Guest Posts
Defining Homiletics
The word homiletics originates for one that gives a mutual talk or a discourse. The best definition of homiletics is,
“the art and science of preaching”.
According to William Evans the word homiletics is derived from the Greek word homilia and signifies either a mutual talk and conversation or a set discourse. From the word homilia has come the English word homiletics, which has reference to that science or art-or indeed both – which deals with the Christian discourse, embracing all that pertains to the preparation and delivery of sermons and Bible addresses. It shows us how to prepare a sermon or Gospel address and how to deliver it effectively. Homiletics then is “the art and science of preaching.”
The avid student of the gospel ministry will learn how to combine these two aspects, the art and science of designing and delivering a sermon. I know many people that are apt at being sermon designers but they are clueless to the art of delivering a sermon. On the other hand you have those that are clueless on how to weave and construct a presentable sermon, but they have natural ability to stand up and speak.
If you are truly a student of biblical homiletics you will learn not only how to design a presentable sermon, but you will be apt at delivering that sermon in a clear and concise manner. I love the phrase “art and science,” because it is exactly how I view my finished product; a nice shiny piece of art. It is not just a simple piece of art, but one that has been rigorously crafted and constructed with skillful design and precision.
The pastor that understands homiletics is like a skilled surgeon with a scalpel in his hand, the surgeon is confident that he knows how the finished product will look. (William Evans – How To Prepare Sermons p. 11)
I want every student that I train or mentor to view his sermon as a piece of art. If you view your sermon as a piece of art, then you will come to realize that with the proper practice and preparation you can produce an awesome sermon. In discussing the scientific aspect of a sermon, this means that it can have a definite and distinct design. A sermon is not just words thrown down on a piece of paper or typed thoughtlessly on a keyboard. A true sermon has precise clarity and intent. If you are avid in putting forth some hard work and sweat you can become skilled as a sermon designer. If you will understand the scientific aspect you will learn to develop sermons that are increasingly consistent and presentable. We need to clarify that in this definition we are not minimizing the spiritual aspect of preaching. I know there are many that scoff at the idea of homiletics and they mock the idea of designing and developing sermons. This book is not for that crowd. I am well aware that the Holy Spirit has to do His part in making the sermon effective. If you are a true man of God, you should have enough pride to enter the pulpit with all the preparation and confidence that you can muster up.
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The above is an edited excerpt from The Four D’s of Preaching by Donald Cantrell available HERE.
Donald Cantrell is Senior Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He has served at Antioch since 2008 and the church has been revitalized in a transitional community. Previously Pastor Cantrell served for 7 years at Cool Springs Baptist in Chatsworth Georgia. He has become a published author with WordSearch and Logos Bible software. Pastor Cantrell is the author of over 30 books that can be purchased from Lulu Publishing: CLICK HERE to see all of Cantrell’s books.
Pastor Cantrell often mentors ministers on how to design alliterated expository sermons. He continually mentors online or meets with people on a one on one basis. Currently he is writing “Sensational Sermon Snapshots” and has completed Matthew – Acts, Revelation & Daniel.” Each of these books provide a verse by verse alliterated outline of each Bible book. Pastor Cantrell has written 2 books on preaching “How to Design Alliterated Sermons” and “The Four D’s of Preaching” (Definitions – Design – Delivery – Destination). He is offering these books for free to anyone that reads this blog (Contact him at [email protected] and request your copies). Pastor Cantrell has many sermons on www.sermonsearch.com. You can also find sermons and material of Pastor Cantrell at the church website: www.antiochbaptistdalton.com or www.wordsearchbible.com
Related posts:
- Expository Preaching Defined