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Interpreting Scripture for Preaching
Enrich your preaching and your study of the scriptures.
About this Course
Interpreting Scripture for Preaching was designed to assist ministry leaders and church volunteers in beginner-level preaching skills and how to interpret the Bible.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
What is Hermeneutics? Is there a right way to read the Bible?
Interpreting Scripture for Preaching caters to non-seminary trained people who are tasked with preaching or who are learning to preach to serve their local church. Specific ways of approaching Scripture can help them faithfully understand and share the Bible in preaching. These approaches fall under a category called “hermeneutics.” This course will help you understand these approaches and how they operate in various contexts and will encourage you to develop your knowledge in ways that will enrich your preaching and your study of the scriptures.
Led by Elisabeth Jones, this course aids learners in understanding how they can faithfully read the Bible in a way that helps them interpret modern life—all while gaining the confidence needed to share these interpretations with others.
Modules
Introduction to Hermeneutics for Preaching
In this module, you will:
- Learn what a biblical hermeneutic is and why it matters.
- Develop your capacity for perspective-taking and reflection.
- Explore a working definition that will be helpful in your setting.
Hermeneutic Postal Codes: Locating in Space and Time
In this module, you will:
- Become aware of the hermeneutic options and the decisions that preachers make.
- Prayerfully examine and adjust your own hermeneutic assumptions.
- Develop an appropriate approach for your preaching location and setting.
Hermeneutics Within Scripture
In this module, you will:
- Examine what the Bible has to say about understanding and interpreting scripture.
- Appreciate the power and the gift of scripture.
- Learn strategies for discerning biblical approaches.
Hermeneutical Intersections
In this module, you will:
- Understand hermeneutics at the intersection of spiritual discernment, intellectual pursuit, and Christian praxis.
- Commit to regular and diligent study of scripture.
- Examine how this hermeneutic intersection occurs in your life and community.
Hermeneutics as Foundation, not Decoration
In this module, you will:
- Understand the need for a strong biblical foundation.
- Commit to the discipline of studying scripture faithfully.
- Consider how this foundation can be appropriately applied in your own preaching.
A Responsive Hermeneutic
In this module, you will:
- Develop a robust, faithful, responsive hermeneutic appropriate for changing times.
- Pray for wisdom and discernment.
- Consider case studies and apply your learning to your own setting.
One-time purchase
$55
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- Modules:
6 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Elisabeth Jones
The Rev. Dr. Elisabeth R. Jones is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the United Church of Canada, serving in British Columbia and Quebec. She has taught Church History (specializing in the history of biblical interpretation) at the Vancouver School of Theology, and served as Director of Studies at the United Theological College, Montreal for seven years, teaching worship and preaching as well as denominational history and theology.
She recently retired as Lead Minister at Cedar Park United, in Pointe Claire, Quebec, during which time she completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Luther Seminary, in biblical preaching, exploring midrashic ways of reading Scripture for preaching and congregational discipleship.
She is the author of Lenten Prayers for a Pandemic Season (2022), and Midrashic Imagination: Texts and Textures for Pulpit and Pew, (forthcoming in 2026, with Fortress Press). She continues to teach and lead workshops on preaching, worship, and biblical interpretation, for congregations, lay worship leaders, and for seminarians.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
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