Cornerstone Curriculum, Official Certification Edition

LESSON 4 | THE EQUIPPING MINISTRY: THE MINISTRY OF PROCLAMATION / 351

CONNECTION

This lesson focuses upon the ministry of proclamation, through the kerygma , the preaching of the Word of God in dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Through his influence alone, we can learn the art of obeying God as we proclaim his Word, responding obediently to the call of God to preach, convinced of the power of the Word of God for salvation and change, and gaining skill as we learn to establish contact, communicate the content the Word of God clearly, and make specific connection with the lives of our listeners. The following concepts underlie the principles of this lesson on the kerygma . • Three essential steps are involved in preaching effective sermons: establishing contact with the mind and world of the audience, communicating the content of the Word of God with clarity and boldness, and making specific and dynamic connection with the audience on the meaning of the preached Word to their spiritual condition and lives. • In the first step of effective biblical preaching, we establish contact with our hearers as we spotlight issues, concerns, ideas, or experiences that resonate in the lives of the audience, which can also be used as a springboard into our preaching content. • The second phase of effective biblical preaching deals with delivering the content of Scripture. Our goal is to paint a picture through our words in the spiritual eyes of our hearers so as to show them our themes, not merely tell them about it. The content of our preaching ought to focus on the person of Christ and his Kingdom, and be presented in a manner that resonates with the biblical methods of images, symbols, and stories, being organized in a plain and simple manner. • The Church calendar or liturgical year , along with the resources, texts, and tools associated with it can provide our audiences with a continuous retelling of the Story of God in the life and work of Jesus. Through its effective use, our preaching can thus highlight the whole counsel of God annually through a retelling of Jesus’ story. • The final step in effective biblical preaching involves making connections with the truths of our preaching and the specific and particular responses of the audience. Our aim must be to help our audiences come to feel and understand their spiritual condition before God through our clear appeals and bold invitations for repentance and change.

Summary of Key Concepts

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C hr i s t i an M i n i s t ry