There are many things that make a sermon or lesson great. Obviously there must be…
When it comes to teaching or sermon preparation it is crucial you have a “process.” The process may change over time, but having a method or template for your sermon preparation can be really helpful and time-saving. I began preaching at 17 years old. I knew nothing, but God placed such an incredible mentor in my life to help me early on. While my sermon preparation process certainly has changed over the years, a lot of what I do today I learned early on from my mentor, Jim Hoff. The time it takes varies from text to text, but I have found over the last sixteen or so years, preparing well makes delivery better. Here are 12 steps I take for my sermon preparation:
Read…read again
Regardless of how familiar I am with the text, I always start with reading it. I read the chapter I am preaching from as well as the surrounding chapters and often the entire book if possible. This is essential to gaining a proper perspective of the context I am preaching from.
Background study
If I am teaching through a book, (which I mostly do) then this step becomes easier after the first message. Understanding the background of a book and the author helps me to identify the “author intended meaning.” It also adds to my understanding of context.
Diagram text
I take the text and put it into a word processor (usually pasted from Logos Bible Software). Then it is flashbacks to Freshman English class. I diagram the text so I can see and understand the flow of thought of the text. I will be honest, this is not always the most fun part of the sermon preparation process. So many times though, this is one of the most beneficial parts of my sermon preparation process. Many times the points for a message can be seen and pulled directly from diagraming text.
Make observations
Once the text is diagramed, I begin making textual observations. I print off the diagram of the text and take a pen or pencil to it. I observe everything possible. Nouns, pronouns (taking note of who they refer to), verbs (tense of verbs), cause and effect, figures of speech, lists, words that repeat, etc. I go through the text making as many as I can. Then I do it again…and again…and again. Most of the time I end up with somewhere around 40 or 50 observations at least. Sometimes there are more, and sometimes there are less. There really is no right or wrong, and it has become easier through the years. The important thing is to make them. This will help you look beyond the surface of the text. This one step will change the way you study forever and will add so much value to your sermon preparation.
Word study
Once I have made my observations I then turn to word studies of words that jumped out in the diagraming and observation. I look for words that may be important to the meaning of the text or words that I do not understand.
Consult commentaries/ref books
Now I finally consult commentaries and reference books that address the passage. Waiting until now allows me to dive into the text myself and gain a deeper understanding of the text. Doing the other steps first makes this step faster and more effective. To be fair I do use these to do my background study earlier on. Here though, I am looking at what they are referencing in regards to the text at hand.
Outline message
Having done all of the previous steps, outlining generally comes fairly easily. I have a good understanding of the flow of thought (diagraming), lists within the text (observations), and key words (word study). My outline includes and introduction, points (which include explanation, illustration, argumentation, and application of each point), and a closing illustration with specific application and gospel appeal. As a general rule I try to phrase my points as points of application and action.
Think through application/appeal
The goal of preaching is application and gospel appeal. I think a lot of guys fail to spend adequate time thinking through this. I want to make sure it is clear and consistent. If those listening to me do not know what they is being asked of them until the end, I have failed. I begin my application and appeal when I begin the message. I cannot do this if I do not think through it well.
Gather illustrations
This can often take the longest. Illustrations make the message palatable and understandable. I always prefer to use personal illustrations if at all possible. People relate better and you do not have to worry about those listening fact checking a “story” you heard once that was not entirely accurate. By the way, a good resource for fact checking your illustrations is Snopes. Please, fact check your illustrations…those listening are.
Finalize message
Once all of my sermon preparation is finished I finalize the message. Does the order make sense? Do my points drive the point of the text? Do my illustrations really illustrate the points?
Practice message
I always practice my message at least once before I preach it “for real.” This allows me to further think through the message and gauge the time of it. Since I usually preach without notes this is an essential step for me.
Preach message
Of course all of these sermon preparation steps ultimately lead you to actually preaching the message. Having done the work ahead of time, I can be very confident of the text and what I am preaching when I preach it. Shortcut the process of thorough sermon preparation and you will struggle with delivery. Being confident in the content allows you to focus on the delivery.
What about you? I would love to hear your process and learn from you. Comment and share below!
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You always have good, thought provoking sermons. The part I am surprised about is diagraming the text. I hate diagraming, and I like language arts.
I hated diagraming sentences in English classes (actually I hated English classes) but I really enjoy diagraming Bible texts. It really does open things up for me and allow me to see more clearly what is there. You should give it a try!
I think you are the greatest Youth Pastor ever! You and your family remain in my prayers. I just removed your picture you sent me when you moved from NC (cutest picture ever!) and replaced it with the new Christmas card. I need to accept the kids are getting so big! Take care Jody! I am so blessed to have gotten to know you, Sarah an your sweet children! I would love to see you guys.
Thanks Donna, that means so much! We are so grateful for your family and the investment you have made in our family. I would not be the Youth Pastor I am today without you guys. Come visit any time!
Jody- Great post man. Question. Do you have a sample PDF or something that shows your diagramming of the text? Thanks man!
Thanks Jason. I would be glad to shoot one to you.
Would you mind sending one my way as well?
@disqus_SHxK0dLkYX:disqus I’ll be glad to. Let me know where to send it through the “contact me” link at the bottom of the page and I’ll get one to you!