The Power of Story: Black Sermon as Dynamic Discourse
An Online Class
Dates
March 11-April 5, 2019
Overview
African-American preaching tradition holds gifts that can benefit proclaiming scripture in all faith communities! Join us for this online course that will explore the essential elements of Black sermonic style through examining the power of story and sacred oral engagement.
The class will be self-paced and available for participants to engage with the instruction at their own convenience, i.e., offered asynchronously.
Upon completion of this class, you will:
- appreciate more fully the deep cultural roots and complexity of the Black sermonic form;
- be closer to discovering your own sermonic voice;
- understand oratorical tools/skills in the Black preaching style; and
- have familiarity with an analytical framework for the appraisal of Black sermons.
Instructor
Brian J. Wells, Designated Pastor, Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, Newport News, Va.
Reading
Required
- Simmons, Martha. Doing the Deed: The Mechanics of 21st Century Preaching
Recommended
- Callhan, Dwight. The Talking Book: African Americans and the Bible
- LaRue, Cleophus. Rethinking Celebration: From Rhetoric to Praise in African American Preaching
- McMickle, Marvin. Preaching to the Black Middle Class
- Mitchell, Henry. Celebration and Experience in Preaching
- Moss III, Otis. Blue Note Preaching in a Post-Soul World: Finding Hope in an Age of Despair
- Thomas, Frank. They Like to Never Quit Praisin’ God
Registration / CEUs
Registration is now closed for this class.
Fee: $100; Maximum enrollment 15
CEUs: 1.0; Certificate provided upon request
Questions
Questions about this class can be sent to or made to 412-924-1345.
