Report on Preaching & Teaching Module

On the third week of August 15 students and auditors gathered in Sacramento, Califorinia for our 2012 summer module. The module featured multiple lecturers and focused on the topic of preaching. Pastor Brian Borgman who earned a Doctor of Ministry from Westminster Seminary in the area of preaching gave the bulk of the instruction. He introduced the topic by stressing the need for a methodology of preaching that’s driven by a sound theology. Then he defined biblical “preaching” and “teaching,” identified the message we preach (the gospel and the whole counsel of God), discussed the relationship of law and gospel, assessed the strengths and weaknesses of redemptive-historical preaching, and argued for the primacy of expository preaching. The remainder of his teaching highlighted such topics as the “orality” of preaching, steps for preparing sermons, and sermon delivery (making a strong case for preaching with passion). 

Borgman’s lectures were complemented with contributions from Pastors Robby Briggs and Robert Elliott (two Scotsmen!). Briggs delivered three practical lectures entitled “Directives to Young Preachers,” and Elliott ably addressed the “timely” topic of “Contextualization and Preaching.” One session was dedicated to Q&A, which gave the attendees the opportunity to ask the speakers plenty of practical questions on sermon preparation and delivery. And between the sessions, there were opportunities for fellowship and interaction. See the photos below for a flavor of the week. 

Thanks to Sue Peppers, the modules were captured in High Definition video. We hope to edit the video lectures this fall and upload them to complement the audio lectures on Virtual Campus. 

Our next module will be on Church Ministry and his planned for January. Details are forthcoming. 

B.G.