Principles of Communication

This course teaches the theology of communication, methods for effective speaking, and methods for preparing and presenting biblical sermons.

If studying as a group, you may take turns reading the material. You should stop periodically for class discussion. As the class leader, you are responsible to keep discussion from wandering from the material being studied. It is helpful to have a time limit for each discussion period.

Discussion questions and in-class activities are indicated by this symbol ►. Whenever you come to one of these, ask the question(s) that follows it, and let students discuss the answer. Try to make sure that all students in the class are involved in the discussion. If necessary, you can call on students by name.

Much scripture is used in this course. Some scripture is printed in the text. Scriptures referenced in parenthesis support the statements in the text. It is not necessary to read these verses.

Each lesson ends with assignments. Assignments should be completed and reported before the next lesson time.

At the end of some lessons, each member of the class will prepare a sermon or Bible lesson to present to the rest of the class. In the case of presentations, give time at the beginning of the next class meeting for the presentations. Use the assessment form at the back of this book to evaluate these sermons and to help the students improve their speaking ability. (We recommend that you make copies of this assessment form for use in class.)

Most lessons will include test questions. At the end of each class, the leader may review these questions with the students. The following class session should begin with a test over these questions. Tests should be taken without referring to the course book, written notes, Bible, or classmates. A test answer key is available for download at www.shepherdsglobal.org.

Depending on the style of your class, you may choose to do only the assignments and omit the test questions. You can adapt this part of the course to the learning style of your students.

If students want to earn a certificate from Shepherds Global Classroom, they should attend the class sessions and complete the assignments. A form is provided at the end of the course for recording the assignments completed.