Cedarville Magazine, Spring/Summer 2016

40 | Cedarville Magazine C r a s h Course e A test drive of the classroom experience (without the final exam) PROGRAM TITLE Text-Driven Preaching 1 COURSE COORDINATOR Jeremy Kimble Assistant Professor of Theology DESCRIPTION Text-Driven Preaching 1 introduces students to the process of preparing and delivering sermons that are shaped by Scripture’s textual meaning. The course emphasizes moving from textual interpretation to skilled delivery to a contemporary audience. BIG IDEA • Students learn to understand what was happening with the original audience of a biblical text, determine the author’s intended meaning when interpreting that text, and then communicate the scriptural passage effectively. • Students learn to discern how the whole counsel of God can meet the spiritual needs of a congregation. This demonstrates a belief in the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture and calls for a preaching ministry that is shaped by an attentive pastoral ministry. • Students plan a complete sermon series for two different books of the Bible (Galatians and Judges), and they also learn the process of crafting textual sermons. • Students gain real-life experience by preaching in class in front of their peers and instructor, with the added benefit of receiving helpful feedback. • Students ultimately learn to preach the Bible with greater accuracy, clarity, and passion. LEARN MORE: cedarville.edu/bible “This course prepared me to teach and preach in many different settings. As I prepare for full-time pastoral ministry, this class was critical for being able to effectively communicate from the pulpit. This was not only my favorite class at Cedarville, but one whose principles I will use for the rest of my life.” Bryson Jackson ’18, Biblical Studies “Text-Driven Preaching has been a phenomenal class that has not only prepared me to preach, but has challenged me in my personal life as well. It has given me the tools and the vision to lead God’s people.” Justin Elafros ’16, Biblical Studies Largest Graduating Class in Cedarville’s History Members from the largest graduating class in Cedarville University history received their degrees at the 120th commencement on May 7. The class of 2016 was comprised of 761 students, representing both undergraduate and graduate programs. The ceremony was held in the Doden Field House. The historic class also included the inaugural graduates from the School of Pharmacy’s professional pharmacy program. The 48 pharmacy students received the first doctoral degrees (Pharm.D.) fromCedarville University after they successfully completed the rigorous seven-year program. In all, Cedarville awarded 89 graduate degrees. As part of the ceremony, Rev. James D. Parker, Sr., ’64, the first African-American student to enroll at Cedarville University, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. Parker came to Cedarville in 1954 and persevered through cultural and personal struggles. A personal tragedy in 1955 disrupted Parker’s education, but he returned to Cedarville and graduated in 1964 with a degree in history. He used his education and love of the Bible to begin a pastoral ministry that lasted more than five decades at churches in Ohio, New York, and Washington, D.C. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around all that God has done for me,” Parker said. “I’m elated to be able to return for commencement to receive my honorary doctorate, and I’m extremely thankful to Dr. White and the Board of Trustees for selecting me. It’s very humbling.” To view Parker’s January 18, 2016, chapel message at Cedarville, visit cedarville.edu/parker . The University also honored several students for their accomplishments. Two students — Michael Kuhn ’16 from Ona, West Virginia, and Kaleigh Rowlands ’16 from Fillmore, California — received the President’s Trophy, the highest honor for a graduating senior, recognizing leadership, ministr y, community and campus involvement, athletic performance, and academic achievement. The following 2016 graduates received the Faculty Scholarship Award for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average: David Anson, biology, Swansea, Illinois; Jonathan Thomas White, President, and Loren Reno ’70, Vice President for Academics, presented James D. Parker, Sr., ’64 with an honorary Doctor of Divinity. Thomas White presented the President’s Trophy to Kaleigh Rowlands ’16 and Michael Kuhn ’16. Historic Commencement Celebrated Campus News