Third Session, April 13
Willimon (Entire book)
Schnase, Chapter 2, pp.33-58 (Chapter can be emailed to you upon
request.)
Stookey, pp. 88-149
Scripture Resources (See
weblog)
There will be an in-class quiz on the material in Willimon
and Schnase.
Assignment is due at the third session
1. Sermon-like essay on Baptism: Write a sermon that addresses both the question of why it
is important to be baptized, as well as whether or not baptism is necessary for
salvation. What is the promise of baptism and what are its limits? What kind
of emphasis/priority should your United Methodist congregation make of this
sacred moment both in worship and in its congregational life? (You may use a variety of scriptures
but do your best to focus on one particular scripture that can help set up your
sermon as well as inspire your people.)
2. Sermon-like outline: Write out
an outline for a sermon that would try to tackle these three questions on sacraments that people often have. Be sure
to include quotations, scripture verses, illustrations, etc. For this
particular assignment I am more interested in how you would actually approach
this sermon in your local church than I am with proving that you’ve read the
material. Using your experience as a pastor, theologian, and practical leader,
what would you do with a sermon entitled something like: Worship Questions
Answered, i.e. Ask Dr. Paul/ Dr. Jesus/ Dr. Tim, etc.
a) Why can’t I (or
my kids) get re-baptized? If they can’t—should I wait until my kids are
spiritually mature enough to make the decision for themselves?
b) What happens
if I don’t feel worthy? Should I stay back from communion?
c) How come I
don’t feel anything particularly spiritual during communion, baptism,
confirmation, worship, etc.?
3. Self exploration #3 Review the last three pastoral prayers you’ve done in
worship and hold them up to the standard Stookey sets in his book. Where have
you hit the mark and where did you miss the boat? This is designed to identify your strengths and help you better lead
worship. This will not be a
part of determining your grade in the class.
4. Scripture resources—if time allows, read and pray through.
Extra Credit
If
Bishop Schnase were evaluating your weekly worship, based on the standard
he sets forth for Passionate Worship, how would your congregation come
out? Are there any obvious prescriptions he would make? Briefly note how your current worship
services would both meet and fall short of Schnase’s standard and at least one
prescription he might offer your worship leadership team to improve what you
now have.
Written prayers vs. extemporaneous prayers
(debate in class)
You may offer a video of you doing a
remember your baptism service or adding that element into regular worship
experience for extra credit.
Our class will be assisting in leading the graduation ceremonies
in Holy Communion so please do not make plans to leave early on April 13.
Scripture Resources for Study & Prayer
Baptism Scriptures
Mark 1:9-10; Mark 10:14b
Luke 3:21-22
John 3:3-5;
Acts 2:38-39, 41; 19:1-7; 22:16
Acts 16:15, 33; 18:8;
Romans 6:3-5;
1 Corinthians 1:14-17;
1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13;
1 Corinthians 15:29
Galatians 3:27-28
Colossians 2:12
Titus 3:5
Hebrews 10:22;
1 Peter 3:21
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