As a Dean of Doctoral Studies at Southeastern Seminary, I realize I’m suggesting an idea here that sometimes gets complicated to accomplish – that is, encourage people to audit a preaching course. In fact, not every seminary allows this kind of option. Nevertheless, here’s why I think every preacher ought to consider this option:
- None of us is a perfect preacher. All of us have room to grow, no matter how long we’ve been doing this work. Even a few days sitting in a classroom can teach all of us something.
- Most of us received only the basic required preaching training in our seminary work. The required courses laid a strong foundation for preaching well, but we’re usually better prepared to learn and apply after a few years in ministry.
- All of us could stand some critique. For too many of us, our seminary days were the last time somebody evaluated our preaching. I trust we’ve grown enough now that we can hear critique with more wisdom.
- New delivery options allow pastors to take classes from a distance. An online advanced preaching elective might be an option. So might a hybrid course that gives you both online and on-campus instruction. A short-term Doctor of Ministry course that requires you to be on campus for only a few days might also be a possibility.
- The classroom is almost always stronger when veteran pastors and preachers are in the room. That’s part of the reason I’m arguing that even the most educated pastor ought to get back to the classroom for a few days. Everybody benefits.
- Many of us could use some humbling. We’re better preachers when we’re humble—and the classroom has a way of taking us there. Simply being a student when we’re used to leading can be good for us.
- A few days on a seminary campus can be a welcomed break. I can tell you many stories of students whose greatest benefit of brief, short-term on-campus work was the time away from their church to get rejuvenated.
- We need to know about the newest and best resources. Even those of us who already have advanced degrees get behind in the current resources – and we miss opportunities to grow.
- You might make connections that change your life. I’ve seen classroom networking among students that has led to enduring friendships and prayer support.
- Auditing one course might lead to increased interest in earning a degree. Start somewhere. Get your feet wet in further education, and see where that step takes you.
Preachers, I encourage you to contact your nearest seminary. See what options you have to strengthen your preaching. Let me know if I can help you.
I am a non-seminary-trained pastor. Due to connections with some staff at a nearby seminary, I started auditing classes and am now doing a preaching course. I agree very much with so many of your points.
I am learning new things; I am invigorated by the young men around me; getting ready to be humbled by some in-class critique of my preaching…and doing it by way of auditing takes a lot of stress off my life: no worry about exams, not financially burdensome…there is no downside to doing it.
Thanks for another great post.
You have to remember that your congregants can get sermons online from top notch priests, rabbis, and ministers from both genders who bring their “A” game whenever they go to the pulpit. Even the associates in big congregations are usually very good. Also people listen to Ted talks, which is what a lot of people wish a sermon would sound like. I have heard some small town preachers do very a good job with a sermon because they continued to learn and refine their methods. Some weren’t even afraid to preach with scholars sitting in the pews.
Brother, this discipline is ever moving and hopefully improving. After forty years of pastoral ministry I would like to start over . The resources are better, the theology is sharper, the wisdom adds more depth, and the need for spiritual brokenness and dependence on the Holy Spirit is even greater. Maybe I need to come down and spend some time on the campus to love on these young pastors!
Blessings, Mike. Appreciate your love for young pastors!
When I lived in Mandeville, Louisiana, I might have been able to audit a preaching course at New Orleans Baptist Seminary. NOBS was less an hour’s drive from where I lived. The closet Bible college to where I live now in western Kentucky was Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Kentucky, which was closed due to financial difficulties. The closest school of theology and missions is Union University’s in Jackson, Tennessee, more than a two-and-half hour’s drive from where I live. While your suggestion certainly has merit, for me it is not practical. The only courses that I can take advantage of must be on the internet and they must be free. My church operates on a shoestring budget and the budget does not include a line for continuing education for the pastor. I have no discretionary income of my own. I suspect that I am not the only small church preacher whose circumstances exclude auditing a preaching course at a seminary.
Hi, Robin. I certainly understand your concern. Because of online education, there are more opportunities now. Here are two free preaching courses Southeastern offers:
https://www.sebts.edu/academics/distance_learning/christ-centered-exposition.aspx
https://www.sebts.edu/academics/distance_learning/interpreting-teaching-bible.aspx
Thanks. I’ll look into these courses..
Hi Chuck
Thanks for the response that you provided to Robin, I believe I will also be assisted by this website as it is my first seeing this query raised.
Regards
Bongani Makhuba
Thanks Chuck. I may have misunderstood the use of the word “auditing” when I started to read this piece. However, I wholeheartedly agree with the contents. Recently I attended a secular one-day speaking course and was amazed at what I learned. How much more is to be gained from sharing seminar time with expert preachers and those skilled in critiquing content, style and delivery. Best wishes for 2018
Yes to this entire list, but especially #7. That time is such a needed refreshment.
Chuck- thanks for your article. Are their any other schools/seminaries that offer preaching courses for purchase that you would recommend? Thanks!
Tony,
Many seminaries will let you audit a course. I’d simply contact those institutions with which you’re familiar, and see what they offer.