10 Steps for Sermon Preparation PDF

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These are the 10 steps to use for sermon prep...

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#1. Relational Diagram The purpose of this exercise is to portray in a graphic form the structure of the text and to see the relationship of ideas - both major and minor – and the flow of thought.      

Place the first independent clause at the left margin. Put support words above or below the modified term. Line up equal words or phrases vertically Connect separated terms with lines as needed. Circle/Highlight significant theological terms. Underline verbs; place connectives in [brackets].

Diagram (If on the computer, be sure to use "Courier" font.)

#2. Immediate Observations The purpose of this exercise is to recognize and note details in the wording of the text and their significance for its meaning.     

Work from your structural diagram of the text. Note your observations verse by verse. Focus on what you see in the text writer’s words. Work at it like a brainstorming session. Circle the most fruitful observations. Relationship of Ideas Watch for o Comparisons o Contrasts o Conditional statements o Correlative structure o Reasons o Purpose o Results

The Significant Words Watch for  Theological themes  Figurative language  Repetition  Cross references

Rhetorical Functions Watch for  Assertions  Commands  Admonitions  Promises  Causes  Means  Agency

Writing Sentence Summaries  Use each theological theme  Simple and direct statements

 Show relationships between various ideas

#3. Research Questions The purpose of this exercise is to ask questions for the best research to understand and communicate the text writer's original message.

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Work from your structural diagram of the text.

 Look at your observations for questions to ask.  Number questions and the answers you find.  Write questions before doing your research.  Skip irrelevant or unanswerable questions.  Document where you find your research.

Investigative Questions Who?

What?

When?

Where?

Why?

How?

#4. The Big Idea

The purpose of this exercise is to construct an interpretive bridge for bringing the truth of the text to its expression in the sermon.

 Note differences in Text and Sermon ideas.  Test each statement for consistency with others.

 Do not change subject and modifier.  Identify historical elements in the writing.

Identify the text subject in one word. This answers the question, "What is the text writer talking about?"

Identify the modifier to your subject in one word. This answers the question, "How does the text writer limit the scope of his treatment of the subject?"

Using some form of the subject/modifier words from above, write a working title for your emerging sermon.

Capture the mood, feeling or emotional tone of the text in a few words.

Identify elements of the historical setting of the original writing of the text:  Writer, speaker or key character:  Secondary character, hearers or readers:  Tone or purpose of the text:  Occasion, situation or circumstances:  Literary features, genre, figurative language: Write the text idea sentence using the subject and modifier, plus elements of the original writing of the text. Write the sermon idea sentence by adapting the wording of the text idea. Omit the historical details and make it a present tense statement of a universal theological principle. It must contain the subject/modifier.

#5. Shape & Outline (Non-Narrative) The purpose of this exercise is to word the sermon divisions, of a non-narrative passage, clearly to state the teachings of the text on its subject.

 Work from the diagram and observations.  Follow the path of the Text to Sermon statements.  Search for the writer’s treatment of his subject.  Word division statements as complete sentences.  Make sure statements follow the key word.  Make each statement distinct from others. Is the text a non-narrative (story) passage? (Check one.)  Yes  No (If so, use this Step #5. If not, go to the next page.) Write the sermon idea as a complete present tense sentence with subject/modifier.

Looking at the passage, brainstorm for possible sermon points you have discovered in the text writer’s treatment of his subject.

List as many possible categories for the sermon points/statements can all be described as: (i.e. warnings, reasons, encouragements, challenges, etc.) Circle the one that best groups all of the sermon points.

Write accurate, clearly worded, simple sermon points (or division statements, as complete sentences) to reflect the writer’s treatment of his subject and address the hearer. Include verse numbers next to each statement showing where the point is coming from. For instance, “God is love. (vs. 1-3)”

1.

2.

3.

4. 5.

#5. Shape & Outline (Narrative) The purpose of this exercise is to identify the sermon flow, of a narrative passage, based upon the basic plot outline of a story.

 Work from the diagram and observations.  Follow the path of the Text to Sermon statements.  Search for the writer’s treatment of his subject.  Outline the various stages of narrative  Determine when and where the SIS fits best in the flow of the story.

Is the text a narrative (story) passage? (Check one)  Yes  No (If so, use this Step #5. If not, go to the previous page.)

Write the sermon idea as a complete present tense sentence with subject/modifier.

List the names of every character in the story.

List any ironies, repetitions, or keywords in the story.

Write a brief summary of each element of the story. Be sure to include verse numbers/divisions for each.

Situation (Characters, Place, Setting):

Stress (Conflict/Problem):

Search (Pursuing Answer):

Solution (Answer/Resolution):

(New) Situation (Aftermath):

#6. Human Experience The purpose of this exercise is to develop skill at tracing theological concepts in the text to corresponding points of contact in human experience.

 Makes sure sermon idea is clear.  Think beyond church-world to the real-world.  Express compassion and understanding.  Allow your own humanity to come through.  Address assumptions, symptoms, consequences.  The need is conceptual, volitional, interpretive.

The human element is the human condition that corresponds to the truths that are presented in your text. The factors of human experience may be described plainly in the text or only implied.

1. Identify the factors of human experience mentioned directly in the text as they pertained to the original textual setting:      

2. Identify the human issues suggested in the text by implication as the writer addresses problems of his day:      

3. Ask yourself, does the text contain: (Check all that apply. Explain in the blank area) An wise example to follow? A foolish one to avoid? A promise to claim? A command to obey? A verse to memorize? An attitude to correct?

A sin to avoid/confess? A prayer to repeat? A condition to meet? A habit to change, start or stop? A truth to believe?

     

4. Describe the experience of the person who needs to hear the message of the text as a remedy for his needs. (1) His underlying assumptions about the issue:       __________________________________________________________________________________________ (2) Some of the consequences in his experience:       __________________________________________________________________________________________ (3) How a person feels who is suffering at this point:      

5. Write a profile of the person needing your message. Be specific in your description and sympathetic. Identify with his/her suffering and how you might interest him in the good news you have for him.      

#7. Persuasive Elements The purpose of this exercise is to use normal persuasive elements— explanation, illustration, argumentation, and application—in balance. Think of this step as your “pre-manuscript” – it should make-up 85% of your sermon content.

 Makes sure sermon ideas are clear and well worded.  Look for development material first in the text.  Aim for a balanced appeal to the whole person.  Make all development consistent with the idea.  Test each segment for its intended function.  Write out transitions linking each section.

**COMPLETE STEP #7 FOR EACH POINT FROM STEP #5. COPY & PASTE WORKSHEET AS NEEDED.

Write the sermon point (from Step #5) that you are developing. (Include verse numbers of each point.)

Circle the word or two in your statement that carry the central concept of your idea. Write your core terms here:

Write the ideas you have for development as explanation. Explanation aims for an understanding of the biblical and homiletical concepts by using background and interpretation material.

Note the development as illustration you will use. Illustration seeks to illuminate the idea through the use of imagery to appeal to the imagination of the hearer. (Leave blank until you do #8. Paste final version of #8 here.)

Write your ideas for development as argumentation. Argument uses reasons to show how an idea makes sense and to guide it around the rational barriers in the mind of the hearer. Be sure to include other sources of authority that would persuade your hearer of this idea, such as: cross-references, quotes, statistics, etc.

Plan your development as application. Application spells out the implications of the biblical idea and calls for change and action in a faith response. Be sure to use probing questions or provide specific ways to put the teaching into action or real life.

#8. Natural Analogies

The purpose of this exercise is to develop the skill necessary to write specific natural analogies for illustrating sermon ideas.

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Makes sure sermon ideas are clear and well worded. Plan to balance support for your sermon ideas. Explore the common arenas of human experience.

Go beyond your own personal experience. Distinguish between analogies and examples.  Present analogies in an imaginative way.

This assignment involves the devising of illustrations for supporting sermon ideas through a process of exploring natural analogies. Complete the exercise with the following steps: **COMPLETE STEP #8 FOR EACH POINT FROM STEP #5. COPY & PASTE WORKSHEET AS NEEDED.

1. Write the sermon point (from Step #5) that you are to illustrate.

2. Rewrite your sermon point (above) as a generic idea using all non-theological terms.

3. Brainstorm the arenas of life listed below for analogies that are natural expressions of your non-theological idea. Write as many as you can. Give a word or two description next to each selected area. Family

Nature

Business

Children

Animals

Education

Athletics

History

Common Objects World Affairs

Travel Friendships

Other ___________________________

Other

_____________________________

Circle/Highlight the best analogies from the list above on the basis of your subject, audience, and your own ability to make particular ones work in the sermon. 4. Write out the best analogy here, including details and wording as you might present it in your sermon. Be sure to include a final sentence that links/connects the analogy to the sermon point (i.e. “In the same way…”)

#9. Pointing to Christ  

Think about how the text exposes man's fallenness Consider how the text reveals God's salvation

The purpose of this exercise is to develop the skill of determining the most legitimate way the text points to Christ, the gospel, and God's grand redemption. Connect this text with the theme of redemption  Explore all possibilities.  Settle on the most legitimate 

This assignment involves an analysis of the various possible ways in which the text points to Christ. 1. What, in my text, exposes the sinfulness, fallenness, or weakness of mankind? His need to respond to God?

Where else does the Bible confirm this?

2. What, in my text, reveals the perfection, greatness, and strength of God? His actions towards man?

Where do we see this displayed in the ministry, work, or words of Jesus?

Check each box that applies. Be sure to explain the connection and include cross-references. Does my text contain a(n): Direct statement about Jesus / the gospel / salvation:____________________________________________ Obvious prophecy about Jesus: ____________________________________________________________ Good example that Jesus more fully embodies:________________________________________________ Bad example that Jesus is the antithesis of: ___________________________________________________ A problem/need that Jesus ultimately solves/meets: ____________________________________________ A story that the coming of Jesus concludes: ___________________________________________________ An event or symbol that pictures Jesus, His work/character: ______________________________________ A revelation of the pre-incarnate Jesus: ______________________________________________________ Of all the ways that this text points to Christ, the most legitimate/appropriate can be explained as follows:

#10. Introduction & Conclusion

The of this to develop skill at purpose organizing and exercise writing aisclear, concise, relevant, introduction and conclusion.

 Consider writing a natural analogy of the main sermon idea

 Memorize and rehearse if necessary  Present both introduction & conclusion as

briefly as possible Write the Sermon Idea Sentence (from Step #4): INTRODUCTION 1. ATTENTION – Brainstorm for natural analogies, new stories, personal experiences that will pique interest and capture the audience’s attention.

2. NEED – Relate the main idea on a personal level, answer the question, “Why should I listen to this? Does it have any significance for me?”       ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________

3. SOLUTION– Write out how you would transition from questions to answers, as found in Scripture.

CONCLUSION 1. VISUALIZATION – Brainstorm for natural analogies, stories, personal experiences, etc, that might help the audience to re-imagine the sermon idea again.

2. INSTRUCTION – Write a few action steps (related to one’s beliefs, emotions, behavior, attitudes, etc.) for what a person can specifically do in response to accepting the message from God.

Oral Presentation (Non-Narrative)  Makes sure sermon ideas are clear and well worded.  Plan with the dynamics of oral communication.  Design the presentation to follow the text.

The purpose of this section is to help you put all of the previous 10 Steps together in an oral presentation plan that engages the audience and faithfully presents the text message.  Design the sermon to engage the audience.  Plan balanced appeal for the whole person.  Plan for the audience and the occasion.

This portion DOES NOT need to be completed/handed-in by the student. It is given as a guide to help you prepare your sermon manuscript/notes. Be sure that your manuscript follows this pattern.

Introduction :

Attention

Need        

Text Idea:      

Sermon Idea:      

Transition (with KEY WORD):      

Body: SERMON POINT #1     

Explanation      

Illustration      

Argumentation      

Application      

SERMON POINT #2      

Explanation      

Illustration      

Argumentation      

Application      

SERMON POINT #3      

Explanation      

Illustration      

Argumentation      

Application      

Conclusion:      

Oral Presentation (Non-Narrative)  Makes sure sermon ideas are clear and well worded.  Plan with the dynamics of oral communication.  Design the presentation to follow the text.

The purpose of this section is to help you put all of the previous 10 Steps together in an oral presentation plan that engages the audience and faithfully presents the text message.  Design the sermon to engage the audience.  Plan balanced appeal for the whole person.  Plan for the audience and the occasion.

This portion DOES NOT need to be completed/handed-in by the student. It is given as a guide to help you prepare your sermon manuscript/notes. Be sure that your manuscript follows this pattern.

Introduction :

Attention

Need        

CONTEXT      

Body SITUATION     

Explanation      

STRESS (CONFLICT)      

Explanation      

SEARCH (PURSUING ANSWER)     

Explanation      

SOLUTION: (Sermon Idea Sentence)

Explanation

Illustration

Application

Conclusion:      ...