Stdy HOMILETICS,The Art Of Preaching

DEFINITION: Precisely, Homiletics is the art and act of Sermon Delivery.
It is an art because it is prepared and as an act it is delivered .Therefore Homiletics is the whole preparation and delivery of good sermons.

WHAT IS A SERMON:A sermon is the rich word of God delivered to the contemporary heart of people created by God for the purpose of salvation in Jesus Christ. The starting point of every thing in Christian’s spiritual life is salvation .The centre of every Christian sermon should be in Jesus Christ The Saviour who laid His life down for the whole world.(John 3:16)

TYPES OF SERMON: There are types of sermon namely, Topical, Biographical, Historical, Exagetical, and pastoral .Each of these types of sermons are dealt with according to their dues during preparation.

TOPICAL: This type of sermon is prepared on selected topics like light, love, patience, meekness, peace, joy, persecution ,etc. All being managed as the name applies.

HISTORICAL :Are sermons prepared with special references to events in the Bible or in nature.
BIOGRAPHICAL:Is a sermon written to show the lives of people of God in the Bible.(a)The Son of God, Jesus Christ,(b)Patriachs ,c)Prophets,(d)Kings(e)Apostles(f)Saints(g)Writers(h) Ecclessiastical figures.

EXAGETICAL :Are sermons drawn from the Bible explaining the chosen topics to the details especially during crusades and talks for example Peace, Love, joy, resurrection, Ascension, Session, Transfiguration etc.

PASTORAL: Are sermons prepared by a shepherd- like-notion .It is good for building the heart of men concerning the ministry of Jesus Christ and family.

PERSONALITY OF A PREACHER

a) Every preacher must exhibit the life of Jesus Christ the saviour.
b) He/she must be able to live the sermon he preaches.
c) His/her dressing should be moderate.
d) His /her relationship with his audience and others should be cordial.
e) He /she should not engage in underhanded ways .This discredits his personality.
f) The mood of the delivery of a sermon should be accommodative no matter the preacher’s domestic challenges.

SERMON DELIVERY

A)The fearlessness of Jesus Christ and John The Baptist should be adopted.
B)Always present the truthfulness of the scripture.
C)The preacher must understand the passage before delving into it’s riches.
D) The preacher must conquer stage fear.
E)Always be in control of the sermon and the scripts.

SERMON PREPARATION
i).Tools: The Bible in different versions, good bible Concordance, bible Commentary,bible dictionary.Read Newspapers,Listen to the radio,Watch and read sites in the internet.
ii)Transits : On the air, land and sea .At market places ,Offices indeed all life is considered.
iii)Time of Preparation: morning hours or very late at night.
iv)Venue: In a quiet place-room ,bush ,garden and in personal library.
vii)Attitude at preparation: Close all domestic matters with prayer before you start.

Let prayer be your habit if you want to excel in the art and act of preaching.