Ethnography and preaching in the local church

James Roger Sandberg

Etd

Ethnography and preaching in the local church

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

James Roger Sandberg. Ethnography and Preaching In the Local Church. North Park Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/007b04d6-5957-4745-8ec1-eeb102f54faa.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

J. R. Sandberg. Ethnography and preaching in the local church. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/007b04d6-5957-4745-8ec1-eeb102f54faa

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

James Roger Sandberg. Ethnography and Preaching In the Local Church. North Park Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/007b04d6-5957-4745-8ec1-eeb102f54faa.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

James Roger Sandberg

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

This is a descriptive study of the preacher as an amateur ethnographer. A 'participant-observer' field method is used through the course of the study. A four-fold analysis (contextual, mechanical, organic, and symbolic) of a congregation's subculture aids the preacher in the work of ethnography. The symbolic analysis is expanded to include seven congregational symbols readily accessible to the preacher. The study utilizes story in reporting the findings that detail the congregation's unique world view, values, and ethos. The study then explores the role of ethnography in sermon preparation and the preaching moment. Members of the congregation participated in a parish project group to prepare and evaluate sermons. Interventions were based on feedback from the project group, a congregational survey, and the effect of preaching on the congregation's vision for future ministries. Findings from the study suggest that ethnography enables the preacher to craft sermons and proclaim the gospel in such a way that it becomes more fitting and transformative for a local congregation.

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