Preaching for Introverts

Despite the public nature of proclamation, a disproportionate number of preachers identify as introverts. How might they manage the demands given their innate constitutions?  This course explores preaching strategies for introverts.  Finding ways to make the depth of one’s spiritual insights accessible to others will be the central task. Students will examine strategies for engaging scripture, composing sermons, and relating with listeners. The class will include brief lectures each day followed by group discussion as well as group reflection on student sermonettes and meditations. Strategies for self-renewal will also be explored—largely through engaging visual art. 

The assignments will include (1) listening to sermons, (2) watching short videos of interviews, and (3) reading brief biographical vignettes and chapters on introversion (all totaling less than 30 pages each day and made available on Canvas). Each student is also asked to share a 2-minute meditation on one of the four elements (water, fire, air, and earth) and a 7-minute homily on a self-selected theme. 

No prior preaching experience is required. The course is open to all.

Enrollment is limited to 12.