How to Write a Sermon

 

In writing this article, I do not intend to assert that I possess any sort of expertise in the art of crafting and preparing sermons. Instead, I am simply sharing some valuable insights and recommendations that have been generously provided to me by fellow brothers in Christ who have dedicated many years to the exercise of preaching. Their experiences and wisdom have shaped my understanding, and I hope that by relaying this information, I can offer assistance to others who may be on a similar journey in their own sermon writing and preparation.

Pray

The initial phase of preparing a sermon is centered around prayer. It is essential to approach the Lord in humble supplication, asking Him to impress upon your heart the particular text and message that He desires you to convey to your audience. During this time of prayer, seek the Lord's wisdom, guidance, and understanding, specifically regarding the content and delivery of the message you are to preach. I firmly believe that this stage of prayer is the most crucial aspect of the entire sermon preparation process, as it establishes the spiritual foundation upon which the rest of your preparation will build. Engaging in this prayerful dialogue with God can significantly shape the direction and effectiveness of your sermon, ensuring it resonates with those who will hear it.

Read the text

Prior to beginning to write, take the time to read the text a minimum of two times. Familiarize yourself with the content and ensure that you fully understand the lessons and messages conveyed by the text. It's essential to grasp the main ideas and concepts before you start your writing process. This will help you articulate your thoughts more effectively and accurately reflect the teachings of the text in your sermon.

Make notes

After you have thoroughly read the text and acquainted yourself with the passage, the next step is to begin taking notes on the content. To do this, grab a sheet of paper and jot down all your thoughts and insights. You might want to consider key points, themes, or personal reflections that arise as you engage with the Scripture. This process will help you better understand and retain the information presented in the text. Don't hold back—write everything that comes to mind, as this will be a useful exercise for clarifying your understanding and consolidating your ideas.

Read connecting passages/Cross Reference and topics.

It can be quite beneficial to explore passages that are connected to the theme or specific text you are delivering in your sermon. Many Bibles include cross references printed in the center of each page, which can be incredibly helpful in this regard. These cross references provide you with additional passages and verses that are relevant and linked to the text you are addressing, allowing you to enhance your message with deeper insights and connections. A particularly useful resource for sermons that focus on specific topics is the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. This type of Bible is designed to help you easily navigate through related themes and scriptures, enriching your preaching experience and aiding in the preparation of more comprehensive and impactful sermons. Another good tool to use is the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

Original languages and other English Translations.

I recommend that you take the time to research the passage you are discussing by examining various English translations. When I am preparing a message, I rely on several English versions of the Bible, including the King James Version, the New King James Version, The Amplified Bible, the New American Standard Bible, the Darby translation, and the New Living Translation. It's important to keep in mind that these are all English renditions derived from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. Therefore, to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive understanding, it is beneficial to explore the meanings of specific words and phrases in their original languages. This practice can greatly enhance your interpretation and appreciation of the Scriptures.

Study Material

There is a wealth of good study material available today. Most of the material is available online for free. Some of the study aids and tools I recommend are as follows.

Dictionaries: Vine’s Expository Dictionary, Unger Bible Dictionary, Easton Bible Dictionary and Morrish Dictionary.

Commentaries: Matthew Henry Commentary, Warren Wiersbe Bible Commentary Series, Bible Knowledge Commentary and What the Bible Teaches Series.

Concordances: Strong’s Concordance, Young’s Concordance and Curden’s Concordance.

Topical Dictionaries: Nave's Topical Bible

Write first draft

Once you have thoroughly examined and understood the passage you are focusing on, you can start the process of composing your initial draft. This draft should serve as a preliminary outline that captures the main points and themes you intend to discuss. It is important to tailor your content to suit the audience and the specific occasion, as a sermon typically should be designed to last around 30 minutes. This duration allows for sufficient elaboration on key ideas, while also keeping the listeners engaged throughout the presentation.

Write second draft

In this second draft, it is essential that you take the opportunity to identify and make corrections to any mistakes or errors that may be present in your initial version. This stage should involve a thorough review of the ideas and key principles that underpin the message you wish to convey. As you refine your draft, focus on seamlessly integrating these elements to create a cohesive sermon. It is important to ensure that your thoughts and words are articulated in a manner that resonates with your audience. Take into consideration their perspectives and needs, aiming to present the message in a way that is both relatable and meaningful to the individuals you are addressing in your preaching.

Practice

After you have completed the editing process for your second draft, it is important to practice delivering the message. One effective method you might consider is recording yourself as you preach the message and then listening to the playback. This approach allows you to hear how the message comes across, giving you the opportunity to identify any areas that may need adjustments or improvements. Personally, before I speak at any meeting or gathering, I find it beneficial to practice what I intend to say with my wife. She provides valuable feedback and suggestions, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of my delivery. Taking the time to rehearse and refine your message in this way can lead to much more confident and impactful communication.

Type or print the message.

The concluding phase of this process might not suit everyone. Personally, I prefer to compose the message using my word processor, followed by printing it out for convenience. Having a physical copy of the sermon in front of me serves as an effective method for adhering to the designated time limit for my delivery. Additionally, it enables me to stay focused on the key points I wish to convey; should I find myself veering off-topic, the printed sermon allows me to easily track my progress and regain my direction within the message.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that this is my unique approach to sermon preparation. It’s important to recognize that this personal method may not be appropriate for everyone, as we are all individual beings with our own distinct gifts and talents. Therefore, it is not advisable to simply mimic someone else’s approach to preparing a sermon, as it may not resonate with your own style or capabilities. You might discover that certain elements or techniques from another person’s sermon preparation could prove to be beneficial; however, the key lies in determining what truly works best for you personally. My method has been tailored to my needs and experiences, and it has been effective for me. I sincerely hope that God guides you in your journey as you prepare and deliver the profound truths found within Holy Scripture.