In October 2016 homileticians from seven European countries met in Leipzig in order to reflect on political preaching in the context of the so called European ‘refugee crisis’. This article shows the background of this conference, gives a very brief overview of the perspectives from different countries, and suggests ways to continue European homiletical research on this theme.

Preaching is in transition, so is homiletics as the theory of preaching. In this article the development of homiletics in the Low Countries is explored as a case-study within the dynamics of international homiletical thought. The material for this case-study consists of the doctoral theses that have been published since the turn of the century. The amount of doctoral work in homiletics, the variety of methodological approaches and theological perspectives, provide a viable entrance to homiletics as academic discipline. It will be concluded that homiletics has developed into an international, empirically oriented, culturally sensitive, and theological diverse field. Preaching is in transition, so is homiletics. The transition, as seen through the lens of recent Dutch contributions to scholarly discourse in preaching, has three focal points: pneumatology, language, and empirical research.

Although there are a lot of popular books available on the subject of hope I still believe that there is a need for another study on the phenomenon of hope. Especially where proper exegesis and a multidiscipline approach are taken into account. In this study I’ve researched the effect of a society in transition on hope. I suspect that the changes since 1994 have a significant influence on the attitude, thought and behaviour of the Afrikaner especially. To come to such a conclusion the study take theories of change in Sociology into account. Some information were gathered from papers. The reason for that is the influence papers have on the spirit of society, and in this case its influence on people’s hope. Unfortunately one of the conclusions is that a lack of hope can very well be one of the consequences of the changes in society since 1994. The contemporary study is followed by a study on hope in Paul’s letter to the Romans. The background of the author, the congregation and the theology of the letter were taken in consideration. In most of the cases I’ve used the verses in the letter where the word hope was used. Surprisingly there is quite a comparison between the letter of Romans and society today as far as the reasons that causes hopelessness. Therefore Romans can be of great value to give hope in a disorientated society. Until now we know that there is a lack of hope in society, and that Romans give us reason to hope, but what is the person looking like that we want to communicate with? The study on post modernity show us how this “new” paradigm looks like. Post modernity is very different to modernism. The latest paradigm is universal and no one and nothing can escape it. Social sciences, the arts, economy, science itself and the theology were largely influenced by post modernity. With its larger emphasis on spirituality it creates wonderful opportunities for preaching. On the other side though, one should also keep its threats in mind, especially the proneness to relativism and New Age. In the last chapter I use all the information and conclusions of the previous chapters to get to a homiletic strategy for a postmodern context. The most important part of this chapter is to conclude that confession is a suitable hermeneutical and homiletical tool for preaching in post modernity. There is no need to prove confession, it is about something that is believed. The Bible therefore is still as relevant as ever. Communication strategies are included to guide the preacher in the most effective way when preaching in a postmodern context. The chapter ends with certain specific homiletic contents from the Roman letter that can be used today. We can know for certain that hopelessness is part of our society today. However we’ve got the promise of Romans 15:13 that God stays our God of hope. Our tasks are to posision us homiletically, hermeneutically and strategically in such a way that we give our faith the best possible chance. / Dissertation (MTh (Practical Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Practical Theology / MTh (Practical Theology) / unrestricted

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / This examination of the first five years of his preaching identifies key ways in which Augustine of Hippo transformed classical rhetoric into the pattern he would later outline in De doctrina christiana. This thesis argues that Augustine began his career as a priest giving sermons in line with the sophistic speeches he had taught before his conversion, but that by 396 he had "redeemed" his rhetoric to fit the new purposes of the Christian church. During these early years, Augustine reduced or removed the classical exordia and perorations in order to meld his sermons into the liturgy. He also humbled, but did not eliminate, his rhetorical polish as he shifted the main purpose of rhetoric from pleasing the elites to teaching the masses.

[pt] Esta dissertação propõe uma pesquisa na obra A Doutrina Cristã, de Agostinho de Hipona, a respeito da teologia prática no seu campo homilético. Para isso, o livro IV da obra supracitada foi analisado, destacando-se os estilos retóricos apresentados pelo pai da Igreja. Modelos de pregação que totalizam três (triplex dicendi genus) e são nominados e trabalhados por ele, como: estilo simples (dictionis submissae), estilo moderado (dictionis temperatae) e estilo sublime (sublime dicendi). Essa investigação da prédica, tendo como base o Bispo de Hipona, visa contribuir com a prática da pregação contemporânea. Para isso, alguns passos foram dados na organização do texto. Após introduzir o assunto, uma análise histórica da vida de Agostinho foi realizada, buscando destacar as influências que ele viveu no campo de sua formação retórica como parte importante para entender a natureza de sua escrita e prática oratória como pastor. O segundo momento da pesquisa, buscou compreender cada estilo abordado no livro IV do Bispo hiponense. Cada gênero (simples, moderado e sublime) foi examinado como apresentado, visando sua contribuição para a prédica no ambiente da Igreja do século XXI. / [en] This dissertation proposes a research on the On Christian Doctrine, by Augustine of Hippo, about practical theology in its homiletic field. Therefore, the forth book of his above mentioned work was analyzed, highlighting his rhetorical styles presented. Preaching models are three (triplex dicendi genus) and are named and worked by him, as: simple style (dictionis submissae), moderate style (dictionis temperatae) and sublime style (sublime dicendi). This investigation on art of preaching, based on the bishop of Hippo, aims to contribute to the practice of contemporary preaching. For this, some steps were taken in order to organize the text. After introducing the subject, a historical analysis of Augustine s life was carried out, seeking to highlight the influences he lived in the field of his rhetorical training as important part to understand the nature of his writing and speaking practice as a pastor. The second stage of the research sought to understand each style covered in book IV by the hiponense bishop. Each genre (simple, moderate, and sublime) was examined as presented, with a view to its contribution to preaching in the 21st century church environment.

Text in German with summaries in German and English / Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende empirische Forschungsstudie hat es sich zur Aufgabe gestellt, das Predigtverstandnis der baptistischen und mennonitischen Aussiedlerfreikirchen im heutigen Deutschland darzustellen. Da es keine von diesen Freikirchen veroffentlichten Dokumente zur Predigtlehre gibt, musste hier empirisch geforscht werden. Hierbei kamen anerkannte empirische Methoden zur Anwendung, die eine moglichst grosse Objektivitat bzgl. der Sammlung und der Analyse von Umfrage-Daten gewahrleisten sollen, damit die Ergebnisse des Weiteren ein moglichst reprasentatives Bild der Gesamtsituation der genannten Freikirchen bzgl. ihres Predigtverstandnisses in den Gottesdiensten darzustellen vermogen. Die Ergebnisse mehrerer zyklisch-triangularer Umfragen bzgl. des Predigtverstandnisses genannter Gemeinden werden dann diskutiert unter Berucksichtigung des prominentesten deutschen evangelikalen Predigtansatzes. Da diese Forschungsarbeit jedoch nicht einfach nur einem wissenschaftlich-theoretischen Interesse dienen soll, sollen ihre Ergebnisse auch fur die zukunftige Gemeindearbeit von Nutzen sein. Abstract The present empiric research study aims to present the current concept of preaching in the Russian-German Baptist and Mennonite Free Evangelical Churches in Germany. As these churches have not published documents concerning their preaching concept, this study has to be based on empiric research. For this purpose acknowledged empirical methods were applied which vouch for as much objectivity as possible in the collection and analysis of data. The subsequent aim was that the results thereof represent as much as possible an accurate picture of the current situation of these Free Churches with regard to their understanding of preaching in their services. The conclusions to various cyclic-triangular questionnaires regarding the understanding of preaching in these churches are then discussed against the background of a German evangelical homiletic concept. Since this study does not just serve a theoretical research interest, its conclusions are thought to be of use for future work within these churches. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Missiology)

Text in German with summaries in German and English / Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende empirische Forschungsstudie hat es sich zur Aufgabe gestellt, das Predigtverstandnis der baptistischen und mennonitischen Aussiedlerfreikirchen im heutigen Deutschland darzustellen. Da es keine von diesen Freikirchen veroffentlichten Dokumente zur Predigtlehre gibt, musste hier empirisch geforscht werden. Hierbei kamen anerkannte empirische Methoden zur Anwendung, die eine moglichst grosse Objektivitat bzgl. der Sammlung und der Analyse von Umfrage-Daten gewahrleisten sollen, damit die Ergebnisse des Weiteren ein moglichst reprasentatives Bild der Gesamtsituation der genannten Freikirchen bzgl. ihres Predigtverstandnisses in den Gottesdiensten darzustellen vermogen. Die Ergebnisse mehrerer zyklisch-triangularer Umfragen bzgl. des Predigtverstandnisses genannter Gemeinden werden dann diskutiert unter Berucksichtigung des prominentesten deutschen evangelikalen Predigtansatzes. Da diese Forschungsarbeit jedoch nicht einfach nur einem wissenschaftlich-theoretischen Interesse dienen soll, sollen ihre Ergebnisse auch fur die zukunftige Gemeindearbeit von Nutzen sein. Abstract The present empiric research study aims to present the current concept of preaching in the Russian-German Baptist and Mennonite Free Evangelical Churches in Germany. As these churches have not published documents concerning their preaching concept, this study has to be based on empiric research. For this purpose acknowledged empirical methods were applied which vouch for as much objectivity as possible in the collection and analysis of data. The subsequent aim was that the results thereof represent as much as possible an accurate picture of the current situation of these Free Churches with regard to their understanding of preaching in their services. The conclusions to various cyclic-triangular questionnaires regarding the understanding of preaching in these churches are then discussed against the background of a German evangelical homiletic concept. Since this study does not just serve a theoretical research interest, its conclusions are thought to be of use for future work within these churches. / Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology / M.Th. (Missiology)

This research presents a systematic and iterative procedure, as well as theoretical study, on expository sermon construction. The basic approach to sermon design involves the treatment of this subject matter as a design problem, utilizing advanced methodology in engineering design. This includes the modeling technique, the flow-chart method, and the optimization theory. In addition, we use heuristics as the search engine for seeking intelligent and efficient optimum design solutions. The heuristics can best be compared to the "artificial intelligence" or the "wisdom bank," involving six sources of wisdom; these include: talents, gifts, creativity, knowledge, experience and spiritual insights. The results represented in this thesis are believed to have demonstrated original findings in the following areas. First, the subject matter is found to be of a design nature, sharing the common characteristics of a general class of the design discipline, namely, having a 3-stage iterative procedure of the ABA' model. Secondly, a mathematical as well as physical model of the sermon design problem is developed in this study, using both homiletic and hermeneutic principles. The human body is used as the physical model, making it possible for simple visualization of the sermon structure and for performance evaluation. A mathematical model is found to be the "Heuristic Combinatorial Optimization Problem" and consists of eight design variables. Although it is not yet possible to develop a computer-aided protocol to seek solutions, an alternative approach called the "Web-Chart Method" can potentially be adaptable to an interactive computer system in the future. It serves as a two-dimensional "design chart" on paper, in which iterative procedures can be performed manually. The advantage is that the designer can direct his or her heuristic search for optimum solutions with the help of a number of design tools, including the "Insight-Recording Sheet" and the "Analogical Analysis Chart." With these tools, the designer has, at his or her disposal, the ability to search for solutions in sermon design, while still maintaining a global view with all the design variables controlled for. In this research, the principles of combinatorial heuristics applicable to the field of optimum design of expository sermons have been described. They are based on heuristic combinatorial optimization methods in the engineering design field with refinements geared to the homiletic as well as hermeneutic nature of the problem. The approaches represented here would allow a designer to utilize resources that are not otherwise available and/or are not easily manageable. With these research results, one would be able to design sermons innovatively and optimally in a systematic and heuristic-guided manner. Further extension of this work would lead to a new field of research and development in the computer-aided design of expository sermons. Key words: preaching; homiletics; expository preaching; design for preaching; sermon construction; computer-aided sermon design; sermon design optimization; heuristic sermon design; heuristic sermon optimization; heuristic combinatorial optimization. / Practical Theology / D. Th.(Practical Theology)

This thesis employs a historical approach to practical theology in an effort to discover resources from past practices for critical reflection upon a current methodology with the intent of producing a revised practice. The following research question is pursued: How can the practices of patristic preachers enhance the current efforts of redemptive-historical preachers to preach faithfully the New Testament quotations of the Old Testament? Chapter One reviews literature from five major redemptive-historical theologians: Geerhardus Vos, Edmund Clowney, Sidney Greidanus, Bryan Chapell, and Graeme Goldsworthy. Five of the major shared characteristics of these authors are considered in light of their various contributions. Chapters Two, Three, and Four examine various patristic homilies, outlining practical considerations for a contemporary model of preaching. Chapter Two examines two early homilies, 2 Clement and Quis Dives Salvetur, noting the influence of the synagogue. Chapters Three and Four respectively examine the preaching of Origen and Chrysostom. Chapter Five outlines some major characteristics of patristic preaching discovered through a comparison of the findings of chapters Two through Four. Chapter Six provides a model for preaching New Testament quotations of the Old Testament that is consistent with the theological convictions of redemptive-historical homileticians and informed by the insights gained from reflection upon the practices of patristic preachers. This model makes an original contribution to knowledge by advancing the discussion of redemptive-historical preaching both through the application of the redemptive-historical approach to the New Testament quotations of the Old Testament and through the consideration of the relationship between redemptive-historical practices and patristic practices. / Practical Theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)

This thesis employs a historical approach to practical theology in an effort to discover resources from past practices for critical reflection upon a current methodology with the intent of producing a revised practice. The following research question is pursued: How can the practices of patristic preachers enhance the current efforts of redemptive-historical preachers to preach faithfully the New Testament quotations of the Old Testament? Chapter One reviews literature from five major redemptive-historical theologians: Geerhardus Vos, Edmund Clowney, Sidney Greidanus, Bryan Chapell, and Graeme Goldsworthy. Five of the major shared characteristics of these authors are considered in light of their various contributions. Chapters Two, Three, and Four examine various patristic homilies, outlining practical considerations for a contemporary model of preaching. Chapter Two examines two early homilies, 2 Clement and Quis Dives Salvetur, noting the influence of the synagogue. Chapters Three and Four respectively examine the preaching of Origen and Chrysostom. Chapter Five outlines some major characteristics of patristic preaching discovered through a comparison of the findings of chapters Two through Four. Chapter Six provides a model for preaching New Testament quotations of the Old Testament that is consistent with the theological convictions of redemptive-historical homileticians and informed by the insights gained from reflection upon the practices of patristic preachers. This model makes an original contribution to knowledge by advancing the discussion of redemptive-historical preaching both through the application of the redemptive-historical approach to the New Testament quotations of the Old Testament and through the consideration of the relationship between redemptive-historical practices and patristic practices. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / D. Th. (Practical Theology)