A methodology for the expository narrative preaching as applied to the Old Testament narrative : from text to sermon presentation
The study begins with outlining the weaknesses of contemporary narrative preaching and traditional expository preaching, as we try to preach the Old Testament narrative texts. As an alternative method for preaching the biblical narrative texts, the author proposes the expository narrative preaching as a genre-sensitive biblical sermonic methodology in the interpretation and the communication of the biblical narrative texts. The author uses the term “expository narrative preaching” to distinguish from the general use of the “narrative preaching” that excludes propositions from the narrative form of the sermon. To establish a preaching paradigm for the homiletical process, the author examines the bridge-building model and the merging model and suggests a full 360 degree model as an alternative model. This model is then applied to the Old Testament narrative genre. Throughout this dissertation, the author tries to show the full process of the expository narrative preaching from the selection of the text to the sermon presentation based on the Old Testament narrative. The expositional process (exegesis─theology─homiletics) moves from the meaning of a passage in its original setting to the theological principle, which is usually not expressed explicitly, and to the specific application of that truth recontextualized for the current situations of the particular audience. As the first step of the sermon preparation, the study explores the exegetical analysis to preach the Old Testament narrative texts. In the exegetical process the preacher scrutinizes the meaning of the text in the original context. Exegesis focuses on the original audience of the text and the meaning that the text had for them. As the second step of the sermon preparation, the study examines the theological analysis to preach the Old Testament narrative texts. The theological process begins only when the preacher has grasped explicitly and confidently the meaning of the text through the exegetical study. In the theological process the preacher tries to unearth the universal theological principle which is applicable to the timeless universal audience. As the third step of the sermon preparation, the study examines the homiletical process. In this process the preacher applies the original meaning of the text to the particular situation today. Homiletical process focuses on the specific audience as the target of sermon. The purpose of the homiletical analysis is focused on developing a homiletical product such as a time-bound homiletical proposition, purpose, and outline for today’s listeners. Homiletical analysis is needed to preach a biblical text with relevance. As the part of the homiletical process, the author explores how to develop and deliver the expository narrative sermon based on the former exegetical and expositional works. In this stage, various strategies are discussed to construct and deliver a relevant narrative sermon carrying a biblical message for the contemporary audience.
UCTD, Homiletical analysis, Expository narrative preaching, Exegesis, Delivery of the sermon, Audience analysis, Construction of the sermon, Old Testament narrative, Proposition, Relevance in preaching theological analysis
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