Key research themes
1. How can sermons function as tools for strategic church leadership and development?
This research theme explores the conditions and methods by which sermons, primarily delivered by ministers, can effectively contribute to leading and facilitating church development processes. It investigates the intersection of homiletics and leadership, particularly within specific church contexts such as the Church of Norway. The theme is significant because it addresses a largely neglected area in homiletical literature: the strategic and spiritual leadership role that preaching can play in guiding congregational growth and transformation.
2. What are the rhetorical characteristics and functions of sermons within African American preaching traditions?
This theme focuses on analyzing the Black sermon as a unique rhetorical artifact. It investigates how rhetoric intertwines with theology, culture, and socio-political realities in African American preaching. The significance lies in addressing the underexplored integration of homiletical and rhetorical theory in understanding sermons beyond their theological content, with implications for enriching preaching praxis and communication studies.
3. How can homiletical approaches integrate classical rhetoric and socio-cultural contexts to enhance preaching effectiveness?
This theme investigates the integration of ancient rhetorical principles, such as Aristotle’s ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos, with contemporary homiletical methods to develop preaching that resonates within changing socio-cultural environments. It addresses challenges in evangelical contexts facing membership declines, illustrating the necessity of adapting preaching strategies to cultural shifts to maintain relevance and effectiveness.