Teaching the Essentials of Biblical Preaching

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a course of instruction in the essentials of Biblical Preaching. This course would be of use in the instruction of lay pastors, that is, those who are not able or called to leave their present employment, but are gifted to provide pastoral leadership and skills to small congregations who either cannot afford to support a full time pastor or who are currently without pastoral care.

This thesis is written from a Baptist perspective. Historically, Baptists have placed great emphasis on the role of the laity in ministry. While we ordain individuals specifically for that work, the fact is that many of our smaller churches would cease to exist were it not for committed lay people who preach in the absence of a pastor.

What makes this thesis different from others on the same subject is that it sets forth the essentials of Biblical preaching. In other words, to preach a biblical sermon, what basic skills should one be equipped with?   

After some biblical and theological reflections on both the nature and necessity of preaching and teaching, and a review of pertinent literature in both fields, the thesis presents a course in Biblical Preaching which was actually taught to a group of lay pastors enrolled in the Lay Pastors Training Seminar, a program under the auspices of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, Canada.