The aim of this study was to determine how preaching can stimulate spiritual growth
and intensify the spirituality of Listeners. The working method for the study has been
based on the mode[ formulated by Zerfass (1974) for Practical Theology and follows a
Reformatory angle. • In the first place, basis-theoretical principles regarding preaching, spirituality and spiritual growth have been researched, as well as the relationship between preaching and spiritual growth. To do this, exegetical hermeneutical studies about a series of Bible texts, as well as some literary studies regarding these topics have been conducted. • In the second place, meta-theoretical principles regarding studies in Communication and the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality have been researched by means of Literary studies. • In the third place, a qualitative empirical study has been done to test the basis and meta-theoretical principles in practice. Interviews have been conducted with 21 participants from seven Reformatory churches. • In the fourth place, the results of the empirical study have been put in hermeneutical interaction with the basis- and meta-theoretical principles in order to formulate readjusted basis- and meta-theoretical principles. The readjusted basis- and meta-theoretical principles have been used to formulate a readjusted practice theory which gives guidelines on how preaching can contribute to spiritual growth and intensified spirituality. Out of this, a model has been formulated which can help preachers to promote spiritual growth among their listeners by means of their preaching. The result of this study is as follows: A preacher can promote spiritual growth and contribute to intensified spirituality among their Listeners by means of: • Identifying voids and problems in their listeners' spirituality • The context • Taking into account the level of spiritual growth of the listeners while preaching. These matters must be addressed in sermons which communicate effectively. In preaching, effective communication can be obtained by: • Having clarity regarding the tone to be used during the sermon (proclaiming, teaching, consoling or admonishing) • Having clarity regarding the exact goal of the sermon • Ensuring that the sermon possesses a strong structure • Thorough exegesis of Scripture • Effectively addressing all kinds of noise • Using techniques to make people actively listen to the sermon • Using techniques to make it easier for listeners to follow the sermon • Ensuring that the preacher is credible. Although preaching is a monologue in nature, feedback i s of the utmost importance to
the preacher. Feedback can help in clearing up obscurities, identifying problems and
other voids. These problems and voids can be addressed in follow-up sermons and over
time preaching can encourage and accompany listeners in a congregation lo grow
spiritually and deepen their spirituality. In this way, preaching contributes to Listeners
having an ever growing fervent relationship with the Lord. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Homiletics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/1686 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Erasmus, Jan Andries |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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