Online study and certificates
Free online theological study
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in the US offers ‘Dimensions of the Faith’ – a free online theological education program that adapts seminary level courses to a 'go at your own pace' distance learning program.
Of particular interest to preachers will be the unit ‘Studying the Bible for All its Worth – Biblical Interpretation’, by Dr Douglas Stuart. Dr Stuart is Professor of Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell and co-author of ‘How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth’, one of the ‘must have’ books on the preaching book list above. This unit explores the different literature types in the Bible and foundational concepts of interpretation for each.
To see this and the other units offered, go to www.gcts.edu/ockenga/dimensions/
Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis, Missouri, USA, offers FREE online ‘Living Christ 360’ classes given by their faculty and visiting speakers on numerous topics under the subjects – Culture, Emotions, Relationships, Spirituality and Theology. To see what’s available under each subject, go to www.livingchrist360.com/thelivingroom/resourcesforlife/
Of particular interest to preachers will be the many free talks and articles available on preaching, including preparing expository sermons, Introductions, Illustrations, Application – audio, documents and podcasts. Most of these are given by Dr Bryan Chapell, the author of ‘Christ-Centred Preaching,’ one of the ‘should have’ books listed on the preaching book list above. Go to www.livingchrist360.com/thelivingroom/resourcesforlife/ and click on SEARCH then type in ‘Preaching’.
Free online preaching course
Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis, Missouri, USA, offers a free Worldwide Classroom Course on Preaching given by Dr Bryan Chapell, president and professor of practical theology at the Seminary, and author of several books, including ‘Christ-Centred Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon (2nd ed).’ This book is on the ‘should have’ preaching book list above. The course is as follows:
‘Christ-Centred Preaching: Preparation & Delivery of Sermons’
25 lessons available as MP3 audio lectures or lecture transcripts and study guides as PDFs. To view the course syllabus and download lessons, go to www.worldwide-classroom.com/courses/info/cm099/
Certificate in Theology & Ministry
Launched in August 2008, the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania’s program of distance theological study and ministry training for all Anglicans is particularly helpful for preachers. Six Bible and theology units lay a solid theological foundation for any word ministry, which two ministry units then build on with a choice of electives that includes ‘Biblical Preaching.’ In addition, annual participation in a Tasmanian Bible Forum provides strong encouragement in the Scriptures and modelling of biblical preaching by gifted and experienced bible teachers.
To see the course prospectus go to www.anglicantas.org.au then click on Resources where you will find the Certificate information. Alternatively, go to www.riverlinks.net.au then click on Certificate in Theology and Ministry.
Certificate in Preaching
The Sydney Missionary & Bible College – the oldest interdenominational Bible College in Australia – now has a School of Preaching that offers a Certificate in Preaching to train men and women to be effective preachers and teachers of God’s Word. The Certificate is a one year full-time (or two year part time) course specifically in preaching. It covers the nature of preaching, the preacher’s personal life and holiness, tools for correctly interpreting the Bible, sermon preparation, sermon composition and delivery, evangelistic preaching, and worldviews, and is delivered by lectures, small group work, study/set reading, assessment tasks, and feedback on sermons.
For a course prospectus, contact the College by
p (02) 9747 4780
e info@smbc.com.au
For information on the College itself, go to www.smbc.com.au