IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY
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his study is deemed important for four reasons First, many teachers of homiletics have had little specific training in the disciplineOften they are "drafted" from another department of the school and assigned the courseMany of these professors search for material to help them teach homiletics effectivelyThis may serve as a resource to them. Second, pastors need to learn to preach effectively. A common way to refer to aminister is as a "preacher" A preacher who cannot preach, or who will not preach, fails atthe core of his calling. As every pastor knows, the preparation and delivery of sermonstakes a large portion of his time and thought. The pastor realizes that his ministry in thepulpit will enhance the ministry of the congregation As a church increases in size, theminister depends more and more on his ability to preach In order to influence hiscongregation he must be prepared to preach with skill, as well as with accuracy Third, students expect to learn to preach in their Bible college or seminary Aprofessional school makes a commitment to educate and train its students in a particulardiscipline. Those who prepare future ministers must recognize that this above all is anethical commitment Students expect to be taught not only how to understand the Bible,but also how to communicate it This project will enable many schools to do a better jobof teaching students to speak God's word effectively Fourth, the church needs skilled preachers Those who take the Bible seriously,both in the pulpit and the pew, believe that the Scriptures are God's truth It is a sin tobore people with the Bible or to give the impression to a congregation that the Scriptures 6 are irrelevant to life. Pastors who care about their congregations must know how toprepare sermons and deliver them The teaching of homiletics is vital to the preacher and the congregation Where it isbeing done well, this project may help professors to do it better. Where it is being donepoorly, the courses in this project may assist both the teacher and the learners in their taskof understanding and applying the art and discipline of preaching. As a pastor this writer joins the chorus that affirms the value of ongoing,in-context training. Not every pastor can invest the time required for another degree Buteveryone can benefit from accessible and helpful seminars that are offered in a format thatis both close and convenient This particular project is designed to serve fellow-pastorswho are currently engaged in ministry, yet who recognize the need for sharpening theirskills and refreshing their minds The high calling is to preach the Word of God in a waythat honors God so that the preacher, as well as his listeners, will "let God be God!"
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