The Preacher's Role - Using Konstantin Stanislavski's System to Discover an Authentic Preaching Voice

Preachers play a role as liturgical ministers in the Catholic Church. As part of the liturgical life of the Church, preaching is a performative act. In their role, preachers participate in the salvific mission of the Church, making known the works of God by word and gesture.;Chapter One explores the evolution of the priest's role as preacher. From biblical times, church leadership is associated with liturgical functions. From the early Church to the contemporary experience preachers proclaim, teach and build up the community, simultaneously witnessing to Christ, both inside and outside the Church.;The second chapter introduces Konstantin Stanislavski and the system he developed for actor training. As performance, preaching uses the body and voice of the preacher to create the preaching art. Examining Stanislavski's concepts, the chapter presents the system as a viable option for use in homiletics.;Chapter Three applies specific elements of the system to preaching, establishing preaching in the dramatic context of the liturgy. Stanislavski's system helps preachers observe what is taking place around them, helping them choose words and gestures that adequately communicate God's Word.;Chapter Four applies the theory in a classroom situation. This chapter identifies five major concepts of the system. The Circles of Attention ground the preacher in the reality of the community's experience. Identifying and `mining' the texts used for preaching locates the Word in these circles. Applying specific terms used by Stanislavski in actor preparation, this section uses Stanislavski's wisdom in the preaching art. Relaxation then allows the preacher to excel in the final aspect of the system - good and authentic communication.;The final chapter analyzes the application in the classroom. Giving suggestions for the use in the on-going formation of preachers, this chapter recommends the system's application to homiletics.