Preaching
The importance of preaching
Training in preaching receives an important place in Trinity's programme. We look carefully at different approaches to biblical interpretation and exposition and the art of preaching, and communication. Then, for one year of training, each college-based student has the opportunity of being involved in a weekly preaching team.These take up six Sundays in the first term and six in the second term.
The preaching team will go to different churches, either to preach or to listen to one of the team preaching. Church members will be invited to give feedback afterwards, and the team will meet on Monday for their own feedback and comments.
Those training in context will usually gain their preaching experience and training within the context churches.
Being part of a team
Learning to preach on the job by visiting all sorts of churches with a team of fellow students and a tutor has a lot to commend it. The support of the team is invaluable, the exposure to such a range of churches is eye-opening, and the process of preparing with the help of a tutor and debriefing all together provides a valuable experience of working together in ministry. Skills are improved and confidence gained in a very supportive context. Students get to know what it feels like to enter a church as a complete stranger. Preaching teams give encouragement to each other and they also give honest, friendly feedback.