UNIT EIGHT INTRODUCTION
This last unit focuses on the concept of relevance in preaching. Christians have the most important message in the world. Because of this, we need to know how best to approach our audience for the greatest chance at reception. This approach is what we will study this last week.
UNIT EIGHT RESOURCES
Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
Bible
8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance
UNIT EIGHT ASSIGNMENTS
8.1 TEXT/MEDIA: TEXTBOOK; POWERPOINT
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
These reading assignments will prepare you to participate in the discussion regarding the concept of relevance in preaching.
Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
Explain the view of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching regarding the concept of relevance in preaching.
RESOURCES
Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Chapters 29-57 of The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching.
2. View the Unit 8 Points on Relevance PowerPoint.
INTRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT
This exercise is intended to help the student set proper boundaries in one’s quest for relevance when communicating the Gospel message. The goal of this exercise is to help the student clarify what is and is not proper method in one’s relevance.
Upon completion of this assignment you should be able to:
Distinguish boundaries for relevance.
RESOURCES
Textbook: The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching
Bible
8.1a PowerPoint: Unit 8 Points on Relevance
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In Romans 14 Paul goes to some length in discussing the then controversial issue of eating meat that had been offered to idols. In sum, the issue was that there were those Christians in the church at Rome who could eat meat that had been previously offered to pagan idols. They ate without conviction from the Spirit, and probably did so as a point of relating to their secular counterparts in hopes of winning them to Christ. There were others, those who had been set free from idolatry, and who could not begin to eat meat that had been offered to idols. They would sooner starve than to subject themselves to reminders of such paganism. Mind you, this is the man who said he was “all things to all men”
(1 Cor 9.22) for the purpose of winning them to Christ.
No doubt, there were those in the early church who had convictions they would not violate, not even in the name of being relevant to their culture. Others could participate in behaviors that their fellow Christians could not. These were matters of conviction. That said, there were other issues that were not matters of conviction. Christians were still to abide by the guidance of the OT and the teachings of Christ. They could not sin sexually or get drunk with their secular counterparts in the name of relevance.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a 2 page Word document, reflect on and answer the following questions:
a. To what extent do we go in an effort to relate the Gospel, and be relevant to those we are attempting to communicate with?
b. Paul was crude at times in some of his references in his letters? Are we allowed the same, and how far do we go?
c. What verbiage is inappropriate when communicating the Gospel?
d. Can we use secular illustrations to prove spiritual points, and if so, how secular can they be?
e. How far can or should we go in the use of secular film clips, writings, or other examples of secularism in helping to communicate Gospel truth?
f. To what extent does our particular audience or preaching venue have a bearing on what tool(s) we can use in the name of relevance?
g. What are those connection points you see as invalid and inappropriate for Christians to engage in, and why? Again, be specific.
h. What are those connection points you see as invalid and inappropriate for Christians to engage in, and why? Again, be specific.
i. In sum, how close do we get to the edge of propriety when conveying the Gospel?
j. Any other thoughts you feel are germane?
