Effective preaching for contemporary man Mankind has been in a state of flux through the ages. It follows that the church, to remain relevant and effective, should also adapt contiuously in its approach to the delivery of its message. In our research a literature study was undertaken of contemporary man – attention was paid to distinctive traits, characteristics and the manner in which he argues and thinks about specific matters. This information was derived to establish what the most effective approach to contemporary preaching should be. This study largely emphasised the needs of contemporary man. However, effective preaching should not only focus on the needs, but should also consider and deal with them in the light of God’s Word. A literature study of Bibilical expectations of preaching was then done to ascertain if there is similarity between the expectations of contemporary mankind and the Bibilical expectations of ministering. The outcome showed that the needs of mankind concur mainly with what has to take place, according to the Bible, in preaching the Word. These needs may be met through Biblical understanding ofchange, hope, healing and repair, and especially teaching the essence of daily living. The people of our time do not only have a problem with the content of the sermon, but also with the manner of presentation. In practical theology there is constant interaction with the science of communication to find principles or concepts that may assist in the delivery of the sermon. Two factors – the fact that the literature study of Biblical expectations of ministering placed so much emphasis on the element of learning, and the present generation’s preference for inductive instead of deductive teaching – forced us to investigate Outcomes-based Education and possibly obtain assistance and guidance regarding sermon delivery (learning). This study provided interesting perceptions which can be applied effectively in preaching. Much was gained regarding the planning of the message, the application of various preaching strategies when compiling the contents, as well as an evaluation system to measure how successful the message was put across. The research information was processed and from the findings guidelines were found that could make the sermon more effective. The following aspects are regarded as the most important: Preaching should focus on the person’s subjective perceptions; in other words, his emotions, feelings and experiences. Following the impact of the modern period today’s people are in dire need of love, acceptance, warmth and sincere outreach. These needs may be met through the cultivation of sincere relations, having real understanding for their behaviour and way of thinking, and also by addressing their anxieties in the sermon.A further aspect requiring attention is the desire of the people to participate in the ministering process. This may be by encouraging indirect and direct dialogue. Various preaching strategies and forms, which may contribute to a more dialogic style of preaching instead of a monologic, are dealt with. If we do not involve people effectively in our sermon, we will not touch them. A third aspect requiring specific attention is the visual culture in which the people of our time are entangled and the demands made by image and sound on senses and emotions. Various recommendations are made to hone our preaching on a sharper focus on the visual to facilitate an improved interactive discussion with contemporary mankind. The research was concluded with a qualitative study, the results of which supported and confirmed what was gathered from the literature study: If we want to reach out effectively to contemporary man in our preaching, we will first of all have to take cognisance of the mentioned needs and then adapt our ministering in view thereof.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:8210 |
| Date | 15 April 2008 |
| Creators | Swift, Thomas James |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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