Personal Theology Of Preaching And Ministry Essay

My personal theology of preaching has evolved in surprising and inspiring ways this semester as my pastoral identity has become clearer through my exegetical explorations, further discernment of my pastoral call, and my ministerial experiences with both my supervisor and the church members at my supervised ministry placement. This ongoing formation of my pastoral identity has been a journey of personal discovery of both my gifts and weaknesses, as well as a deep exploration of my faith in God. In fact, I have come to realize that there is a direct correlation between the images of God which resonate deepest within me and my understanding of my pastoral calling. One of the most powerful image of God for me continues to be that of the Good Shepherd. God, the Sustainer, Guide, and Protector, revealed so powerful in this image of a shepherd caring for the flock, exemplifies one of the most important roles of a pastor. In administering pastoral care to those who have put their trust in me, I feel I am following Jesus’ example, a concept which is central to the way in which I live and share my faith with others. A dear friend of mine once said a Christian preacher should always incorporate the good news of Jesus Christ in each and every sermon as a witness of faith. Yet, I realize this can be a challenging goal at times, especially if I choose to strictly adhere to only the texts assigned by the common lectionary for

Once during a passionate sermon at church, my pastor had made a vivid statement about incorporation of sin in law. Pastor Smith stated, “the world has developed loopholes to maintain its dignity by incorporating sin into the law, and as long as we are operating under the law, our actions are perceived as being justified”(Smith). Reflecting on his theory has brought me to the realization that the United Stated has established a profitable industry, governed by the creation and the manipulation of laws. Although, it’s ideal to believe that the standards of laws were truly orchestrated with the foundation of equality, justice, and freedom. It is imperative to be informed of historical events that has transpired through the history of the black race each operating under the ordinance of law. Beginning with the development of slavery, to the alarming rate of black men behind bars. I am compelled to present the clause of injustice that has labeled the United States as the home of 25% of the world 's prisoners ().

A ministry must have a focus and vision in order to effectively do the work of God. The importance of this vision is highlighted when the Bible says, “Where [there is] no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Mancini described the Kingdom Concept as consisting of the “big idea” that will define the way a church will bring glory to God and help to make disciples (Mancini, 2008, p. 84). It is from these concepts that this student will identify several major needs in personal work of ministry. These needs are supported by compelling evidence and aide in focusing efforts of work.

Theology 104 has really changed my outlook and views regarding systematic theology. I now understand more clearly that as Christians, in order to be able to accurately share our faith that we must all be a theologian to some extent. Looking at the totality of it all, the four religion courses I have taken since January 2015 have really expanded my views and understanding of what it is to be a Christian. Between Philosophy and Contemporary Ideas (PHIL201), Contemporary Worldviews (APOL 104), Survey of Biblical Literature (BIBL 104), and Introduction to Christian Thought (THEO 104), my understanding of the Bible and Christianity in general has increased exponentially. While my overall belief system has not been impacted, I now have a better

What does it mean to be a pastor? What is the role of a pastor? Who can be a pastor, How does being a pastor affect the work and ministry of the church? These questions were adequately addressed by Dr. Barnes in this class. Dr. Barnes was extremely competent in using a myriad of theological and historical perspectives in addressing these important questions. Furthermore, this class has helped identify problems and issues in the contemporary context of the church. Therefore, this project will address the variety of ways parish leadership and the practice of ministry can be integrated with courses taken at the seminary.

In his mercy God has cast out every lesser god; yet still requires his people to agonize over the pain and suffering of others first and foremost in Christian worship. Pastors are obliged, therefore, to doggedly resolve difficult issues that pertain to worship without acquiescing to the congregational sensitivity. God requires assemblies to serve the disenfranchised optimally in the worship space first, and for this reason, assemblies need to hear teaching homilies concerning how to perform the demands of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their ritual lives. Such teaching, in turn, clearly reveals how the Praxis of worship extends to private

Preaching is not only exclamation or proclamation of the word of God, but preaching may consequently become and as an art and a craft. The art of oratory skills and sustainable content which is perfected by studying, nurturing, and practice, practice, practice. The homoletician telos is to package and relay the sacred word in a manner or “sermonic claim” which it connects or reaches the hearer. The purpose of connecting is for spiritual gain and transformation, not merely for personal gratification, acknowledgement or gain. Homileticians, experts in preaching, and icons in the field pen their thoughts or input to share in books and public forums, the how to of preaching. According to author Marvin McMickle, a sound homiletical foundation and shape consist of “proclamation, homiletical contexts, , biblical interpretation, sermonic claim, language and imagery, rhetorical form, delivery, and worship.” Dr. Teresa Fry Brown echoes similar buy-in to the importance of proclamation, sermon development and delivery as critical elements of preaching, although Dr. Fry-Brown furthers her assertions with support of knowledge gained as a speech therapist whereas the reader is challenged to discover and find their own voice.

Just what is theology? This question can have a wide variety of answers, from irrelevant facts about God thought up by men centuries ago, to complicated theories discussed by scholars. Typically, the average 21st century man does not consider theology as relevant. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Theology by definition has the characteristics of both expounding the truth, and impacting the believer with that truth (Himes, 2011). Therefore, theology and the church are intricately combined, in that the church embodies the revelation of God, and is reality, not theory (Himes, 2011). A personal practical theology must begin with revelation, not the individual (Himes, 2011), and proclaim

This journal piece has challenged me as a pastor to become more psychological in my studies and further deliberate in my method of teaching. There should be a continuum of information that is given out not just from the pastor but from every auxiliary leader so that the message is not just heard but is embedded to all that are receiving the message. This will lead to the sustainability of a message and a life of character change, which will lead one to a life of self-gratification, healing, love and respect for self and others.

The trend of today’s preachers has a tendency to lose site of the man or cause one to bury oneself in his own agenda and/or organization calling it God’s plans. Men are God’s method; the church is looking for better methods, but God is looking

The author, John Piper, is a retired pastor, author, and theologian. Piper wants his readers to know that the goal of preaching is the glory of God (21). Piper also states that the ground of preaching is the cross of Christ, and the gift of preaching comes from the power of the Holy Spirit (23). Piper accomplishes his goal within both parts of the book. Part one is dedicated to why God should be supreme in preaching, and part two is how to make God supreme in preaching. This a great book for students, pastors, and those within the church. Piper reminds his audience that God is the focus of preaching and nothing else. This review will summarize, review, and critique the work while providing a conclusion.

In the current vernacular, the object behind which a pastor preaches is called a “pulpit.” While there is dispute about the accuracy of that definition, it is the common use of the term and as such will be the definition assumed in this paper. Before

I have been working on making my preaching very easygoing and approachable, and even beyond that, I find that I absolutely love the exegetical work that goes into sermon prep, and bringing that into my sermons as well so that my congregation goes on the same exegetical journey I went on. Rose calls this conversational preaching and says that in this style, “the preacher and the congregation are colleagues, exploring together the mystery of the Word for their own lives, as well as the life of the congregation, the larger church, and the world.”

In training there was a comment that was made that struck my heart. Ministry can’t ever take the spot of investing in relationship with the Father. Relationship with Him is of upmost importance and I can not let my identity come from anything but Him. I can always continue to grow and I need to make sure I don’t let the fact that I am doing ministry replace personal time with God. I can only give my best self if I am taking care of myself, and that looks like remaining in closeness with the Father. Another point that caught my attention was that I can only pour out to

This course has had a great impact on my walk with Christ as well as my witness for Christ. I pastor a church and teach two classes and for me I thought that I was doing plenty. However this course has helped rekindle my passion for sharing Jesus Christ with people through personal evangelism. This paper will demonstrate what I have learned throughout this course.