What is Homiletics? Meaning and Applications

George Alvarez 02-10-2023
George Alvarez

It is likely that you have heard a speech that, so well constructed and delivered, caused admiration and commotion. In case you didn't know, there is a science dedicated to the making of sermons, especially those made among Christians. We will explain to you what it means homiletics and how it can be used to communicate with someone.

What is homiletics?

The meaning of homiletics concerns the preparation and communication of sermons made for preaching In other words, this science is in charge of instructing someone in the organization of his thoughts in order to communicate a sermon. It is worth saying that the preacher's speech in question is based on the concept of morality within Christianity.

Through a lecture, anyone has the environment they need to develop their homiletical elocution. What beginners need to keep in mind is that homiletics is based on preaching and the practices of religious worship, so having this knowledge helps strengthen the preacher's sermon, improving the message to be sent to his listeners.

Goal

According to some scholars in the field, the homiletic script aims to show God's word in a more attractive way. If the presented topics are shown effectively, the listeners can understand how to apply the acquired knowledge Something similar happens, for example, at school when the teacher is teaching the students the content to be learned.

It is worth pointing out that the Christian message, when it is constructed, has the goal of promoting conversion among people. In addition, knowledge helps to foster the fellowship of individuals, giving motivation to those who wish to live a Christian life. In this way, those who seek to know and acquire this kind of knowledge have a better chance of being convinced and, who knows, becoming a preacher.

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Features

The preaching done by means of homiletics carries a pattern characteristic of biblical sermons. Although the content of the message said by the preacher may change, the essence of that conversation remains untouched. You have probably heard a sermon and could notice the following sequence:

  • Herald

A person speaks on behalf of God, being a herald of his message. For example, John the Baptist is considered a herald of God.

  • Proclamation

In a way, the proclamation of a herald is already determined in advance. In short, the preacher will spread the word and the will of God through his living.

  • Destination

The message issued by the biblical herald makes an announcement about the divine kingdom and how it is possible to reach it.

  • Receiver

Finally, the message created in the sermon is meant for all people, the whole world being the receiver of it.

Beyond Speech

When one delves into homiletics, it is possible to realize that preaching is not only speaking, but also being a divine spokesman. Besides the words, the message that is propagated in the sermon needs to have a clear essence and objective as to the recipient. In other words, the words that the preacher speaks must cause some commotion in the person in order to be remembered .

In addition, the preacher's life must be consistent with what he says to his audience. In this way, the individual needs to convey credibility, for his actions are clearer than the words he says. Therefore, living what you preach to people makes your speech respectable and trustworthy .

In fact, homiletic discourse makes the preacher a witness and sets him as an example for others. In view of this, this person needs to offer the truth in his actions and words. In this way, the sermon will not be seen as an act of hypocrisy and people will be able to believe his words.

The Vocation

Many people believe that a divine calling is necessary to be successful in preaching and sermonizing. However, homiletics involves an in-depth study of how you can make your speech.So, you can learn to construct a cohesive line of thought and convey that wisdom in words with perfection .

Certainly a person with a natural affinity for giving speeches will do better and do it faster. However, even if you want to learn from scratch, having no knowledge at all on the subject, it is possible to understand how the homiletic speech is made.sermon.

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Homiletics, hermeneutics and exegesis: what is the difference?

It is quite common for a preacher-in-training to encounter the words homiletics, hermeneutics, and exegesis together. Although they talk about important aspects of learning and communication, each one has a distinct meaning. See each one below:

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  • Homiletics

As you have read so far, homiletics is about the construction of preaching, that is, about how a person can become an effective preacher. In this context, the individual does not just pass on an idea, but makes that thought change one's perspective on the world .

  • Hermeneutics

In short, the hermeneutics is about the interpretation of a message by a person In this case, besides understanding the meaning of the words, the reader finds the essence of the creator in those words, feeling emotions similar to his or her own.

  • Exegesis

Finally, the exegesis is the careful work one has to do in interpreting a biblical text Thus, besides understanding the history of those words, the person finds a cohesive meaning in the text and understands how that text serves them. With this feeling, the reader can find intense, reflective and constructive personal meanings that contribute to their development.

Donation brings rewards

As stated earlier, homiletics is a science aimed at helping people develop their speeches. This requires the preacher to give himself to the sermon in a genuine way for the sake of learning and inner transformation of his listeners. It's about understanding how this wisdom can impact your life and the lives of the people you want to reach.

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In order to perfect your practice, you need to dedicate yourself to prayer, fellowship, Bible studies, and more You may find it hard to adapt at first, but these small steps will lead you to conquer changes in your life. Besides improving your speech, you yourself will be better prepared to help transform the world around you.

Concluding remarks on homiletics

Homiletics is often an extremely effective tool for improving one's speech Remember that words alone are not enough, but the intention, the form and the essence of them matter a lot to the listeners. So if you don't construct your sermon properly, you probably won't achieve the results you expect with it.

Furthermore, absorbing the knowledge of a biblical text in a profound way allows you to adapt its messages to the current moment. The truth is that the way of communicating with the world is constantly changing, and a great preacher understands how to use this in favor of the gospel.

Another way to elevate the power of your speech beyond homiletics is to enroll in our online Psychoanalysis course Our course prepares you to understand your own and others' needs, teaching you how to tap into your potential. Not only will you develop self-knowledge, but you will also be empowered to emit your voice and make a difference in the world.

George Alvarez

George Alvarez is a renowned psychoanalyst who has been practicing for over 20 years and is highly regarded in the field. He is a sought-after speaker and has conducted numerous workshops and training programs on psychoanalysis for professionals in the mental health industry. George is also an accomplished writer and has authored several books on psychoanalysis that have received critical acclaim. George Alvarez is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others and has created a popular blog on Online Training Course in Psychoanalysis that is widely followed by mental health professionals and students around the world. His blog provides a comprehensive training course that covers all aspects of psychoanalysis, from theory to practical applications. George is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his clients and students.