Communication

Dallas Theological Seminary's commitment to the Scriptures leads to a doctrinal framework in which the foundations of the Christian faith are affirmed and expounded. Every alumnus's ability to study the Scriptures and present biblical truth remains a core distinctive of DTS graduates. Effective leadership must include a passion for good communication.

Communication is a holistic value. Growth as a communicator can include development in public speaking, but effective communication also entails the ability to listen well, foster good communication as part of a team, communicate in various forms of writing, and effectively use a variety of new media. Sydney J. Harris, in Publishers-Hall Syndicate, said, "The words information and communication are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through."

I will reflect on the sermon preparation and delivery process in a journal reflection
I will post a video recording of my PCF sermons to my internship portfolio
I will watch my PCF sermons and complete a personal critique for my journal reflection
I will prepare teaching materials from Julie Ieron's Courageous Women in the Bible Mon–Thurs each week, completing them one week in advance
I will complete the introduction materials and the first week's lesson plan for Daniel 1 and post them for members to view by Sun, June 21

Student Communication Goal

DEFINITION: DTS values contextualized, effective communication of biblical and theological truth by a variety of means for personal and corporate transformation.

RESOURCES

ALL:

The Bible

– English: NASB, HCSB, NET, ESV, NIV

– Hebrew Bible: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia

– Greek Text: Lexham Int LXX & Nestle-Aland 28

Commentaries

– The Bible Knowledge Commentary (BKC)

– A Critical and Exegetical Commentary (ICC)

Dictionaries

– The Hebrew & Aramaic Lex of the OT (HALOT)

– A Greek-English Lexicon of the OT (BDAG)

Goal 1:

– My PCF mentor and I will discuss sermon topics, Bible passages, and sermon titles

– PM5103 and PM5104 Textbooks & Notes

Goal 2:

– Julie Ieron, Courageous Women in the Bible

Goal 3:

– Jim L. Wilson, 300 Illustrations for Preachers

STRATEGIES

Goal 1:

– I will submit my sermon titles & Bible passages by June 6, 2025

– I will submit my exposition of the passages & outline of the topic by June 13 & June 20, 2025

Goals 2:

– I will work with the First Lady to select an appropriate Christian book for study

– I will spend 2hrs of devotional time in the Text each morning Mon–Thurs, alternating between the two, and using the time to prepare my heart and materials for teaching

Goal 3:

– I will follow the Minister of Education's lesson outline when preparing materials for Daniel

– I will spend 2hrs of devotional time in the Text each morning Mon–Thurs, alternating between the two, and using the time to prepare my heart and materials for teaching

GOAL

Because I want to grow in my ability to preach and teach God’s Word effectively — in a way that is biblically sound, practical, and relevant to people’s felt needs and that leads to heart change — I will...

1. Prepare and deliver two sermons at PCF Church on June 22 and 29 (2025)

2. Develop teaching materials and lead the Women's G.L.O.W. Book Study on the 4th Friday of each month from April 24–Aug 28, 2026

(The Promise Church)

3. Develop and teach a lesson plan for a 10-week study through the Book of Daniel from

June 28–Aug 30, 2026 (The Promise Church).

Recent Projects

Artifacts for Communication

Overall Reflection Statement

For my competence in Christian Ministry, I am submitting: (GOAL #1) two videos showing the first sermons I preached, along with a homiletical outline and manuscript; (GOAL #2) two Facebook posts depicting the first and second Women's G.L.O.W. Bible Studies that I taught, along with two Bible Study guides, which I created and used to plan and teach our second and 3rd Bible studies; and (GOAL #3) the 10–week Daniel Outline provided by the Minister of Education and draft showing the Daniel cover and Chapter 1 Lesson Draft I am creating and will teach from beginning Sunday, July 12. These artifacts provide a picture of my ability to exegete the Scriptures and effectively communicate biblical truth in written, visual, and verbal formats, demonstrating my communication skills in preaching, teaching, leading Bible studies, and developing and teaching Bible study curriculum.

Developing these sermons and lesson plans has taught me the importance of dwelling in God's word to prepare my heart for the ministry of preaching and teaching. In my preparation, I adopted the practice of meditating for two hours each morning on the passages I was studying. I used this time not only to exegete the text but also to allow it to work in me. I found greater awareness of the need to preach from a position of humility so that I can teach and preach from a position of personal conviction and triumph (or progress), rather than simply telling people what God’s word says to them that day.

Goal 1: First Sermon Video (1 Pet 1:1–5)

This is a video of my first ever sermon that I preached at PCF Church, entitled "Gird Your Loins!" I know the title is cringe. Never Again!

Goal 1: Second Sermon Video (James 1:2–18)

This is a video of the second sermon that I preached at PCF Church, entitled "A Mature Faith Endures."

Goal 1: First Sermon Outline (1 Pet 1:1–5)

This is the homiletical outline that I wrote for the first sermon I ever preached at PCF Church, entitled "Gird Your Loins!"

Goal 1: Second Sermon Manuscript

This is the homiletical manuscript that I wrote for the second sermon I preached at PCF Church, entitled "A Mature Faith Endures."

Goal 2: First G.L.O.W. Bible Study (Deborah)

This is a FB post from The Promise Church G.L.O.W. Community page, highlighting events from our first gathering where I taught about Debrah in Judges 4:3–24, based on Courageous Women in the Bible.

Goal 2: Second G.L.O.W. Bible Study (Abigail)

This is the Bible Study Guide I created for our second G.L.O.W. Bible study on Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:14–35, based on Courageous Women in the Bible. I created this study to help prepare and guide the lesson.

Goal 2: Second G.L.O.W. Bible Study (Abigail)

This is a FB post from The Promise Church G.L.O.W. Community page, highlighting events from our second gathering, where I taught about Abigail in 1 Samuel 25:14–35 from Courageous Women in the Bible.

Goal 2: Third G.L.O.W. Bible Study (Jehosheba)

This is the Bible Study Guide I created for our third G.L.O.W. Bible study on Jehosheba and Joash in 2 Kings 11:1–21 from Courageous Women in the Bible. I created this study to help prepare and guide the lesson.

Goal 3: Daniel 10–week Lesson Outline

This is the Daniel lesson outline that I am currently using to build the curriculum for our 10–week study that will now start on Sunday, July 12. It was provided by our Minister of Education.

Goal 3: Daniel Cover & Ch. 1 Lesson Draft

This is a draft of the lesson plan I am creating for our 10–week study on Daniel. So far, I have created the cover and first pages of Ch. 1 Lesson.

The design is based on the LifeWay Bible Studies for Life series.

Learning Reflection Statement

As I developed and demonstrated Communication, I have learned that I thoroughly enjoy preparing original Bible curriculum that presents the text in engaging and relevant formats. This was my first time leading women older than me in Bible study, and I find that I am learning from them as much as they are learning from me. We have been able to explore biblical and theological truths while also gaining insight from one another across generations and diverse backgrounds. This experience has given me a stronger sense of cultural and generational sensitivity, which has improved my ability to present God's word in ways that are true, applicable, and relevant to various backgrounds.

Designing the Bible study materials and lesson plans has been a highly rewarding experience, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to preach and teach in front of others. One of my passions is proclaiming God's word. I enjoy public speaking and have experience performing before crowds, but I've realized that the excitement I feel during preparation often disappears when I'm in front of a group or congregation. I can become timid and uncertain about the message. I think this means that I am relying on myself in the delivery rather than leaning on God and what he has revealed. As I continue to share God's word, I hope to grow in my ability to depend on him for all parts of life and ministry. That way I can proclaim the word boldly.

Lifelong Development

As a result of the experiences documented by these artifacts, I will continue to develop in Communication by continuing to develop lesson plans and teach classes and Bible studies at The Promise Church. I also hope to have more opportunities to preach. I would like to develop a cohort of skilled ministers to practice developing and delivering materials, so that I can grow in my ability to preach and teach. I will also continue to lean in closer to God as he gives me opportunities to serve in this way. It is my prayer that he will embolden me to preach and teach with conviction so that others will be inspired to seek and follow after him.