Readings in Narrative Preaching Online Course

September 21-October 23

Provided by The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary, this five-week, online course provides students with a deep dive into narrative preaching. Participants will examine the power of story to transform congregational consciousness, embrace one’s pastoral identity, and engage God and the world God loves. Particular attention will be paid to narrative forms and storytelling methods.

The course is designed to:

• deepen understanding of the mechanics of narrative preaching—why and how it works to support faithful and effective proclamation.
• enhance appreciation for the power of story to engage, sustain, and transform congregational consciousness.
• broaden awareness of the varieties of narrative preaching styles across denominational and cultural differences.

Participants will engage with readings and recorded sermons posted on the course site. Weekly discussions will provide opportunities to explore and reflect on that week’s topic.

Instructor:  Dr. Jake Myers, assistant professor of homiletics at Columbia Theological Seminary.

Schedule:

Week of Sept. 21: Introduction and Orientation
Week of Sept. 28: Why Narrative Works
Week of Oct. 5: Narrating the Life of the Preacher
Week of Oct. 12: Narrating Theology
Week of Oct. 19: Narrating Experience

This is an asynchronous course; participants will not be required to log on at specific times but will complete readings and course discussions as posted in the course site.

Cost to CBFNC clergy is $50.

REGISTER NOW!