Welcome to Emphasizing Christian Formation. This course examines how Methodism’s deep-rooted attention to Christian formation can nurture both gifts and character in our communities. We’ll see how Methodist formation hinges upon the Methodist doctrine of holiness. We’ll consider how innovations in the complementary practices of preaching and fellowship were directed to holiness and fueled the growth of Methodism in 18th-century England. We will also consider how education contributes to our growth as disciples of Christ. Drawing on these lessons allows us to rethink the practices of our own communities. Finally, we will learn that the Methodist way of Christian formation finds its fullest expression in prayer.
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Welcome to Emphasizing Christian Formation. This course examines how Methodism’s deep-rooted attention to Christian formation can nurture both gifts and character in our communities. We’ll see how Methodist formation hinges upon the Methodist doctrine of holiness. We’ll consider how innovations in the complementary practices of preaching and fellowship were directed to holiness and fueled the growth of Methodism in 18th-century England. We will also consider how education contributes to our growth as disciples of Christ. Drawing on these lessons allows us to rethink the practices of our own communities. Finally, we will learn that the Methodist way of Christian formation finds its fullest expression in prayer.
Welcome to Emphasizing Christian Formation. This course examines how Methodism’s deep-rooted attention to Christian formation can nurture both gifts and character in our communities. We’ll see how Methodist formation hinges upon the Methodist doctrine of holiness. We’ll consider how innovations in the complementary practices of preaching and fellowship were directed to holiness and fueled the growth of Methodism in 18th-century England. We will also consider how education contributes to our growth as disciples of Christ. Drawing on these lessons allows us to rethink the practices of our own communities. Finally, we will learn that the Methodist way of Christian formation finds its fullest expression in prayer.
Throughout four weeks, you will learn the definition of Christian formation— and how to connect this to your church and individual practices and forming diverse communities of faith. In each week of the course, you’ll be asked to reflect on scripture to guide you to take practical steps in how to incorporate theology in your own worship, fellowship, teaching, and mission.
This course is part of the Rediscovering the Heart of Methodism series. This is one of five 4-week online courses designed to help engaged laypeople and clergy (including local pastors in licensing schools) develop core capacities for innovative leadership within the Wesleyan tradition. Through this series, we hope you will experience a deeper grounding in the distinctive elements of Methodism at its best, and a renewed capacity for hopeful, imaginative participation in the mission of God.
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Syllabus
Emphasizing Christian Formation: Nurturing Character and Gifts
“Christian perfection” is the goal of our formation in Christ, but this doctrine has long been neglected or misunderstood. Far from being an obscure museum piece, the Methodist doctrine of holiness invites us to nurture the character of Christ and cultivate the gifts of the Spirit. To renew the heart of Methodism, we must tend the flame of holiness.
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Activities
Read 'Preaching with Purpose and Power' by Craig S. Keener
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Gain insights into the art and craft of preaching from an experienced and respected theologian.
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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and reflecting on key concepts.
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Summarize the main arguments and principles presented in the book.
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Apply the insights gained from the book to your own preaching style.
Review Preaching Techniques
Show steps
Revisit presentation techniques to enhance your ability to deliver engaging sermons.
Show steps
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Compile existing resources on preaching techniques.
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Identify areas for improvement in your own preaching style.
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Practice delivering sermons in front of a mirror or with a trusted listener.
Sermon Outlining Practice
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Repeatedly outline sermons to strengthen your ability to organize and present ideas clearly.
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Outlining
Show steps
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Choose a variety of scripture passages to outline.
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Brainstorm key themes and supporting points for each passage.
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Create detailed outlines using a consistent structure.
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Evaluate and revise your outlines for clarity and impact.
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Sermon Feedback Group
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Attend a peer group to give and receive feedback on sermons, fostering both individual growth and community engagement.
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Peer Feedback
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Join or form a peer group with individuals at a similar level of preaching experience.
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Present a sermon to the group and actively listen to feedback.
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Provide constructive criticism to other members, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
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Reflect on the feedback and implement changes to enhance your preaching.
Attend a Preaching Workshop
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Immerse yourself in a workshop specifically designed to enhance your preaching skills.
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Public Speaking
Show steps
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Research and identify a reputable preaching workshop led by experienced speakers.
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Register and attend the workshop, actively participating in all sessions.
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Take detailed notes and engage with the presenters and fellow participants.
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Implement the techniques and strategies learned into your own preaching.
Sermon Study Guide
Show steps
Support the learning and application of your sermons by creating study guides for your congregation.
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Study Guide
Show steps
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Choose a sermon or series that you want to create a study guide for.
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Identify key points, questions, and scriptures from the sermon.
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Develop discussion questions and activities that encourage reflection and application.
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Design and format the study guide professionally.
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Distribute the study guide to your congregation and encourage its use.
Sermon Podcast
Show steps
Create a podcast series of sermons to reach a wider audience and reinforce your teachings.
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Podcasting
Show steps
-
Choose a topic or series for your podcast.
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Develop a consistent format and style for your podcast.
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Record and edit high-quality audio.
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Publish your episodes on a podcasting platform.
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Promote your podcast on social media and other channels.
Sermon Series on Christian Formation
Show steps
Deepen your understanding and help others grow by developing and delivering a sermon series on Christian formation.
Show steps
-
Identify the specific aspects of Christian formation you want to focus on.
-
Research and gather biblical, theological, and practical insights.
-
Develop a series outline and individual sermon outlines.
-
Prepare and deliver the sermons in a compelling and engaging manner.
-
Evaluate the impact of the series on your congregation.
Read 'Preaching with Purpose and Power' by Craig S. Keener
Show steps
Gain insights into the art and craft of preaching from an experienced and respected theologian.
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and reflecting on key concepts.
- Summarize the main arguments and principles presented in the book.
- Apply the insights gained from the book to your own preaching style.
Review Preaching Techniques
Show steps
Revisit presentation techniques to enhance your ability to deliver engaging sermons.
Show steps
- Compile existing resources on preaching techniques.
- Identify areas for improvement in your own preaching style.
- Practice delivering sermons in front of a mirror or with a trusted listener.
Sermon Outlining Practice
Show steps
Repeatedly outline sermons to strengthen your ability to organize and present ideas clearly.
Browse courses on
Outlining
Show steps
- Choose a variety of scripture passages to outline.
- Brainstorm key themes and supporting points for each passage.
- Create detailed outlines using a consistent structure.
- Evaluate and revise your outlines for clarity and impact.
Sermon Feedback Group
Show steps
Attend a peer group to give and receive feedback on sermons, fostering both individual growth and community engagement.
Browse courses on
Peer Feedback
Show steps
- Join or form a peer group with individuals at a similar level of preaching experience.
- Present a sermon to the group and actively listen to feedback.
- Provide constructive criticism to other members, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
- Reflect on the feedback and implement changes to enhance your preaching.
Attend a Preaching Workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a workshop specifically designed to enhance your preaching skills.
Browse courses on
Public Speaking
Show steps
- Research and identify a reputable preaching workshop led by experienced speakers.
- Register and attend the workshop, actively participating in all sessions.
- Take detailed notes and engage with the presenters and fellow participants.
- Implement the techniques and strategies learned into your own preaching.
Sermon Study Guide
Show steps
Support the learning and application of your sermons by creating study guides for your congregation.
Browse courses on
Study Guide
Show steps
- Choose a sermon or series that you want to create a study guide for.
- Identify key points, questions, and scriptures from the sermon.
- Develop discussion questions and activities that encourage reflection and application.
- Design and format the study guide professionally.
- Distribute the study guide to your congregation and encourage its use.
Sermon Podcast
Show steps
Create a podcast series of sermons to reach a wider audience and reinforce your teachings.
Browse courses on
Podcasting
Show steps
- Choose a topic or series for your podcast.
- Develop a consistent format and style for your podcast.
- Record and edit high-quality audio.
- Publish your episodes on a podcasting platform.
- Promote your podcast on social media and other channels.
Sermon Series on Christian Formation
Show steps
Deepen your understanding and help others grow by developing and delivering a sermon series on Christian formation.
Show steps
- Identify the specific aspects of Christian formation you want to focus on.
- Research and gather biblical, theological, and practical insights.
- Develop a series outline and individual sermon outlines.
- Prepare and deliver the sermons in a compelling and engaging manner.
- Evaluate the impact of the series on your congregation.
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