Applying Adult Education Principles within Church Sermons: Some Theoretical Implications

Abstract

Theories of learning and adult education have often been connected to the broad arenas of theology and spirituality, but seldom applied within the specific context of a Christian worship service sermon. Traditional sermon practices have developed through a rich theoretical history but they are often structured as a one way, rhetorical speech act. This article is an attempt to provide a human learning lens as a different way of looking at sermon design and delivery. It includes a review of the homiletic literature including an exploration of the empirical research studies on sermon form and impact. Clergy, as adult educators, are encouraged to use principles from adult education such as those found in the constructs of transformative learning and andragogy. Significant theoretical shifts, both for the person delivering sermons and those who hear them, as well as practical implications come out of using this alternative paradigm.