Mini-Courses
What is a Mini-Course?
- Self-paced, self-directed online learning
- Includes audio narration and videos, but no facilitated discussion
- Feature materials by Boston College faculty
- Can be completed in short blocks of time
- Self-check at the end of each section
- FREE of charge and available 24/7, year-round
What Mini-Courses Are Offered?
Preaching Courses
Touchstones for Preaching
Touchstones for Preaching is a resource designed to help ordained and lay preachers craft an engaging homily and preach effectively. The six Basic Touchstones review how one shapes a homily and cultivates the habits needed to compose weekly homilies as part of one’s ministry. The Special Touchstones address considerations about preaching on special occasions, e.g., weddings and funerals; preaching to special audiences, e.g., children; and preaching on special topics, e.g., justice. Each video is presented by an experienced preacher or a homiletics teacher.
Flesh Made Word: The Art of Crafting a Homily
This series introduces the viewer to the art of crafting a homily through a variety of preaching approaches. Much of the material is visual, and the examples are designed to explore a wide range of preaching methods, styles, and techniques. This process was designed for both the seasoned and beginner preacher. Each unit contains an introduction, a homily, and a conversation. The topics covered include: preaching with a prop, a black saints celebration, mission preaching, preaching to children, preaching on Palm Sunday, bi-lingual preaching, pesame as a para-liturgical service, preaching as a Bible character, and multimedia preaching.
New Testament Cources
The Birth of Jesus: Two Gospel Accounts
Explore the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke and encounter each Evangelist's unique insights into the spiritual meaning of Jesus' birth. Ideal study for a richer observance of Advent and Christmas. Includes introductory material on reading the Bible, and an overview of the two Gospels. Content by Dr. Philip Cunningham, former director of the Boston College Center for Christian-Jewish Learning.
The Death of Jesus: Four Gospel Accounts
Explore the four different Gospel passion narratives and encounter each Evangelist's unique insights into the spiritual meaning of Jesus' death. A rich study for Lent and/or Holy Week. Includes introductory material on reading the Bible, and an overview of the four Gospels. Content by Dr. Philip Cunningham, former director of the Boston College Center for Christian-Jewish Learning.
En Español
El Nacimiento de Jesús: Dos Relatos Evangélicos
Explorar las historias de la infancia de Jesús según Mateo y Lucas, y conozca la manera única como cada evangelista interpreta el sentido espiritual del nacimiento de Jesús. Un estudio ideal para vivir más de lleno el Adviento y la Navidad. Incluye material introductorio sobre la Biblia y una presentación inicial a cada uno de los dos Evangelios. El contenido fue diseñado por el Dr. Philip Cunningham, antiguo director del centro para el aprendizaje sobre relaciones entre cristianos y judíos ubicado en Boston College, y traducido por el Dr. Hosffman Ospino.
La Muerte de Jesús: Cuatro Narrativas Evangélicas
Explorar las narrativas de la Pasión de los cuatro Evangelios y encuentra los únicos significados espirituales de la muerte de Jesús que cada Evangelista ofrece. Un estudio apropiado para la Cuaresma o la Semana Santa que incluye materiales introductorios para leer la biblia y una visión general de los cuatro evangelios. El contenido fue diseñado por el Dr. Philip Cunningham, antiguo director del centro para el aprendizaje sobre relaciones entre cristianos y judíos ubicado en Boston College, y traducido por Hosffman Ospino.