A critical examination of Bruce W. Thielemann’s need-centered approach to preaching

This thesis is a critical assessment of Bruce W. Thielemann’s need-centered approach to preaching. The thesis argues that a need-centered approach to preaching was the foundation upon which American homiletician and Presbyterian pastor, Bruce W. Thielemann (1933-1994) built his robust theoretical and practical approach to homiletics. The thesis begins with a biographical sketch to familiarize the reader with Thielemann’s life and ministry and reveals a man dedicated to preaching aimed at addressing the needs of his listeners. Chapter two explores Thielemann’s neo-orthodox theology of preaching, which was the foundation for his need-centered philosophy of homiletics and demonstrates how Thielemann’s presuppositions and theological influences such as Forsyth, Barth and Bonhoeffer fortified his need-centered homiletic. Chapter three probes Thielemann’s need-centered approach to preaching including theological, psychological and rhetorical influences, focusing on how Thielemann’s homiletic was influenced by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Chapter four analyzes Thielemann’s need-centered preaching methodology by examining his sermons and preaching lectures during his thirty-four years of pastoral ministry in various contexts. Chapter five chronicles and critiques how Thielemann’s need-centered approach to preaching shaped his interaction with some of the major historical issues during his ministry from the 1960’s through the early 1990’s as well as theologically significant movements within the Presbyterian church in the United States. While Thielemann’s theological inconsistencies, oversimplification of psychological theories and tendency to manipulate his listeners resulting from his need-centered homiletic warrant critique, Thielemann’s theology, lectures and preaching praxis demonstrate his loyalty to and effective implementation of his need-centered homiletic.