Philip Arthur Bence PhD Thesis - Research@StAndrews:FullText

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formation of the preacher. First, the overall life of
the student, including factors such as personal health,
interaction with family and friends, financial
circumstances, recreation, and relationships with the
church locally and at large. Second, there is the
student's broad experience at the college: his work,
worship, and encounters with college personnel (both
formally and informally). Third, we could examine the
academic activity of the student in lectures, tutorials,
reading, writing, and practical training in a parish
setting. Last, we note the portions of the student's
study directed specifically toward learning the rudiments
of preaching.
Each of these circles of influence shapes the
preacher—in—training. The relative importance of each
would vary from student to student.
This study will touch only slightly on the first
largest circle. Each student's personal circumstances
remain unique and, also. largely outside the control of
the academic institution. The second and third circles
receive limited attention in subsequent chapters.
Primary emphasis, throughout the paper, is given to
academic training specifically directed toward education
in preaching. The word "specifically" is underscored,
for as already stated, all theological education, all
experience in the theological college, contributes to the
making of the preacher.