows that all memories are the same in strength.

14. T/F Tight organization improves the brain’s ability to remember.

15. T/F Bottom-up attention occurs when the brain voluntarily and intentionally chooses to pay attention to stimuli.

16. T/F Nonverbal communication should complement verbal communication.

17. T/F Culture does not influence nonverbal communication.

18. T/F Humans are wired to mirror those around us.

62

19. T/F Body control is important for conveying confidence.

20. T/F The good sermon is primarily humor with little else.

21. T/F Paying attention to style is contrary to the high calling of heralding God’s Word.

22. T/F Preachers should communicate God’s message in a way that reveals their honest and real persona.

23. T/F Preaching requires a heightened conversational style.

24. T/F Finishing sentences strongly is not important.

25. T/F One should vary the volume of one’s voice during a sermon.

Multiple Choice

26. Sermons should be characterized by which of the following?a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodnessd. All of the above

27. Which of the following is not a classical rhetorician? a. Augustineb. Aristotlec. Cicerod. Quintilian

28. Logos refers to:a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodnessd. Righteousness

29. Ethos refers to: a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodnessd. Righteousness

30. Pathos refers to:a. Truthb. Beautyc. Goodness

63

d. Righteousness

31. Which of the following is not a question that will help ensure your argument is logical?a. What am I trying to prove?b. Is the argument rational?c. Is my presentation good?d. Is the argument complete?

32. Every transition should do which of the following things?a. Connect to the previous ideab. Propel to the next ideac. Relate to the sermon propositiond. Summarize the sermon

33. Which of the following types of transitions adds one idea to another? a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

34. Which of the following types of transitions shows how two ideas are different? a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

35. Which of the following types of transitions establishes a cause-and-effect relationship between two ideas?

a. Complementaryb. Causalc. Contrastingd. Chronological

36. Which of the following is not a way to improve maximum attention and retention?a. Preview your pointsb. Present your points in novel, unique, and repetitive waysc. Illustrate with general imageryd. Make your points meaningful

37. The brain processes information similar to how a ________ works. a. Conveyor beltb. Fire hosec. Revolving door

64

d. Elevator

38. Which part of the brain connects the head, heart, and hands?a. Amygdalab. Medulla oblongatac. Hippocampusd. Prefrontal cortex

39. When information is emotionally relevant the likelihood of ________ increases.a. Attentionb. Retentionc. Integrationd. All of the above

40. Which of the following types of brain wiring refers to basic brain functions? a. Experience-independent wiringb. Experience-dependent wiringc. Experience-expectant wiringd. None of the above

41. How long should a speaker maintain eye contact with each person in the audience?a. 1–2 secondsb. 2–3 secondsc. 4–5 secondsd. 20 seconds

42. Which of the following terms refers to body movements that convey messages? a. Facial expressionsb. Gesturesc. Body controld. Eye contact

43. Which of the following terms refers to facial features used to interpret the feelings and emotions of others?

a. Facial expressionsb. Gesturesc. Body controld. Eye contact

44. Standing in a position of confidence increases which hormone?a. Estrogenb. Cortisolc. Melatonin

65

d. Testosterone

45. Which term describes the ability to experience the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of others?

a. Sympathyb. Empathy c. Feelingd. Honesty

46. The average American English speaker speaks at a rate of approximately _______ words per minute.

a. 60–80b. 90–100c. 110–150d. 230

47. Pauses should be used before and after ________.a. Transitionsb. Main pointsc. Key insights d. All of the above

48. What percentage of a sermon should be memorized?a. 25%b. 50%c. 75%d. 100%

49. Sermons should be designed and delivered with _______.a. Goodnessb. Truthc. Beautyd. All of the above

50. Which of the following is not a recommended rehearsal strategy?a. Simulate the situation in which you will be speakingb. Focus proportionately on the sermon’s prioritiesc. Practice in front of a mirrord. Run through the sermon three or four times

66

Final Exam Study Guide

The final covers chapters 6–10. Since the midterm is taken from the weekly quiz questions for each of these chapters, students should use the quizzes as a study guide. Additionally, students should be familiar with the following items:

Key terms from each chapter Key ideas from each chapter The concepts of truth, beauty, and goodness (ch. 6) Each of the ten design elements of a sermon (chs. 6 and 7) Each of the twelve brain functions and their implications for preaching (ch. 8) Each aspect of the features of nonverbal communication (ch. 9) The delivery elements of verbal communication (ch. 10)

67