Sermon forms as a dimension of communication in the current worship context in the South Korean Churches

Abstract

The main question this dissertation addresses is which sermon forms are the most befitting for effective and communicative preaching within the context of the Korean church. The background to this question being the fact that most of the Korean sermons are structured according to the traditional method, namely a three-point sermon structure. It seems that no real analysis has been made of the hearers, as well as the different styles of worship being encountered in the Korean church. This leads to the fact that sermons (sermon forms) are structured in such a manner that the hearers are unable to follow either the sermon’s content or the sermon’s movements. This results in the preacher experiencing a lack of communication during his/her preaching/sermons. Before climbing on the pulpit all preachers should pay attention to creative sermon forms and styles, in order to be conducive to effective communication. This study deals with four main focus areas. Firstly, it is necessary to study different sermon forms and also to undertake a comparative analysis of the historical development of sermon forms in the South Korean Churches (SKC) and in US churches. In South Korea the sermon form has a more traditional feature, which is still present up till today in the local SKCs. Secondly, the preacher should be able to construct as well as use two different approaches in order to promote the most effective and communicative sermon: (1) induction, deduction and interduction, (2) analysis of the hearers within their present context. Thirdly, in this thesis five sermon forms have been discussed: (1) topical form, (2) textual sermon form, (3) expository sermon form, (4) narrative sermon form, (5) homily sermon form. Having discussed these forms, the aim was then to find a more useful and suitable sermon form. The choice was eventually made in favour of the multi-sermon form: multi-topical, multi-textual, multi-expository, multi-narrative and multi-homily sermon form. Fourthly, the preacher must be acquainted with the characteristics of the current worship patterns of the hearers attending the service: (1) dawn worship, (2) Wednesday evening worship, (3) Friday evening worship, (4) Sunday morning worship, (5) Sunday evening worship.