Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will host three lectures in the series “Preaching as a Sacred Conversation: How to Give Sermons and How to Listen to Them,” Wed., Jan. 7, 14, and 21 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes, Robert Meneilly Professor of Leadership and Ministry at PTS and pastor of Shadyside Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, will lead the study.
With Internet technology at the Seminary, participants at three locations will receive live feed of the broadcast from PTS. Satellite locations include Vance Presbyterian Church, Wheeling, W.Va.; First Presbyterian Church, Bakerstown, Pa.; and Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, Fort Myers, Fla.
Just as it is hard work writing sermons, so it is hard work to listen to them well. These classes will be focused on both sides of the sacred conversation that occurs in preaching. Presentations will be made not only by a preacher, but also by veteran pew sitters who have become skilled at hearing the Word.
Session topics include “Conversational Preaching”, “Constructing the Conversational Sermon”, and “Listening for God’s Word.”
Registration fee is $45 on campus and $30 off campus. Continuing Education units are available and certificates upon request. Congregation members of the hosting churches should register at the church. All others should register with the Office of Continuing Education at PTS by calling 412-924-1345 or e-mailing . Series Brochure.
Barnes came to the Seminary in 2002. In addition to this teaching ministry at PTS, he currently serves as senior pastor at Shadyside Presbyterian Church. Previously, he served as the senior pastor of the National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC. Barnes earned his doctorate from the University of Chicago. He is the author of several popular books, including most recently Searching for Home: Spirituality for Restless Souls (Brazos Press, 2006), Sacred Thirst: Finding God in the Desert of our Longings (Zondervan 2001) and Hustling God: Why We Work So Hard for What God Wants to Give (Zondervan 1999). A well-known Presbyterian, he is also the author of numerous published articles and is a popular speaker at Seminary and church events.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a graduate professional institution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Founded in 1794, the Seminary is located in Pittsburgh, Pa. and approximately 380 students are enrolled yearly in the degree programs. The Seminary prepares leaders who proclaim with great joy God’s message of good news in both word and deed. PTS is rooted in the Reformed history of faithfulness to Scripture and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
###