Basic components of a training program on biblical preaching for young Seventh-day Adventist pastors of Korean Union Conference

Abstract

Seventh-day Adventist churches in South Korea are demanding better quality of biblical preaching in their pulpits. The demand is far greater than the current ministerial workforce can supply. This crisis comes about because there seems to be a lack of a consistent Homiletical Training Program (HTP) for young pastors in the Korean Union Conference (KUC). This study aims to provide a systematic and regular HTP for nonordained pastors in KUC. Particularly, the study identifies the basic components and a training model for the nonordained (unordained) ministers on biblical preaching. Examination of this study was based on documentary research and field research methods which involved the interviews with church administrators and survey questionnaires with 138 nonordained pastors. This study uncovered three basic areas that the HTP addressed. These were (1) spiritual training, (2) skill training (homiletic), and (3) evangelistic preaching training. This study also designed a training model, which integrated classroom teaching (trainer’s role) and field mentoring (field supervisor’s role). It was envisioned that a 3-way partnership of trainers, field supervisors, and trainees be developed. The study culminates with a curriculum designed for the classroom teaching components utilizing the suggested training strategies: (1) 6 lectures on spiritual training, (2) 7 lectures on preaching skills training, and (3) 5 lectures on evangelistic preaching training. Other useful tools such as the sheet of preaching evaluation, the trainee’s learning covenant, and the field supervisor’s learning covenant are listed in the appendixes. As a result, this HTP will help to increase the effectiveness of young pastors’ preaching ministry in KUC.