Course Description
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Church and Christian faith practices are in the midst of critical sea-change made all the more intense and unsettling by the Covid 19 pandemic. Navigating this contemporary cultural change presents opportunities and challenges for effective Christian discipleship, to re-imagine and experiment in both ancient and new vessels. This course will use biblical and theological perspectives combined with insights from history and the social sciences to provide portals through which to understand and engage with an increasingly disruptive environment. It will include exploring a range of creative expressions of Christian life for both individuals and communities this Advent, and equip people for spiritual renewal in diverse local contexts.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Preaching in Church Contexts
Online Practical Theology Short Courses
with Trinity College Glasgow & Theology & Religious Studies, University of Glasgow
Course Description
This creative, practical and stimulating course will help you to develop as a preacher through reflection on why and how we preach. We will explore the relationships between the form of biblical texts and the sermons we preach on them, as well as reflecting on delivery, style and method. A key feature of the course is the opportunity to learn from tutor and peer feedback on sermons preached in class. This course is accessible for those who have completed a level 1 course, or have already undertaken other forms of further education.
This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit.
Tutor
Rev Dr Stuart Blythe Since August 2024, Stuart has been the pastor at Auldhouse Community Church in the South Side of Glasgow. He studied Modern and Medieval History at Glasgow University before studying theology at the Scottish Baptist College, the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Rüschlikon, Switzerland, and Spurgeon's College in London. He then completed his PhD at New College in Edinburgh and later obtained a Master of Education in Advanced Educational Practice at the University of the West of Scotland. Stuart pastored two Baptist churches in Scotland before entering the world of full-time theological education. His most recent academic role was as the John Gladstone Professor in Preaching and Worship at Acadia Divinity College in Nova Scotia, Canada (2017-2024). Stuart's research interests are rhetoric, public speaking, and their intersection with preaching. He enjoys walking with his Canadian rescue dog, Sitka, reading Scottish detective novels, and playing the bagpipes.
Timetable and duration
24th September to 3rd December, 2025
This course will take place on Wednesdays, 4-6pm. This course will be taught over 10 weeks (including a one-week break) via in-person meetings & instruction and after class activities.
Introduction to the course
This course offers students an introduction to the processes involved in constructing, writing and delivering sermons in Christian contexts
This course will aim to:
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introduce students to contemporary understandings of the construction, presentation and reception of preaching in Christian contexts.
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support the development of researching, writing, and presentation skills through active practice.
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provide detailed feedback on the student’s practice as a preacher of sermons.
By the end of this course students will be able to:
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Recognise key principles in the contemporary construction, presentation and reception of preaching, and apply this in relation to their own practice.
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Employ a variety of web-based supports for researching and constructing sermons.
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Write and deliver a sermon for appraisal in a supportively critical environment.
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Evaluate feedback on their sermon from an experienced practitioner and supportive student colleagues
Delivery and assessment
This course will take place in person. Each learning module will be taught through a range of presentations, discussion, exercises, viewing and reading. Each week participants will be introduced to a range of materials, including video, articles, and resources. Learning materials and interaction will be accessible using the learning platform, Moodle. Access to these tools will be supported by the course administration.
Learners may choose to undertake assessments, and thus qualify for 10 credit points towards a Higher Education certificate or Glasgow University approved theology programme or may engage with the learning programme for their own personal benefit without the final assessments.
If you take the course for credit, the formal assessment for this course consists of the following:
An essay on preaching methods of 1000 words (40%)
A portfolio: A critical self-evaluation of your class delivered sermon (15 minute max) 1000 words exclusive of sermon text, evaluation form and annotated resources list (60%)
Support, guidance and feedback will be available to those completing assessment.
Cost
£207*
*Priority area subsidy available for this course. Contact TrinityCollegeGlasgow@gmail.com for further information.
Sponsorship or subsidies may be available through your own church or denomination and we encourage you to approach them with the details of the course.
How to Apply
Notify your interest now via email: TrinityCollegeGlasgow@gmail.com.
Applications close on Friday the 5th of September 2025.
If you are applying to access a short course online from the UK or internationally, please ensure you have communicated with trinitycollegeglasgow@gmail.com outlining briefly your interest in the course and any experience relevant to the course you are applying for, including any former higher or further education. This will help us to ensure you are able to achieve your goals and enjoy the short course experience.
These courses are delivered through the University of Glasgow. We will contact you with more information and guidance regarding applying, completing your details and payment in time for the course start date. If you have any questions regarding the process, you can contact us on the above email address.
If you have any difficulties with this process – please contact Kirsty Pattison (office administrator) at: