Dual Focus on Theology and Practice

　　In the spring of 2018, I took the course “Preaching,” which was co-taught by President Joshua Cho and Rev. Brian Lam. Three-quarters of the class was taught by President Cho. This is the only team-taught class I ever attended.

　　In the past, “Preaching” has always been taught by the same single teacher for a long time; therefore, most of the students could learn about the teacher’s teaching methods, class requirements, and even grading preferences beforehand through the seniors. This arrangement has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that students can gain access to reference materials easily, and obtain help from fellow students who have attended this course before. The disadvantage is that since students could figure out the teacher’s grading preference, they might tend to be “grade-oriented” and have less motivation to make serious efforts in their studies. Of course, a positive learning attitude depends mainly on one’s own motive, and even one’s spirituality.

　　This time the “Preaching” course was team-taught. Its main attraction was the two teachers’ great preaching skills and rich experiences; thus it allowed students to learn simultaneously the art of preaching of the two teachers. As I recall, their preaching styles were both distinctive. Therefore, even before the course began, I expected that their teaching methods would be different.

　　President Cho took the leading role throughout the teaching process, and taught us the main points of the textbook, which was written by Professor Thomas Long, a famous American preacher. President Cho was very familiar with this book; he was very well-prepared. Rev. Lam was also present throughout the first half of the course when President Cho was teaching the class. Moreover, there was considerable interaction between the two teachers. For instance, when President Cho mentioned certain examples about a particular preacher, Rev. Lam would then provide additional information, presenting us a fuller picture. In addition to having rich preaching experience, Rev. Lam has a solid understanding of the textbook, too. He is the chaplain of our seminary and has deep understanding of the preaching practices of different churches. Hence, besides learning from President Cho the content of the textbook, students also have the opportunity to learn through Rev. Lam’s sharing the genuine experience of our senior fellow students in the churches. This is a learning process with dual focus on theory and practice.