Preparing a biblically-sound sermon that effectively communicates God’s truth and transforms lives is one of the most important tasks of a pastor. Here is a good process to follow when preparing a sermon:
1. Choose the passage and topic
The first step is choosing which passage of Scripture you will preach on. Spend time praying and asking God to guide you to a text and topic that will minister to your congregation’s current needs. You may also consider preaching through a book of the Bible sequentially. Once you’ve chosen a passage, take time to meditate on it and determine the main theme or “big idea” of the text that will become the sermon topic.
2. Study the passage
After choosing your text, begin an in-depth study process. Read through the passage repeatedly. Look up cross-references and consider how other parts of Scripture shed light on this passage. Use Bible study tools like commentaries and dictionaries to better understand the historical context and meaning of terms. Take note of grammar, structure, and literary devices in the passage that could impact how you interpret and apply it. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s illumination of God’s truth in the text. Your goal is to accurately understand what the original author intended to communicate to the original audience.
3. Develop the sermon outline
With a solid understanding of the biblical text, you can begin crafting your sermon outline. Your outline should flow in a logical sequence from the passage and highlight the central idea you want to communicate to your audience. An effective outline is organized around 3-5 main points that support the central idea of the text. For each main point, include sub-points and supporting Scripture references that provide explanation and evidence. Aim for clarity and brevity in your outline so your sermon stays focused around a simple, memorable concept.
4. Write the introduction
Your sermon introduction grabs people’s attention and makes the topic relevant to their lives. To write an engaging introduction:
- Open with an illustration, story, or interesting fact that introduces the sermon topic.
- Briefly explain the context of the passage and why it matters.
- State the central idea or theme of your sermon clearly and concisely.
Your introduction should be short but compelling. You want people eagerly anticipating how your main points will unpack the text further.
5. Develop the body
The sermon body contains your main points and supporting material that expands on your central idea. Flesh out each main point from your outline using:
- Explanations of the passage that teach the meaning.
- Illustrations that drive the point home.
- Application statements that show relevance to people’s lives.
- Supporting Scripture verses to back up your explanations.
Aim for simplicity, clarity, and brevity. Repetition of your central theme throughout the body helps people retain the key message.
6. Write a strong conclusion
An impactful conclusion drives home the central idea and calls people to respond. Effective sermon conclusions contain:
- A restatement of the central idea in clear, memorable language.
- A summary of the main points without re-preaching the whole sermon.
- A final story or verse that reinforces the theme.
- A call to action based on the implications of the Scripture.
Your conclusion should provide a sense of closure and urgency that motivates changed thinking and behavior aligned with God’s truth.
7. Add illustrations and applications
Illustrations are stories, quotes, facts, and examples that reinforce your points and make the sermon come alive. Look for illustrations from:
- Personal life experiences.
- Observation of life and culture.
- Historical events or characters.
- Current events.
Choose illustrations carefully to ensure they truly illuminate the biblical principle.
Applications explicitly connect the Scripture to everyday life and prompt personal response. Think through realistic examples of what living out this text looks like today. Help people understand specific ways the truth impacts their attitudes and actions.
8. Write out your sermon manuscript
With your outline fully expanded, write out your sermon manuscript in full sentences as you would speak them aloud. Strive to use language that is:
- Clear – Use short sentences and understandable vocabulary.
- Conversational – Use natural speech patterns.
- Vivid – Use descriptive words that paint mental images.
- Persuasive – Use rhetoric to influence and inspire.
Read back through your manuscript to smooth out awkward phrasing. Time yourself practicing your sermon aloud and refine content to fit your timeframe.
9. Internalize your content through practice
To preach effectively without relying heavily on notes, practice delivering your sermon aloud multiple times. Use your manuscript to get comfortable with your content and flow. Try to maintain good vocal inflection and eye contact as you practice, not just reading the text flatly. Your goal is to give the impression of speaking extemporaneously while using your manuscript for reference rather than reading word-for-word. Through rehearsal, you will internalize your material to the point you can preach conversationally with And skilled delivery. Solid preparation gives you the freedom to engage your listeners naturally.
10. Bathe the process in prayer
Surround each step of sermon prep with prayer. Pray for clarity, insight, illustration ideas, and aplicational understanding. Ask God to sanctify you through the passage personally before you preach it to others. Cry out for the Holy Spirit’s anointing and power in the delivery of the sermon. Pray for hearts to be fertile soil to receive God’s Word. With God’s help, your faithful sermon preparation will bear fruit in changed lives for His glory.