Session Abstract

The field of homiletics is witnessing an eruption of new approaches, foci, and methods.  Claiming its position as a practical theological discipline with renewed interest, the field of homiletics now engages a multitude of interdisciplinary partners. This session brings together academic homileticians and local practitioners to discuss these trends, their promise, and their potential for the practice of preaching.

Paper Abstracts

Tiffany Dahlman, Abilene Christian University in Dallas, “Open On Purpose: The Influence of an Open Pulpit Culture on Congregational Formation”

The majority of churches are formed by the preaching of one individual who delivers an expository sermon weekly. There are shortfalls to this approach for the preacher and the congregation who are inevitably formed by the canonical emphases and theological orientation of the solo voice. Transitioning the church to an open pulpit culture where a myriad of preaching voices is heard is a response to the postmodern demands of younger generations. Done with faithful stewardship of the pulpit that does not dissolve into hyper-individualism commonly associated with post-modernism, an open pulpit has the potential to form the church through a collective voice that reveals a more expansive and challenging story of God.

 

Matthew Love, Baylor University, “Preaching in Place: Reflections on the Sermons of Oscar Romero, Dislocated Pulpits, and the Dangers of an Incarnate Word”

Preaching becomes true preaching as it is grounded in real place. Only in real place can the pulpit become a cross. Among those who have given their voice to preach such a located gospel is Oscar Romero, whose pulpit became a cross as he chose to preach a word not abstracted from his place, but one that touched the wounds and sins of his own people. This paper highlights excerpts of Romero’s sermons and offers this preacher as a guide toward imagining what “preaching in place” might look like today.

Speakers

Tim Sensing and Mason Lee, Abilene Christian University Graduate School of Theology, Co-Conveners

• Tiffany Dahlman, Abilene Christian University in Dallas, “Open On Purpose: The Influence of an Open Pulpit Culture on Congregational Formation”
• Matthew Love, Baylor University, “Preaching in Place: Reflections on the Sermons of Oscar Romero, Dislocated Pulpits, and the Dangers of an Incarnate Word”
• Candace Nicolds, Brookline Church of Christ, Respondent