Prophetic Preaching and Praxis
This Focus Group is designed to enable clergy and faith-based leaders to enhance their ministry effectiveness by becoming more intentional in linking proclamation and praxis. We will focus on all aspects of preaching with a particular emphasis on addressing the relationship between hermeneutics and Practical Theology. The group will function with the understanding that “Praxis” is central to the proclamation and its manifestation of God’s justice in the local church context and the community at large. It is a metaphor for the church’s engagement in the world beyond its walls, the civic society where decisions affecting our common lives are made through government, culture, business, entertainment, etc.
Students will develop projects that demonstrate congruency between proclamation and action/practice in their contexts. The projects will also be informed by prophetic preachers and models from the past and contemporaries (i.e. Harry Hoosier, Samuel DeWitt Proctor, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King, Jr., Gardner Taylor, Leonard Sweet).
This group will share a common bibliography, engage the principles of hermeneutical interpretation, systemic and institutional analysis and covenant with one another for mutual learning and support. Each student will identify a particular point of convergence where he/she will engage research and project development.
Learn more about United’s Doctor of Ministry program
Co-Mentor
Clarke Cummings Scholars: Prophetic and Pastoral Ministry Through the Lens of the New Testament Antioch Church
Co-Mentor
Education
- D.Min., United Theological Seminary (1993)
- M.Div., Memphis Theological Seminary (1984)
- M.A, (Religious Education), Interdenominational Theological Center (1980)
Professional
Dr. Cummings serves as an Adjunct Instructor at Payne Theological Seminary and President of Kenneth Cummings Ministries where he serves as church consultant in the areas of Christian education, evangelism and preaching. He taught the course “The Black Church in America” at the University of Cincinnati and homiletics at Lexington Theological Seminary. Over the last forty years, Dr. Cummings has served churches in Mississippi, Ohio, and Kentucky. He most recently served as district superintendent of the Frankfort District of the Kentucky Conference United Methodist Church for seven years in Frankfort, Kentucky.