Fundamentals of Sermon Preparation March 19 - April 16, 2024

Course Title: Fundamentals of Sermon Preparation

Course Dates: Tuesday Evening @7pm CST, 8:30pm CST

March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16, 2024

This course is designed for anyone interested in tools to make sermon preparation more effective. Content covers identifying different sermon types , the research process, and how to outline and structure your manuscript.

Facilitators: Rev. Melva McGlen and Rev. Debra F. Bell

Course Location: Virtual

Price: $499 (offering a $100 discounted price through March 15, 2024)

“Preaching is a craft….but if your preparation process does not go deep enough, if there is no structure, no research, no hermeneutics it could be simply a rehashing of what others have said and it could be stifled by your limited knowledge and thoughts.” What is true about any craft….work is involved.  

I have been working with preachers to prepare them for licensure since 2012. My colleague Rev. Melva McGlen has been doing this work since 2013. Together we bring more than 20 years of experience and over 40 years of preaching the gospel. 

It is imperative that you know a call to preach is a call to preparation. Those God calls God also equips.  If you are a newly called or sent preacher; if you know you need to be more diligent in your preparation; if you don’t know what resources to use in research; if you have never written a manuscript or outline for a sermon this class is for you! 

NOTE: You don’t have to be a preacher to attend the Fundamentals of Sermon Preparation. If you are a Lay Leader, Bible Teacher, Sunday School Teacher  or curious about devling deep into the word of God you are all welcomed to attend.  

Join us for a 5-Part Series on the Fundamentals of Sermon Preparation Tuesdays beginning January 30, 2024 through Febuary 27, 2024 from 7pm to 8:30pm CST.  There is a free overview module that you can review prior to class start https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZ41ZydONv3VAYWTHaiG-OpFiWvR-Xym/view?usp=drive_link

Full Course Content Includes: 

March 19 2024 - Module 1: Introduction to Sermon Types

This module introduces different types of sermons, topical,

March 26, 2024 - Module 2: Biblical Interpretation

In this module, you will explore understanding of the historical, cultural, and literary context of the Scriptural text.

April 2, 2024 - Module 3: Biblical Interpretation 2

This module you will practice use of tools used in uncovering insights to the sermon and begin thesis development.

April 9, 2024 - Module 4: Template for  the Sermon Outline and Manuscript

This module you will receive and discuss a simple sermon outline and manuscript template.

April 16, 2024 - Module 5: The Finale

This final module is a practical assignment: Students present their sermon outline for a 10 minute message. 

About The Facilitators

Rev. Debra F. Bell, M.Div; MSME - Debra is a seminary trained preacher who has served in ministry for over 35 years. Debra is also the owner of P3 Coaching  & Consulting where she aligns people and organizations with purpose. Debra is a graduate of the University of Houston (BS), Houston Graduate School of Theology (M. Div) and Houston Christian University (MSME), and a published author. Debra has been an advocate for Women  and Women in Ministry over 15 years through serving on the boards of HER Call Ministry, Texas Baptist Women in Ministry,  and Blessed R Thee Ministries. Debra believes strongly that a call to preach is a call to preparation. 

Rev. Melva McGlen,  is an outstanding entrepernuer, leader, and proclaimer of the word of God. Melva has a heart for women and women in ministry in particular as she has organized and convened Women In Ministry Retreats and Women Conferences across the country. Melva is owner of Next Chapter Coaching Group where she helps people with personal growth and professional development.  She also owns a publishing company where she has served many independent authors in bringing their musings and writings into reality. Melva is graduate of Liberty University and ordained minister with more than 30 years in ministry.