Homiletics

Learning Objectives

• Analyze biblical passages to identify their main idea and supporting arguments
• Distinguish between the original author's intended meaning and inappropriate applications
• Develop a sermon outline that reflects the structure and flow of a biblical text
• Evaluate sermon content for theological accuracy and pastoral relevance
• Apply narrative, poetic, and epistolary structures to sermon preparation
• Articulate principles of effective proclamation drawn from biblical examples of preaching
• Critique sample sermons and prepare constructive feedback using biblical standards
• Deliver a complete sermon with appropriate use of voice, pacing, and engagement

Syllabus

Overview

Homiletics trains students in the faithful preparation and proclamation of biblical sermons. This course rests on the fundamental conviction that the preacher's primary task is threefold: to understand what the biblical text says, to grasp what the text meant in its original context, and to communicate that message clearly and compellingly to God's people today.

Throughout this 16-week course, we examine biblical examples of preaching and teaching—from Old Testament prophets through New Testament apostles—to understand and apply principles of effective proclamation. Students systematically learn how to study Scripture carefully, identify the central claim of a passage, develop logical sermon outlines, and support their message with careful reasoning and meaningful illustration.

The course balances theory with practice. We explore how to think about preaching—the philosophy, theology, and methodology of sermon preparation—while simultaneously engaging in the practical work of actually preparing and delivering sermons. Students complete weekly outlines and a final complete sermon, applying what they learn immediately to real sermon development.

A central conviction guides all instruction: preaching is not about imposing our ideas onto the text. Rather, preaching is about letting the text speak for itself. The preacher's role is to be a faithful interpreter and communicator, not a creative inventor. Throughout the course, students are held to the standard of biblical faithfulness: Does this sermon accurately communicate what the passage actually says? Would the original biblical author recognize the meaning we claim to find in this text? Is our interpretation consistent with sound hermeneutical principles?

By course completion, students will be able to study biblical passages with confidence, develop sermons with clear structure and purpose, and communicate God's Word faithfully to their congregation.

Reading Plan

Weeks 1-2: Old Testament Prophecy
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Nehemiah 8
Study questions on structure, authority, response

Weeks 3-4: Apostolic Preaching in Acts
Peter's Pentecost sermon, Stephen's defense, Paul's various sermons
How apostles adapt message to different audiences

Weeks 5-6: Gospel Teaching & Epistles
Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' parables, Paul's theological arguments
How to develop thesis with biblical support

Weeks 7-8: Hebrews as Extended Preaching
Full book study showing how to introduce, develop, and apply complex argument
Use of quotations and examples to support thesis

Weeks 9-10: Psalms & Wisdom Literature
Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes
How to address life's hardest questions with poetic language

Weeks 11-12: Narratives & Epistles Consolidation
1 Samuel, 2 Chronicles, 1 Thessalonians, Colossians, Titus
Reviewing principles across different genres

Weeks 13-14: Student Sermon Practice
Students prepare and deliver sermons with peer feedback
Practical application of theory

Week 15: Final Delivery & Synthesis
Third sermon with full refinement
Final reflection on learning

Week 16: Lifelong Development
Ongoing Scripture reading and study habits
Continued preaching practice and growth

Required Materials

Student's own Bible in a standard English translation (ESV, NIV, NASB, LSB, CSB, or NLT)
A notebook or digital document for sermon notes and outlines
Assigned sermon manuscript templates and evaluation rubrics (provided by instructor)
Access to audio or video recordings of 3–4 sample sermons for analysis and critique

Grading & Completion

COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

To successfully complete Homiletics, students must complete ALL of the following:

1. WEEKLY QUIZZES (Required - All Weeks 1-16)
Students must complete the weekly quiz for each week of the course. All 16 quizzes must be submitted by the end of the course to complete the class. Quizzes are completed through the LMS and test comprehension of that week's lesson content.

2. WEEKLY SERMON OUTLINES (Required - All Weeks 1-16)
Students must submit a sermon outline for each week of the course. Outlines should demonstrate application of that week's teaching to actual sermon preparation and include: Text/Topic chosen, Main point/thesis statement, Outline of main points with supporting Scripture, and 1-2 sentences on application. Email all outlines to info@truegospel.ca with subject line "Homiletics I - Week [#] Sermon Outline - [Student Name]". Acceptable formats: PDF, Word doc, or plain text. Outlines should be submitted by end of course.

3. FINAL QUIZ (Required)
Students must complete the final comprehensive quiz covering all 16 weeks of material. This must be submitted through the LMS to complete the course.

4. FINAL SERMON SUBMISSION (Required)
Students must write and submit one complete, full-length sermon on any topic or any book of the Bible (student's choice). The sermon should be in full manuscript format, approximately 35-40 minutes of speaking time, and reflect application of principles learned throughout the course including proper exegesis, clear structure, main point, supporting Scripture, meaningful illustrations, practical application, and sound homiletical construction. Email completed sermon to info@truegospel.ca with subject line "Homiletics I - Final Sermon - [Student Name]". Include text/topic, student name, date, and full sermon manuscript. The instructor will review for biblical integrity, structure, and overall homiletical soundness and may provide written feedback.

ATTENDANCE AND SUBMISSION POLICIES
Weekly assignments should be submitted within the week they are assigned. All work should be submitted by end of course enrollment. Late submissions may be accepted at instructor discretion with prior approval. All work should be submitted via email to info@truegospel.ca with clear subject lines identifying student name, week number, and assignment type. Use professional file formats (PDF, Word, or plain text).

COURSE COMPLETION
Course completion is confirmed when all four requirements are met: all 16 weekly quizzes, all 16 weekly sermon outlines, final comprehensive quiz, and final complete sermon submission.

Course Outcomes

• Upon completion, students will be able to study a biblical text systematically and identify its central message, primary arguments, and supporting details.
• Upon completion, students will be able to construct a well-organized sermon outline that flows logically from the text's own structure and reasoning.
• Upon completion, students will be able to explain why a particular interpretation of Scripture is grounded in the text itself rather than in personal preference or cultural assumption.
• Upon completion, students will be able to prepare and deliver a sermon that is biblically faithful, theologically sound, and clearly communicated to a specific congregation.
• Upon completion, students will be able to identify strengths and weaknesses in sermons preached by others, using biblical criteria for evaluation.
• Upon completion, students will be able to apply different preaching approaches appropriate to different genres of biblical literature (narrative, law, prophecy, wisdom, gospel, epistle, apocalyptic).