Preaching and pastoral care: preaching on difficult topics in sacred space

Michael J Leite

Etd

Preaching and pastoral care: preaching on difficult topics in sacred space

Public Deposited

MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Michael J Leite. Preaching and Pastoral Care: Preaching On Difficult Topics In Sacred Space. Chicago Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/341509c9-3af4-4fcf-a998-5365f144fee7.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

M. J. Leite. Preaching and pastoral care: preaching on difficult topics in sacred space. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/341509c9-3af4-4fcf-a998-5365f144fee7

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Michael J Leite. Preaching and Pastoral Care: Preaching On Difficult Topics In Sacred Space. Chicago Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/341509c9-3af4-4fcf-a998-5365f144fee7.

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

Creator

Michael J Leite

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Abstract

This thesis project examines a parallel between pastoral care and preaching at the same time it examines my preaching skills and how they changed during this project. The question is 'can I create (an environment) in preaching similar to what I create in a pastoral care event?' Can I create what might traditionally be understood as sanctuary for sermon listeners so they can hear with greater clarity difficult topics? With this in mind, I have created a preaching model that uses a line graph to illustrate how I create such a space in the preaching event. The graph follows the contours of common etiquette in conversation. Can a sermon successfully follow that model of conversation similar to a line graph that looks like the contour of a bowl to create this sacred environment? If the sermon starts out in conversational style at first (the edge of the bowl), then dives into the depths of difficult topics (into the basin of the bowl), then returns to lighter conversational style (out to the outer rim of the bowl) will this create an environment that is safe enough for sermon listeners to hear the topic with greater clarity? This project also explores language, emotion, and the exercises of embracing the congregation with the love of God, which is understood from a process theological understanding of God as energy. Can this energy/love of God be controlled while using yoga and or Christian prayer as a modality that can affect the congregation and their sense of safety? This project is explored in a church environment where the congregation was in the process of voting to become open and affirming to gays and lesbians.

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