Towards Understanding of the Practice of Proclamation: The Core Element of Russian Baptist Worship, Timofey Cheprasov, 2015

es shows many similarities in the objectives and materials used. TCMII describes their course on homiletics*® as ‘a study of the principles of preaching as they relate to rationale, context, content, structure, style, and the delivery of sermons.’ The rationale of the course is to ‘help students better communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ in the context of their culture,’ which is achieved 4 Sharp through his analysis of the nature of the formation of Baptist identity and Christian character argues that in order for theological education to regain its focus and relevance in Baptist life, they need to give up the ideas of primacy of individualistic spiritual formation and rediscover the value of communal discipleship through participation in a life of a Christian community, since this allows the formation of Christian convictions. (“Kto Takiie Baptisty Segodnia?” pp 105-106, 123). 5 For further information on the history, programmes, and student bodies of these institutions see their websites: www.mbs.ru and www.tcmi.org. © In this overview, | am referring to one of the two courses on preaching offered by TCM- International Institute. The second course deals with a more specific subject - ‘The study and practice of doctrinal preaching.’ Whilst this course is classed as ‘Advanced homiletics,’ and is different from their course on general homiletics, its emphasis is not on enhanced understanding or analysis of the practice of preaching, but on its one specific form - doctrinal sermon. (Leonid Mikhovich, “PT 622 Advanced Homiletics,” Unpublished course syllabus (TCM — International Institute, 2014), available through the author. 231 3’ There are several objectives for through the analysis of ‘the principles of preaching. the course. These are, (1) ‘Recognize the absolute necessity of maintaining the character of Christ in order to be heard as God's messenger... (2) Appreciate the role of preaching in Scripture and in the total scope of ministry... (3) Understand and apply the 38 The following topics are covered in biblical/theological material concerning preaching. the progression of studies: the importance of preaching, textual interpretation, structure of sermon, relevance in preaching, how to preach (delivery of sermons), spirituality and intellectual development of preachers, expository preaching, and advanced planning of preaching ministry. The following books are required (all of them are available in the Russian language): James Braga, How to Prepare Bible Messages; John R. W. Stott, / Believe in Preaching; Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages; C. H. Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students; D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Preaching and Preachers; Fred B. Craddock, Preaching; Leonid Mikhovich, Kak razbit’ skaly? [How to Crash the Rock?].*° The course of MTSECB is described as a ‘foundational course on the theory and practice of preaching,’ whi