exploring theology - uniting mission and education · exploring theology. please write your name on...

Exploring Theology UMEEXTH.1

A unit in the Living Our Faith Series Uniting Mission and Education

August 2017

Assignment Book

Participant’s Name: ……………………………………...……………

Postal Address: ……………………..……………………...……..…...

………………………………….…………………………...……..…...

………………………………………….…………………...……..…...

Dates of Course: ……………...…………..………………...……..…...

Venue: ……………………………………………………...……..…...

2 Living Our Faith: Exploring Theology – Assignment Book

Table of Contents

DECLARATION ......................................................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 3

COMPETENCY CRITERIA ......................................................................... 4

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY ....................................................................... 6

ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTIONS ................................................................. 7

WORKSHEETS FOR FORMATIVE TASKS ................................................ 10

TASK A: INITIAL REFLECTIONS ................................................................... 10

TASK B: DEBATE ...................................................................................... 12

TASK C: ANALYSIS OF WORSHIP EXPERIENCE .............................................. 13

WORKSHEETS FOR SUMMATIVE ASSIGNMENTS ................................. 16

ASSIGNMENT 1: LEAD A DEVOTION AS PART OF A GROUP ............................. 16

ASSIGNMENT 2: PREPARE AN EXEGESIS ...................................................... 19

ASSIGNMENT 3A: PREPARE A THEMATIC SERMON ....................................... 31

ASSIGNMENT 3B: EVALUATION OF THEMATIC SERMON DELIVERY .................. 35

ASSIGNMENT 3C: MAGAZINE ARTICLE ....................................................... 36

Living Our Faith: Exploring Theology – Assignment Book 3

Declaration:

I declare that the work I am submitting is all my own work. I have

acknowledged all sources where acknowledgement is due.

Print Full Name: ………………………………………………………

Signature: ………………………………………………………

Introduction

Welcome to the Assignment Book for Exploring Theology. Please write your name on the front

cover of this and your workbook as soon as you receive them.

This Assignment Book contains information on the assessment that is needed for participants in

the unit to demonstrate competency in understanding the theology of the Uniting Church in

Australia, and how that is communicated to the local church. The unit acts as a foundation

primarily for theological thinking in the preparation of sermons and study materials for church

members, but also for personal study of the scriptures, discipleship formation, further formal

study, preparation of worship services /sermon or Lay Preacher accreditation.

The assessment for this unit includes both formative and summative elements.

Formative tasks help to form your skills so you can complete the assignments.

They are mostly completed in the Workbook.

Summative assignments assess your knowledge and skills, and are to be completed in

this book.

The unit is offered over a period of twenty sessions, which include five sessions for completion

of some of the tasks and assignments. However, you will need to do some homework for both

formative and summative assessments.

Exploring Theology is one of five units offered by UME, which together provide the necessary

educational component for those seeking accreditation as Lay Preachers within the Uniting

Church in Australia. The course is also open to any interested lay person to attend, complete all

the assessment tasks, and gain a Certificate of Completion.

If you complete an electronic version of this Assignment Book, after you have completed the

tasks and typed your full name into the declaration on page 2, return it by email to:

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Exploring%20Theology%20Assignment%20Submission

4 Living Our Faith: Exploring Theology – Assignment Book

If you complete a paper copy of the Assignment Book, sign the declaration on page 2 and return

the whole book to:

Rev Bronwyn Murphy

Lay Ministry, Discipleship and Education Consultant

16 Masons Drive

North Parramatta NSW 2151

Competency Criteria

This book, together with your attendance and participation in all the sessions of the unit, will

provide the basis for recognition of your competency with regard to the following aims: from

The Ministry of Pastor – Summary of Core Competencies,(2010) and The Ministry of Pastor - General

Competencies (2009).

Unit of

Competency

Element of Competency Performance Criteria

Prepare and

lead worship

1. Undertake exegesis of

biblical texts

a. understand the history and

main theological themes of the

books of the New Testament

b. identify and access appropriate

reference materials including

recent and relevant

commentaries and dictionaries

2. Develop sermon

appropriate to

congregational or group

context

a. understand a range of

preaching styles and how they

might be appropriate to

different communities,

contexts and times

b. address the pastoral,

educational and missional

characteristics of the

congregation or faith

community

c. express key doctrines of the

Christian faith within preaching

d. draw upon theological and

historical insights, cultural and

contemporary references, and

personal experience in crafting

appropriate sermons


Unit of

Competency

Element of Competency Performance Criteria

3. Set up and utilise

worship spaces

a. liaise effectively with people

responsible for preparing the

worship setting, including

music, sound, lighting,

projection, visual and other

elements

4. Speak and lead in

worship settings

a. read aloud and speak with

sufficient clarity and

articulation and appropriate

timing and mood

b. demonstrate effective use of

microphones and presentation

aids (if required)

c. provide clear introductions,

directions and explanations to

facilitate participation in

worship

d. use appropriate gestures and

movement to accompany

speaking

e. lead extemporaneous prayer in

an appropriate manner

f. demonstrate sensitivity and

responsiveness to the work of

the Spirit during worship

5. Present sermons

a. as for ‘Speak and lead in

worship settings’ above in

terms of sermon delivery,

taking into account a range of

sermon approaches or styles

as appropriate

Living our Faith: Exploring Theology – Assignment Book 6

Assessment Summary

Formative Tasks These tasks are also in the Workbook:

A. Initial Reflections ............................ Complete before the first session

B. Debate .................................................... …………Complete in course

C. Evaluation of Worship Experience ……………..Complete within 4 weeks of course finishing

Even though formative tasks will not be formally marked, they should still be included in this Assignment Book so they can be recorded as being completed.

Summative Assignments These assignments should be completed as homework between the two weekends, or between sessions 9 and 10:

1. Lead a Devotion as part of a Group

2. Exegesis in Preparation for Sermon

3. Prepare and deliver a) a Thematic Sermon OR b) a Magazine Article

All work must be received by UME 4 weeks after the final day of the course.

7 Living our Faith: Exploring Theology – Assignment Book

Assessment Descriptions

Formative Tasks A – C

Before we begin – this involves PREREADING

Please read Thinking the Faith Living the Faith – the entire book. This will provide a solid background which will help you throughout the actual course.

TASK A: Initial Reflections Complete before the first session.

RE-READ Introduction To Thinking The Faith Living The Faith pages 11-22; then complete the task below.

In about 330 to 400 words, write a reflection on the above reading and bring it to the first day of the course. The reflection should demonstrate that you have engaged with the text.

1. What is the main door(s) through which you came to faith?2. What do you understand faith to involve?3. Which of the sources of theology are the most important to you?4. How would you describe your current context?

TASK B: Debate Complete in session 16

Each tutorial group will develop a debate around one of the theology topics introduced in class • Mystery of God• Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ• The Community of Faith, The Church• Proclamation, Sacraments and Ministry• Christian Discipleship

Debate topics will be agreed in class. This is not designed to cause stress, but to play with thinking on our feet in a fun way.

TASK C: Analysis of Worship Experience Complete within 4 weeks

About half-way through the unit, you should attend a worship service, preferably in a Uniting Church, led by an experienced leader, and evaluate the theology that is evident, making reference to the topics that have been covered so far in the unit. Use the sheet on page 14 for this.

You should make sure that you have the permission of the leaders of the service before you attempt to complete this activity, and show them this task description before the service.

Gather information about the service before the service begins, so that you can focus your attention on the Exploring Theology themes during the service itself.


This should not be a service that you are leading.

Summative Assignments 1 – 3

These are the tasks that will be formally marked.

Assignment 1: Lead a Devotion as Part of a Group

Organise, prepare and lead a 15 minute Devotion that would be suitable for a group gathering in an ‘emerging church’, integrating the principles of multi-sensory and intergenerational worship.

You will be required to work with one or two others on this assessment task. Each of you should have a copy of the outline of the devotion in this book. Refer to pages 16 and 17.

The Devotional time does not have a set format, but you may use the template outline in this book as a guide. Your service should engage with one of the following themes:

spirituality grace truth faith

struggle witness peace social justice

wholeness consumerism debt harmony

forgiveness strength courage conflict

glory generosity unity covenant

inclusivity mission Sabbath hope

Assignment 2: Prepare an Exegesis in preparation for your sermon

Follow the following steps:

i) Theme and Passage Selectionii) Answer the set questions.

The themes that you can choose from are:

God/Trinity Holy Spirit Creation Christian discipleship

Psalm 8 Acts 2: 1-21 Jeremiah 17: 5 – 10 John 15:1-17

John 3:1–17 Psalm 104:24-34 John 1:1-18 Matthew 5:13-16

Exodus 6:1–8 Romans 8: 14-17 Colossians 1:15-20 1 John 2:1-29

John 14:1–14 John 14:15-31 Romans 12

Exodus 3:1–15 Hebrews 10:15-18 Luke 5:1-11

iii) Write about 400-500 words on your text(s), using the worksheet questions provided onpages 21–23.


Assignment 3a & 3b: Prepare and Deliver a Thematic Sermon

You are required to prepare and deliver a demonstration sermon of 10 -12 minutes duration (about 1500 words) on the theme indicated and using one or more of the given passages.

As there will not be time in the course itself to present your sermon, you will need to include a transcript of your sermon, together with the evaluation in this assessment task book. The nominated assessor needs to be approved by the Course Facilitator prior to the evaluation.

You must compose your own original sermon. Cutting and pasting from the internet is unacceptable and counts as plagiarism. Tasks will be returned unmarked if this is a problem.

OR

Assignment 3c: Magazine Article (for those NOT training to be Lay Preachers) You are required to complete a 1200 word article for either Insights or Ruminations magazine on a topic that was raised during the Course. It could be based around the exegesis in Assignment 2.

You should include an interesting headline and at least one appropriate graphic or image.

You should be clear about who your audience is, and what your aim is, ie do you want to encourage other people to take the course? Do you want to discuss an issue as it relates to your audience? Do you want to share a good news story with your audience?

A suggested outline: 1. Introduction that ‘hooks’ the reader2. Introduction to your main point3. Quotes and analysis from one ‘expert’4. Quotes and analysis that present another viewpoint5. Your evaluation of the issue6. Finish with a ‘call to action’ appropriate to your audience

Please note: If you wish to be accredited as a Lay Preacher, you must do 3a and 3B. The magazine article is not an option for you.


Worksheets for Formative Tasks

Task A: Initial Reflections Complete before the first session.

RE-READ Introduction To Thinking The Faith Living The Faith pages 11-22; then complete the task below.

In about 330 to 400 words, write a reflection on the above reading and bring it to the first day of the course. The reflection should demonstrate that you have engaged with the text.

What is the main door(s) through which you came to faith?

What do you understand faith to involve?


Which of the sources of theology are the most important to you?

How would you describe your current context? _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Task B: Debate

Each table group will develop a debate around one of the theology topics introduced in class • Mystery of God• Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ• The Community of Faith, The Church• Proclamation, Sacraments and Ministry• Christian Discipleship

Debate topics will be agreed in class. Answer the following questions about the topic of your debate:

1. What is your debate topic?

2. What points will your tutorial group make about this topic?

3. What points will YOU make?

4. How will your team conclude your argument?

______________________________________________________________________________

What are the points that you will

make?________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________


Task C: Analysis of Worship Experience

This requires you to analyse a formal service of worship, from the perspective of a worship leader/preacher.

Therefore, you should attend a worship service, preferably in a Uniting Church, led by an experienced leader, and analyse the theology that is evident, making reference to the topics that have been covered so far in the unit.

You should make sure that you have the permission of the leaders of the service before you attempt to complete this activity, and show them this task description before the service. A sample permission statement is included below. You should show them this task description, and gather information about the service before the day, so that you can focus your attention on the Exploring Theology themes.

Gather information about the service before the day, so that you can focus your attention on the Exploring Theology themes during the service itself.

Use the table on the next page to complete your analysis.

This should not be a service that you are leading.

Permission Statement

I have read the assignment criteria for this task, and give permission for _________________

_____________________________________ to complete an analysis of the worship service at

________________________ on ________________ beginning at ______________________

(Church) (Date) (Time)

Signed: ______________________________


Table for Analysis of Worship Experience

Place:

Date and time, including ending time

Date:

From: To:

Describe the particular features of the congregation, such as age range, ethnic and language make-up, and social factors like rural/CBD/suburban

Age range:

Ethnic or Language make-up:

Social factors:

What was the theme chosen for the service? How was it communicated and reinforced during the service?

Theme:

How introduced:

Also referenced in: (eg sermon, songs, prayers)

What scriptures were read and referred to during the service? What sections of the service were they incorporated into?

Scriptures:

Also referenced in: (e.g., sermon, songs, prayers)

What are at least two traditions of the Church, either local or wider, that are present in the service? What theological traditions are evident in the service?

Traditions: 1.

2.

Where evident in service? 1.

2.

How are the community brought into the service? Think about different ages, different ethnicities, different needs present in the church and the wider community.

Community engaged by:

How did the chosen music support the theme for the day? Be specific with hymns/lyrics

Music/Hymn/Song:

Related to theme how:


What was the message of the sermon? Could you identify sources such as Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason demonstrated in the sermon? How did they weave together to help the preacher get their message across?

Message of the sermon/message:

Appeal to: REASON, SCRIPTURE, EXPERIENCE, TRADITION

What was the starting point of the sermon? What was the ending point of the sermon? How long did the sermon go for?

Start of sermon:

Ending of sermon:

Length:

Was there anything else about the service that resonated with what was spoken about during the Exploring Theology course?

What else?

How did this service make you feel?

Personal response to service:


Worksheets for Summative Assignments

Assignment 1: Lead a Devotion as Part of a Group

Organise, prepare and lead a 15 minute Devotion that would be suitable for a group gathering in an ‘emerging church’, integrating the principles of multi-sensory and intergenerational worship. You will be required to work with one or two others on this assessment task.

You will be expected to follow the guidelines on using Inclusive Language in this assessment task, and are encouraged to use a range of imagery/words for God.

Some resources and materials will be available; however, students are encouraged to bring their own resources for the task.

Please read the introduction to Multi-sensory Church by Sue Wallace in your Workbook.

The Devotional time does not have a set format, but your group should engage with one of the following:

spirituality grace truth faith

struggle witness peace social justice

wholeness consumerism debt harmony

forgiveness strength courage conflict

glory generosity unity covenant

inclusivity mission Sabbath hope

If your group would prefer to use another theme, please consult the

course facilitator first.


My planning group: Me +___________________________ + __________________________

Our devotion will be around the theme of: ________________________________________

An outline of our devotion:

Beginning:

Middle:

End:

How many other people participated in the devotion? ____________________


Sample Planning Sheet for Multisensory & Intergenerational Worship Service

Date: Key theme Scripture Passage Worship Leaders:

(omit any sections that are not relevant to your planning)

What happens: Everyone will…

How will we do it?

Who is responsible?

What do we need?

Welcome and Gathering

Opening Prayer

Sing: (a song that sets the mood and theme for worship) Prayer for forgiveness and assurance Sing: (celebrating God’s goodness) Bible Reading

Reflection/Message/Sermon

Craft – something to make and take home Song: (praising God)

Offering

Praying for others

Sing: Praising God as we go

Blessing


Assignment 2: Prepare an Exegesis in preparation for your sermon

Between the two weekends, or sessions 10 and 11, there will be time to complete the

preparation for the sermon. This includes the exegesis of the passage(s) you choose for your

sermon. You will need to ask your minister, or someone skilled in presenting sermons, to

evaluate the delivery of your sermon. This person needs to be approved by the course director

before you deliver the sermon. The sermon delivery and evaluation should be completed within

four weeks of the completion of the course. If this is not possible, please contact the course

director.

Step 1: Identify your theme and context

Choose the theme and passage or passages that you will use in your sermon.

God/Trinity Holy Spirit Creation Christian discipleship

Psalm 8 Acts 2: 1-21 Jeremiah 17: 5 – 10 John 15:1-17

John 3:1–17 Psalm 104:24-34 John 1:1-18 Matthew 5:13-16

Exodus 6:1–8 Romans 8: 14-17 Colossians 1:15-20 1 John 2:1-29

John 14:1–14 John 14:15-31 Romans 12

Exodus 3:1–15 Hebrews 10:15-18 Luke 5:1-11

Answer the following questions

1a) Write down the topic and Scripture reading or readings you have chosen for your sermon. Be

clear about which specific readings you have chosen.

Topic:

Reading(s)

Which version of the Bible will you use for your sermon?


1b) What is the context of your sermon. To whom will it be preached?

Consider the age, geographical and cultural background as well as the setting for the

service. i.e., is it a camp, traditional, seeker service or other type.

1c) What resources did you use and why did you choose them?

For example: commentaries, concordances, internet sites, illustrations etc.


Step 2: Asking Questions

2a) Read the passage twice through (at least once out loud).

• Then read it again from 2-3 different translations.

i. Can you see any noticeable patterns or differences?

2b) What themes begin to emerge in your chosen Scripture readings?


2c) Locate your text both within the immediate context of the book and the book as a

whole. You might need to read several chapters around your text to identify what comes

before and what follows after it.

i. How does your passage relate to the rest of the book?

ii. Why might have influenced the writer to place your passage here?

2d) What genre is this text? What type of literature is it – poetry, narrative, parable…?

i. How does this genre help the author express his/her message?


ii. What is the historical context? (Historical Criticism)

iii. Is it clear when the passage was written? What was happening historically at the

time? In the case of a narrative passage, what do you think really happened? To

what degree can we evaluate this?

2e) What is the social context? (Social Analysis)

i. Whom is the writer addressing?


ii. What is the social, political and cultural context to which the passage is

addressed?

iii. Does the passage suggest anything about the kind of people that might have

been present in the author's community?

2f) How might this passage have addressed concerns that were significant to the people of

that community?


2g) Who are the main characters and what are their roles?

2h) What is the progression of thought in the passage?

2i) How does the literary form (the way it is written and the style) help to express the writer's meaning?


Step 3: Drawing Conclusions:

3a) Write out the text in your own words (paraphrase).

3b) What is the author really trying to say? Try and summarise in a single sentence

what the main point of the passage is.


3c) What theological issues does the passage raise? E.g., what does this passage say

about God, about us, about faith, about community and/or about how we are to

live?

3d) What relationship do the themes and theological teachings of the passage have

with our 21st century context or with your preaching/worshipping context?


3e) What does the passage say to you in your own faith journey? In what ways does it

inspire, encourage or challenge you?

AND how might it inspire, encourage or challenge your listeners?


3f) How might someone preach on this passage? Although you will be writing a

thematic sermon, could this passage also be used for a sermon with a narrative/story

based style, exegetical or verse by verse style, as a basis for role playing or telling the

story in the 1st person or as a character/bystander…?

Step 4: Pulling it all together:

4a) What main points or events would you want to highlight?


4b) What difference might this passage make for followers of Jesus Christ today?

4c) What questions, or food for thought might you leave with people?


Assignment 3. Prepare a Thematic Sermon

Once you have completed your exegesis of the Biblical text or texts that you will use in your

sermon, you can then plan and write the notes for your sermon.

If you are preaching as part of a service of worship, you should consult with the person who will

be evaluating your sermon before you present it.

A transcript of your sermon should then be submitted, together with the evaluation in your

assessment task book. The person who assesses your sermon needs to be approved by Course

Facilitator prior to the evaluation. An email or phone call to the course director will be sufficient.

You must compose your own original sermon. Cutting and pasting from the internet is

unacceptable and counts as plagiarism. Tasks will be returned unmarked if this is a problem.

1. How will you structure what you will say? What will be your beginning, your middle andyour ending?How long will you spend on each section? Remember, it should be 10 minutes long atmost.

Beginning

……… minutes Middle

……… minutes Ending

……… minutes


4. Include a transcript of your thematic sermon. Either copy it here, or include a separate copy

with this book. You can use the notes from which you speak on the day as your transcript.


Evaluation of Thematic Sermon Delivery Once you have completed the planning of your narrative sermon, you should practise saying it

before you are called on to do so in front of a group. Remember that it should be between 10

and 20 minutes long.

When you present your sermon, your assessor will use this page, or a photo copy of it to assess

your presentation. You should fill in the first section, identifying your intended audience.

Intended audience: Time:

Engages the audience with effective: a. eye contactb. voice projection and modulationc. speed and pacingd. animation

Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Thematic style is used effectively. Interacts appropriately for the audience identified. Uses very few or no notes.

Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No

Communicates clearly, inviting response from the audience Yes / No

Uses appropriate gesture and movement Yes / No

Relevant application from Scripture to audience Yes / No

Feedback:

Assessed by: Title and Name: ............................................ Signature: ............................................... Date:


Assignment 4c: Magazine Article

(for those NOT training to be Lay Preachers)

You are required to complete a 1200 word article for either Insights or Ruminations magazine on

a topic that was raised during the Unit. You should include an interesting headline and at least

one appropriate graphic or image.

You are required to complete a 1,200 word article for either Insights or Ruminations magazine on

a topic that was raised during the Course. You should include an interesting headline and at least

one appropriate graphic or image.

You should be clear about who your audience is, and what your aim is, i.e. do you want to

encourage other people to take the course? Do you want to discuss an issue as it relates to your

audience? Do you want to share a good news story with your audience?

A suggested outline:

1. Introduction that ‘hooks’ the reader

2. Introduction to your main point

3. Quotes and analysis from one ‘expert’

4. Quotes and analysis that present another viewpoint

5. Your evaluation of the issue

6. Finish with a ‘call to action’ appropriate to your audience

You may copy your article into the following pages, or include a print out of it with this book.


This page has been deliberately left blank.

UME Contact Information

This material has been developed by Uniting Mission and Education (UME).

If you have any questions regarding its use, or are interested in attending this

Exploring Theology course, or one of the Living our Faith series, please contact:

Rev. Bronwyn Murphy

Lay Ministry, Discipleship and Education Consultant

Uniting Mission and Education

Postal Address: 16 Masons Drive

NORTH PARRAMATTA NSW 2151

Telephone: 02 8838 8920

E-mail: [email protected]

Assessment Tasks Upon completion, assessment tasks related to the study of this course can be either mailed to

the address above, or submitted electronically to the following e-mail address:

[email protected]

Other Resources UME is always willing to partner with Presbyteries in running events tailored for each context. If

you are interested in the other resources UME offers, contact us, or visit out our website:

www.ume.nswact.uca.org.au

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Exploring%20Theology%20Enquiry

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Exploring%20Theology%20Assignment%20Submission

http://ume.nswact.uca.org.au/

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