The aims underlying- this study are basically an attempt to provide possible answers to the following two questions:
*Why should the form of sermons contribute to communicate the
embedded message effectively?
* In which way can a preacher structure and adapt the form of
sermons in order to communicate effectively to a contemporary
congregation?
In order to reach these aims a selection of sermons and the way in which they
communicate an underlying message are investigated. This approach is used
to disclose possible basis-theoretical elements that have been applied in
Scripture and in the history of preaching. Certain aspects of effective
communication are also analysed and explained in order to extract metatheoretical
elements that can be applied to the form of sermons. Finally,
certain conclusions are deduced after these elements have been scrutinised.
Basis-theoretically, the research undertaken has revealed the following
guidelines:
* Literary forms and rhetorical devices in the Bible contribute to
effective communication. A preacher should thus pay attention to, on
the one hand, literary forms applied in the Bible and, on the other hand,
the dynamics of communication in the process of exegesis.
* To communicate effectively in a sermon a preacher should consider the
flow, the movement and links in the construction of sermons, as
opposed to fixed categorical statements forced onto the text. Further
conditions for communication in a sermon include inter alia the
following: the unity of the line of thought within the sermon, and also
the utilisation of imaginative portrayal, narrative style and
metaphorical language.
* The form of a sermon has the inherent communicative ability to
provide a link between preacher and listener, incite the interest and
attention of listeners, and span a bridge between problem statement
and a possible solution.
* A preacher should find fulfilment in the careful arranging of words and
images as they eventually contribute to create an environment in which
faith can develop and grow. A preacher should thus apply the narrative
as well as the communicative value and function of images, metaphors,
illustrations and examples.
In this study the necessity of understanding the communication process
between preacher and congregation is highlighted on metatheoretical level,
and ways of communicating these aspects effectively are also indicated.
Guidelines that have been extracted as a result of the research undertaken
include the following:
* The form of sermons should be shaped by and also reflect the form of
the biblical text. The biblical text should not merely yield the ideas
and structure for the sermon, but the literary form of the biblical text
should also co-determine the form and structuring of the sermon.
In order to enhance effective communication a preacher could make
use of inter alia the following: a congregation-centred sermon form, an
induction-centred sermon form, and a narrative-centred sermon form.
Sermon form should be structured, not only according to the line of
thought and the movement and links in the biblical text itself, but also
by analysing the nature and needs of a contemporary audience. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Practical Theology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/298 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Bang, Seok Jin |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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