Preaching and Liturgy

Homiletics I, II, and III (HOM-101, -201, and -301)
This sequence of courses introduces students to the study of homiletics and prepares persons for licensure as a Lay Preacher in the Episcopal Church in Southeast Florida. More information to follow as this sequence of courses is developed more fully.

Introduction to Liturgy (LM-101)
This course introduces students to central texts and themes in theological reflection on Christian worship as they have coalesced into the field of liturgical theology. Through historical, theological, biblical, practical, and pastoral approaches, we will explore the ritual, symbolic, aesthetic, cultural, kinesthetic, and textual dimensions of worship and consider how they both shape and express Christian thought and practice in The Episcopal Church.

Pastoral Ministry and Pastoral Offices (PFL-102)
This course approaches pastoral care as an ecclesial practice in which the specific context of care is the congregation. Students will be introduced to the literature, theory, and practices of pastoral care as a part of the church’s redemptive ministry, as well as basic practices of pastoral care as dimensions of congregational ministry. Special focus will be placed on the Pastoral Offices in The Book of Common Prayer (such as Confirmation, Marriage, Reconciliation, Ministration to the Sick, and Burial).

How to Lead and be Led by Morning Prayer (PFL-201)
For centuries, the church has engaged in Morning Prayer as both a personal, ascetical practice and to draw near to God in community through the words of Scripture. From earliest times, Christians gathered at regular hours of the morning to respond to God’s word through praise and to intercede for the salvation of the world. This course seeks to reclaim the beauty and wonder of Morning Prayer for a new generation by preparing and forming persons in the Diocese of Southeast Florida for the ministry of leading liturgy through the Daily Office, particularly in pastoral contexts and communities in which a priest is not available on Sunday mornings. The course will include the following units of study: Introduction to Liturgical Theology, History of the Daily Office and Morning Prayer, Worship as Pastoral Care, and a Prayer Book Practicum (a crash course in how to lead Morning Prayer in a congregation or faith community). Practical aspects of leading worship will be balanced with opportunities for creative expression: students will learn to write their own collects, for example, or create a special prayer for their congregations. Above all, students will be given concrete, practical instruction in how to put together a service of worship, using Morning Prayer, Rite II, in The Book of Common Prayer.

Planning Christian Worship (LM-202)
This course explores the historical, theological, pastoral, and practical dimensions of planning for services of Christian worship including styles and patterns of congregational worship, the organization and encouragement of the laity in planning worship, the development of resources for planning and practice, and understanding ecclesial contexts.

The Hymns of the Church (LM-203)
This course serves as an introduction to the diverse resources in The Episcopal Church for music in worship. Opportunities will be given for students to explore multicultural resources for music as well as the historical foundations of music in The Episcopal Church. From Anglican chant to The Hymnal 1982 to El Himnario and beyond, this course will help “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as we “Come, Celebrate!”.

Pastoral Liturgics (PFL-204)
This course investigates the pastoral dimension of our liturgical life, from Baptism to the Holy Eucharist and beyond. What congregational needs arise during the liturgical season of Advent? How are personal experiences of grief, loss, and loneliness exacerbated during Christmas? What are the pastoral dimensions of the season of Epiphany? How can persons in a congregation or faith community be mutually supportive to each other during the season of Lent? Students will have an opportunity to create a pastoral-liturgical workshop that they can use in a congregation, diocesan school, or special ministry.

Introduction to Scripture and Biblical Interpretation for Homilists (HOM-205)
This course introduces students in the Lay Preaching program to the practice of theological exegesis – a mode of biblical interpretation that attends closely to how the various theological expressions and genres in the Bible can relate to and inform Christian discipleship and the various ministries of the church today. This course also examines the lessons of the common lectionary for the major liturgical seasons. It addresses issues of exegesis, hermeneutics, and preaching within the context of the church year. Prerequisite: either NT-101 or OT-101 or equivalent coursework (documentation required).

Practica in Worship (LM-301, 302, and 303)
This sequence of short workshops will give students a chance to practice leading worship in partnership with a clergy mentor. Special attention will be given to the ritual practices that are most often used in Episcopal churches and faith communities.