Learn the craft of formulating a sermon and Bible class lesson
How to create content
Steps for gathering content:
1. First ask how do I want to present the content? Do I want to present the material in Expository format, Textual format, Topical format or Narrative format?
(Note: I will be using the word, "sermon" often but this advice can also be used for creating Bible class lessons).
For those who do not know what these terms mean...
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A expository sermon is a sermon based/focused on a chapter or part of a chapter. The sermon is centered around the theme of what that chapter is saying. The sermon can use other verses/passages from other parts of the Bible to tie in that chapters theme. This type of sermon tends to have someone read the chapter, pause in certain parts of the reading to explain what is being read. In that explanation, the preacher may tie in other Bible passages from other area's of the Bible to those verses, he just read.
The purpose of expository sermons are to get a congregation acquainted with the Bible passages centering around a chapter and it's theme. Example: in using a chapter like Genesis 1:1-31, you can read each verse talk about each verse and connect other passages in the Bible to specific aspects of the verses your reading or the whole underlining theme your tying the chapter to, which would be about God bring about creation.
You can also use, historical, cultural, archaeological, (creation) sciences, prophecy, etc. in your expository sermons, to connect a certain passage being read from the Bible, with such content.
Note: all sermon formats can use external facts, (like those shown here).
If you want to dumb down and weaken your congregation, (which I've seen in the past,) you can use (other) external facts as a entertainment device and preaching crutch.
The best sermon speakers and experienced Bible teachers, don't need to use such tools, to capture interest.
Refine your speaking art. Practice, practice, practice. You'll become exceptional, without sacrificing quality Bible content to be "interesting" and "entertaining."
Don't become dependent on "secular" crutches. Examples of watering down the Gospel for secular inclusion in sermon formats, can be found in such things as, pop culture, poems, secular quotes, pop psychology, secular stories, secular philosophy, jokes, etc.
I am not saying to never use such content, briefly if it is relevant to the theme presented. If someone drowned in the news and your talking about hell and how short life is, then that story can be brought up. If your preaching on love, you can use a brief quote on love.
What I am saying is this, your there to preach a Bible sermon. Your not there to inform the Lord's body about pop music, Emily Dickinson's poetry, share motivational secular short stories or scary movie quotes, etc. If a sermon is largely revolving around such materials, instead of the Word of God, it is no longer a sermon, it's something else.
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A textual sermon, is focused on using just a Bible text or texts. An example of a textual sermon can be found in Matthew 5:8. This text says, "blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." When a preacher stands up and reads such a text, he can highlight that theme. If desired he can detail the circumstances and history surrounding that passage. After reading the passage from the sermon on the mount, on purity, the preacher can then us other Bible passages on purity, to tie together the beatitude of purity that is mentioned in Matthew.
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A topical sermon is a sermon that talks about a theme or topic. Example: if a preacher wants to talks on a topic like love, he can use his concordance or type on the internet "Bible verses on love" to find Bible passages on this topic. He can arrange the sermon accordingly.
Certain sermon topics are easier to talk about then others, talking about moral themes are easier for example, then talking about people, places and things. Putting together a sermon about love, just requires finding Bible verses on the topic and tying the passages together.
Putting together a sermon about people, places or things will require more detailed research, reading whole passages and chapters to dig into the core of a Bible character, a Bible place or a Bible thing. This requires more time investment and study. To find chapters about a Bible character, a Bible place or a Bible thing, you can again use your concordance. If your looking for a Bible thing, "Ark of the Covenant" you can use your physical concordance to find this topic and the verses related to that topic. You can also go online. Many sites have virtual concordances.
I like using Biblehub for researching the meaning of a word in Hebrew or Greek, for finding parallel passages that relate to each other, for different translations, for find Bible passages to read and copy to my sermon format. Biblehub has a online concordance, a dictionary, etc.
What I tend to do when making a sermon: you can also, just type in "Ark of the Covenant Bible verse" in your search engine. And you'll find many Bible passages that will pop up. Most themes or Bible topics can be found online if you type in the theme/topic and include with the theme/topic the phrase "Bible verse" in the search engine.
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A narratives sermon serves a purpose in bringing out a underlining theme of Biblical truth, through a Bible story. If a preacher talks on the story of Ruth (which can be done in a sermon, it's a short book), he can look at the story, verse by verse and add in his sermon what he wants to address for the verses of a passage being read. He does not need to cover each and every verse/passage or chapter of Ruth, the goal is to underline the main story themes of Ruth. In the Bible verses being read from Ruth, a preacher can tie in other Bible scriptures from other area's of the Bible that can connect to a theme being read. Narratives are great for conveying knowledge of Bible stories. They also serve as a way to bring to light the underlining themes of those stories.
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A well balanced preacher will bring all these formats to light in his sermons and Bible lessons. A man who only speaks on topic's, will inform others on key concepts of doctrine and moral truths, but will leave the audience ignorant on such broad concepts as the theme of redemption, the coming of Jesus, the miracles of God in the OT, the Lord's intolerance of sin towards the Canaanite nations, the patience of Job, the courage of Elijah, etc. that can be found in narratives.
If someone only speaks narratives, the congregation will be ignorant of non story-line (doctrinal) themes, like divorce and remarriage, forsaking the assembly, Bible authority, the work of the church, the qualifications of elders and deacons, etc.
In order to preach the whole council of God, we need to do as Jesus did. He gave parables but he also gave frank statements on core doctrinal concepts.
1. First ask how do I want to present the content? Do I want to present the material in Expository format, Textual format, Topical format or Narrative format?
(Note: I will be using the word, "sermon" often but this advice can also be used for creating Bible class lessons).
For those who do not know what these terms mean...
________________________________________________________________________________
A expository sermon is a sermon based/focused on a chapter or part of a chapter. The sermon is centered around the theme of what that chapter is saying. The sermon can use other verses/passages from other parts of the Bible to tie in that chapters theme. This type of sermon tends to have someone read the chapter, pause in certain parts of the reading to explain what is being read. In that explanation, the preacher may tie in other Bible passages from other area's of the Bible to those verses, he just read.
The purpose of expository sermons are to get a congregation acquainted with the Bible passages centering around a chapter and it's theme. Example: in using a chapter like Genesis 1:1-31, you can read each verse talk about each verse and connect other passages in the Bible to specific aspects of the verses your reading or the whole underlining theme your tying the chapter to, which would be about God bring about creation.
You can also use, historical, cultural, archaeological, (creation) sciences, prophecy, etc. in your expository sermons, to connect a certain passage being read from the Bible, with such content.
Note: all sermon formats can use external facts, (like those shown here).
If you want to dumb down and weaken your congregation, (which I've seen in the past,) you can use (other) external facts as a entertainment device and preaching crutch.
The best sermon speakers and experienced Bible teachers, don't need to use such tools, to capture interest.
Refine your speaking art. Practice, practice, practice. You'll become exceptional, without sacrificing quality Bible content to be "interesting" and "entertaining."
Don't become dependent on "secular" crutches. Examples of watering down the Gospel for secular inclusion in sermon formats, can be found in such things as, pop culture, poems, secular quotes, pop psychology, secular stories, secular philosophy, jokes, etc.
I am not saying to never use such content, briefly if it is relevant to the theme presented. If someone drowned in the news and your talking about hell and how short life is, then that story can be brought up. If your preaching on love, you can use a brief quote on love.
What I am saying is this, your there to preach a Bible sermon. Your not there to inform the Lord's body about pop music, Emily Dickinson's poetry, share motivational secular short stories or scary movie quotes, etc. If a sermon is largely revolving around such materials, instead of the Word of God, it is no longer a sermon, it's something else.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A textual sermon, is focused on using just a Bible text or texts. An example of a textual sermon can be found in Matthew 5:8. This text says, "blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." When a preacher stands up and reads such a text, he can highlight that theme. If desired he can detail the circumstances and history surrounding that passage. After reading the passage from the sermon on the mount, on purity, the preacher can then us other Bible passages on purity, to tie together the beatitude of purity that is mentioned in Matthew.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A topical sermon is a sermon that talks about a theme or topic. Example: if a preacher wants to talks on a topic like love, he can use his concordance or type on the internet "Bible verses on love" to find Bible passages on this topic. He can arrange the sermon accordingly.
Certain sermon topics are easier to talk about then others, talking about moral themes are easier for example, then talking about people, places and things. Putting together a sermon about love, just requires finding Bible verses on the topic and tying the passages together.
Putting together a sermon about people, places or things will require more detailed research, reading whole passages and chapters to dig into the core of a Bible character, a Bible place or a Bible thing. This requires more time investment and study. To find chapters about a Bible character, a Bible place or a Bible thing, you can again use your concordance. If your looking for a Bible thing, "Ark of the Covenant" you can use your physical concordance to find this topic and the verses related to that topic. You can also go online. Many sites have virtual concordances.
I like using Biblehub for researching the meaning of a word in Hebrew or Greek, for finding parallel passages that relate to each other, for different translations, for find Bible passages to read and copy to my sermon format. Biblehub has a online concordance, a dictionary, etc.
What I tend to do when making a sermon: you can also, just type in "Ark of the Covenant Bible verse" in your search engine. And you'll find many Bible passages that will pop up. Most themes or Bible topics can be found online if you type in the theme/topic and include with the theme/topic the phrase "Bible verse" in the search engine.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A narratives sermon serves a purpose in bringing out a underlining theme of Biblical truth, through a Bible story. If a preacher talks on the story of Ruth (which can be done in a sermon, it's a short book), he can look at the story, verse by verse and add in his sermon what he wants to address for the verses of a passage being read. He does not need to cover each and every verse/passage or chapter of Ruth, the goal is to underline the main story themes of Ruth. In the Bible verses being read from Ruth, a preacher can tie in other Bible scriptures from other area's of the Bible that can connect to a theme being read. Narratives are great for conveying knowledge of Bible stories. They also serve as a way to bring to light the underlining themes of those stories.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A well balanced preacher will bring all these formats to light in his sermons and Bible lessons. A man who only speaks on topic's, will inform others on key concepts of doctrine and moral truths, but will leave the audience ignorant on such broad concepts as the theme of redemption, the coming of Jesus, the miracles of God in the OT, the Lord's intolerance of sin towards the Canaanite nations, the patience of Job, the courage of Elijah, etc. that can be found in narratives.
If someone only speaks narratives, the congregation will be ignorant of non story-line (doctrinal) themes, like divorce and remarriage, forsaking the assembly, Bible authority, the work of the church, the qualifications of elders and deacons, etc.
In order to preach the whole council of God, we need to do as Jesus did. He gave parables but he also gave frank statements on core doctrinal concepts.
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Pick your preaching sermon style
When you want to write a sermon or Bible class lesson, pick a theme and then brain storm about what you want to accomplish. Do research online/offline to find scriptures and Bible related truths on a given theme.
Write down what you want to have in the sermon or Bible class lesson.
Before creating a sermon or Bible class lesson, it is important to first decide how you want to deliver your material.
Many years ago, I struggled with the sermon making process. I could not figure out how to do sermon "outlines." It just would not fit, for the longest time. I had to find another venue for making sermons/Bible class lessons. I have since then been able to use outlines.
But sometimes a person need to start where they are at in our preaching process. I will be giving different formats to help you, where you are at in the speaking process and growth process. Know that each of these formats have their strengths and weaknesses.
None of these formats are superior to another. They all have their qualities. They also have different limitations.
I'd encourage you to give each format a test drive and find out what fits with your personality and ability. You can always evolve and change your style later as you grow in the preaching process.
Learn your speaking style. When doing this process you will begin to feel yourself out. You'll learn what needs to improve and what you can capitalize on in the persona you have.
The sermon/Bible class formats that will be covered in detail:
Write down what you want to have in the sermon or Bible class lesson.
Before creating a sermon or Bible class lesson, it is important to first decide how you want to deliver your material.
Many years ago, I struggled with the sermon making process. I could not figure out how to do sermon "outlines." It just would not fit, for the longest time. I had to find another venue for making sermons/Bible class lessons. I have since then been able to use outlines.
But sometimes a person need to start where they are at in our preaching process. I will be giving different formats to help you, where you are at in the speaking process and growth process. Know that each of these formats have their strengths and weaknesses.
None of these formats are superior to another. They all have their qualities. They also have different limitations.
I'd encourage you to give each format a test drive and find out what fits with your personality and ability. You can always evolve and change your style later as you grow in the preaching process.
Learn your speaking style. When doing this process you will begin to feel yourself out. You'll learn what needs to improve and what you can capitalize on in the persona you have.
The sermon/Bible class formats that will be covered in detail:
- Article
- Outlines
- A. Extemporaneous outline sermons
Article Sermon:
A "article sermon" is a sermon that is article based. This format is good for introverted, detailed oriented preachers. It is also a useful venue of pursuit when making Bible class lessons. A 20 minute sermon article on Word Doc (at wording level 10) is about 2 pages, front and back. A 40 minute plus Bible class (article type) lesson is 4 pages, front and back. If you have ever wrote an essay in college or a letter, or been given a school assignment to write on a topic or theme, then writing an article should be a familiar process. For sermon/Bible lesson articles, especially those that will be shared, (with the congregation or online, etc) I recommend using Grammarly, or some online tool to check your spelling and grammar.
When preaching, a person should not just read of the "article sermon," If he practices delivering the content at least three times, he'll be familiar with the material. The preacher who is familiar with the content, can use the "article sermon" as a reference and guide, to look at and read from. But still be interactive with the church.
For spontaneous speakers, who are used to doing "sermon outlines," this article format maybe hard to do. But the experienced preacher should
still try all formats, including this one. With time and practice, he will improve in "article sermons."
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The pro's of using "article sermons"
* You can stay on point and go into detail on heavy Bible themes and topic's. If you want to talk on the line of the Caesars who persecuted the early church and stories of martyrdom, well this format will be better suited then "outline sermons." Do you want to speak on the archaeological and historical proof of Jesus in the Bible, again the "article sermon" format should be considered.
* With "article sermons" you can make detailed handouts to give your congregation. This can help them follow you better when you preach. They can also take the material home to look at later or share with friends. My grandma, would save (through the years), the sermons her preacher preached. He used the "article sermon" format.
* These formats are great for producing Bible class lessons, outlines are less effective in showing detail and in-depth content.
* Writing "article sermons" can have the positive duel aspects of being used for other things, like blog articles, bulletins, eBooks, evangelism materials, etc.
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The con's of using "article sermons"
* It takes more work to appear extemporaneous and spontaneous in sermon delivery.
* For those who use this format, it will take more time to make a sermon or Bible class lesson.
* You will be reading of the article, from time to time, even if practiced 3 times before the actual delivery,
(reading from your material for Bible class lessons, works just fine, but for sermons, it's less appealing).
When preaching, a person should not just read of the "article sermon," If he practices delivering the content at least three times, he'll be familiar with the material. The preacher who is familiar with the content, can use the "article sermon" as a reference and guide, to look at and read from. But still be interactive with the church.
For spontaneous speakers, who are used to doing "sermon outlines," this article format maybe hard to do. But the experienced preacher should
still try all formats, including this one. With time and practice, he will improve in "article sermons."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The pro's of using "article sermons"
* You can stay on point and go into detail on heavy Bible themes and topic's. If you want to talk on the line of the Caesars who persecuted the early church and stories of martyrdom, well this format will be better suited then "outline sermons." Do you want to speak on the archaeological and historical proof of Jesus in the Bible, again the "article sermon" format should be considered.
* With "article sermons" you can make detailed handouts to give your congregation. This can help them follow you better when you preach. They can also take the material home to look at later or share with friends. My grandma, would save (through the years), the sermons her preacher preached. He used the "article sermon" format.
* These formats are great for producing Bible class lessons, outlines are less effective in showing detail and in-depth content.
* Writing "article sermons" can have the positive duel aspects of being used for other things, like blog articles, bulletins, eBooks, evangelism materials, etc.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The con's of using "article sermons"
* It takes more work to appear extemporaneous and spontaneous in sermon delivery.
* For those who use this format, it will take more time to make a sermon or Bible class lesson.
* You will be reading of the article, from time to time, even if practiced 3 times before the actual delivery,
(reading from your material for Bible class lessons, works just fine, but for sermons, it's less appealing).
Outline Sermon:
A sermon outline has markers (numbers, like 1.2.3.4. and letters, like A. B. C. D, Roman numerals, I, II, III, IIII, V, VI, VII, or bullet points, • ) to show specific brief statements highlighted in the outline. See example to your left.
A 20 minute sermon outline on Word, (at wording level 10-12) is about 1 page, front and back. A 40 minute plus Bible class (outline type) lesson is 2 pages, front and back.
Remember with Bible lessons in Bible class, you still may not always get finished, due to people asking questions, giving comments, conducting opening prayer, etc.
This type of sermon requires being more nimble on your feet. Not everything will be written down. You'll have to think on your toes in adding transitions from one point to the next and a good speaker will also be somewhat extemporaneous in detailing the points given.
Example: in the template you will see B. 1. Let's say the outline is about salvation. You can say, in this part of the outline, "we need to be saved, as the people at Pentecost were," you can also have the Bible passage mentioned of Acts 2:38. In reading Acts 2:38 and in speaking on the concept of the people of Pentecost, their will be a need to speak spontaneously/ad-lib in the dialogue.
These outline sermon "markers," (numbers, like 1.2.3.4. and letters, like A. B. C. D, Roman numerals, I, II, III, IIII, V, VI, VII, or bullet points, • ) are there for you to highlight your points. They serve as guiding posts, to keep you on topic and lead you through the sermon. When you talk on your highlighted points, you'll find (in outline sermon) the need to think quickly and speak extemporaneous.
Now (for outline sermons) the more comfortable you are with such speech, the less content (not referring to Bible truth, I'm referring to written down personal statements given in regard to the preaching of the truth, ) will need to be written down. The more uncomfortable you are with this format, the more wording can be written down. You will see that different preachers have different sermon outline formats. Some have passages of writings and some a few phrases.
Neither are bad. It depends on the personality of the preacher and their social interests of speaking.
See the website "executable outlines" for great outline sermon examples from church of Christ preachers.
This link will help detail, how to put together this type of sermon. http://executableoutlines.com
I like to add in my "article sermons" and in the different outline sermons I preach, the scriptures from the Bible passages, I will speak on, to the sermon format. I like using the Bible, but it's easier to have them written down in my sermon for quick access. This is a personal choice. Find out what works for you. Don't forget to give people time to turn to the Bible passages you mention in your sermon. I mention the passage I will read at least 2-3 times. I read it clearly and I don't rush the reading.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The pro's of using "outline sermons"
* This format will give you more fluidity in your speech.
* You will spend less time making a sermon then you would in sermon article writing.
* Your more engaged with the audience and the audience is more engaged with you,
then they would be if your using a sermon article.
The con's of using "outline sermons"
* Though outlines maybe more engaging then article sermons, they are not as detailed. If you really want to inform a group on
a matter that requires intensive study and application, article sermons are the best.
* If you want to pass out material to your congregation for them to follow in Bible class or in your sermon, outlines are not as useful
as written article sermons/lessons.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Extemporaneous outline sermons:
Note: extemporaneous sermon creation and delivery is advances work.
You may want to review this later down the road and practice it later. The choice is yours.
For those who want to expand and test different avenues with this idea. If you want to aim for being an extemporaneous (sermon) speaker.
You can add content and leave a space open for spontaneous speech, that is related to the content of the sermon.
Example: An outline can have B. 1. detailing the scripture about the resurrection appearance of Jesus appearing before Mary Magdalene. And subsequent facts related to the passage, you wished written down and shared. Then, in the following outline of B. 2. you can be spontaneous. It maybe hard, but with time, words will come (in relation to the theme) and you will become quicker on your feet. You can and should (also) think about idea's you want say for the spontaneous parts of the sermon. Such idea's will ferment in your head. In the thoughts your thinking about in the spontaneous part of the sermon, you can think about speaking... about how startled Marry must have been and over joyed, to think her friend and Master was before here...etc.
Then B 3, you can again give your Bible passages and written content, then in B 4, you can again give spontaneous thoughts on what was read in B 3. And that is how such a sermon is given, you go back and forth from written content to extemporaneous speaking.
It may be choppy at first, but when you practice a sermon at least 3 times and let the extemporaneous thoughts sit in your head, the idea's thought out will develop and come together. You'll find with multiple deliveries that extemporaneous sermons can become polished and detailed, in it's delivery. When delivering the sermon to test it out, practice speaking the sermon at least 3 times. You will find the spontaneous parts will begin to develop, each time you deliver the sermon.
Extemporaneous sermon outlines are an advanced sermon delivery format. The more a person is comfortable with article sermons and regular sermon outlines, the more they can test these waters and see how they interact with extemporaneous sermon outlines, (in delivery).
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The pro's of using "extemporaneous outline sermons" (for those who get this mastered)
* Spontaneous sermons, with practice can become powerful in performance.
* They are more emotionally connective and motivational.
* Such sermons require less work then a "article sermon" or a regular "outline sermon."
* This format will grab the audiences attention.
The con's of using "extemporaneous outline sermons"
* You can't go into as great of detail as you could with article sermons or even regular outlines.
* I know of preachers who slip up in extemporaneous sermons, when they try to go in-depth into hard doctrinal matters.
It's easy to do, if the content and topic requires a great deal of details from the Bible and written down facts.
Such sermons are better based in article sermons or at the very least in regular outline sermons.
* Yes, this format will motivate and inspire, which if that is what your aiming for serves it's purpose. But if you want to
go into meaty subjects and serious doctrinal/grounding applications, that require alot of specific detail in delivery, this format
is not the best for those occasions. If you want to uplift and talk about heaven, this works, but if you want to go into
the fundamentals of premillennialism, this format is not the best.
A 20 minute sermon outline on Word, (at wording level 10-12) is about 1 page, front and back. A 40 minute plus Bible class (outline type) lesson is 2 pages, front and back.
Remember with Bible lessons in Bible class, you still may not always get finished, due to people asking questions, giving comments, conducting opening prayer, etc.
This type of sermon requires being more nimble on your feet. Not everything will be written down. You'll have to think on your toes in adding transitions from one point to the next and a good speaker will also be somewhat extemporaneous in detailing the points given.
Example: in the template you will see B. 1. Let's say the outline is about salvation. You can say, in this part of the outline, "we need to be saved, as the people at Pentecost were," you can also have the Bible passage mentioned of Acts 2:38. In reading Acts 2:38 and in speaking on the concept of the people of Pentecost, their will be a need to speak spontaneously/ad-lib in the dialogue.
These outline sermon "markers," (numbers, like 1.2.3.4. and letters, like A. B. C. D, Roman numerals, I, II, III, IIII, V, VI, VII, or bullet points, • ) are there for you to highlight your points. They serve as guiding posts, to keep you on topic and lead you through the sermon. When you talk on your highlighted points, you'll find (in outline sermon) the need to think quickly and speak extemporaneous.
Now (for outline sermons) the more comfortable you are with such speech, the less content (not referring to Bible truth, I'm referring to written down personal statements given in regard to the preaching of the truth, ) will need to be written down. The more uncomfortable you are with this format, the more wording can be written down. You will see that different preachers have different sermon outline formats. Some have passages of writings and some a few phrases.
Neither are bad. It depends on the personality of the preacher and their social interests of speaking.
See the website "executable outlines" for great outline sermon examples from church of Christ preachers.
This link will help detail, how to put together this type of sermon. http://executableoutlines.com
I like to add in my "article sermons" and in the different outline sermons I preach, the scriptures from the Bible passages, I will speak on, to the sermon format. I like using the Bible, but it's easier to have them written down in my sermon for quick access. This is a personal choice. Find out what works for you. Don't forget to give people time to turn to the Bible passages you mention in your sermon. I mention the passage I will read at least 2-3 times. I read it clearly and I don't rush the reading.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The pro's of using "outline sermons"
* This format will give you more fluidity in your speech.
* You will spend less time making a sermon then you would in sermon article writing.
* Your more engaged with the audience and the audience is more engaged with you,
then they would be if your using a sermon article.
The con's of using "outline sermons"
* Though outlines maybe more engaging then article sermons, they are not as detailed. If you really want to inform a group on
a matter that requires intensive study and application, article sermons are the best.
* If you want to pass out material to your congregation for them to follow in Bible class or in your sermon, outlines are not as useful
as written article sermons/lessons.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Extemporaneous outline sermons:
Note: extemporaneous sermon creation and delivery is advances work.
You may want to review this later down the road and practice it later. The choice is yours.
For those who want to expand and test different avenues with this idea. If you want to aim for being an extemporaneous (sermon) speaker.
You can add content and leave a space open for spontaneous speech, that is related to the content of the sermon.
Example: An outline can have B. 1. detailing the scripture about the resurrection appearance of Jesus appearing before Mary Magdalene. And subsequent facts related to the passage, you wished written down and shared. Then, in the following outline of B. 2. you can be spontaneous. It maybe hard, but with time, words will come (in relation to the theme) and you will become quicker on your feet. You can and should (also) think about idea's you want say for the spontaneous parts of the sermon. Such idea's will ferment in your head. In the thoughts your thinking about in the spontaneous part of the sermon, you can think about speaking... about how startled Marry must have been and over joyed, to think her friend and Master was before here...etc.
Then B 3, you can again give your Bible passages and written content, then in B 4, you can again give spontaneous thoughts on what was read in B 3. And that is how such a sermon is given, you go back and forth from written content to extemporaneous speaking.
It may be choppy at first, but when you practice a sermon at least 3 times and let the extemporaneous thoughts sit in your head, the idea's thought out will develop and come together. You'll find with multiple deliveries that extemporaneous sermons can become polished and detailed, in it's delivery. When delivering the sermon to test it out, practice speaking the sermon at least 3 times. You will find the spontaneous parts will begin to develop, each time you deliver the sermon.
Extemporaneous sermon outlines are an advanced sermon delivery format. The more a person is comfortable with article sermons and regular sermon outlines, the more they can test these waters and see how they interact with extemporaneous sermon outlines, (in delivery).
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The pro's of using "extemporaneous outline sermons" (for those who get this mastered)
* Spontaneous sermons, with practice can become powerful in performance.
* They are more emotionally connective and motivational.
* Such sermons require less work then a "article sermon" or a regular "outline sermon."
* This format will grab the audiences attention.
The con's of using "extemporaneous outline sermons"
* You can't go into as great of detail as you could with article sermons or even regular outlines.
* I know of preachers who slip up in extemporaneous sermons, when they try to go in-depth into hard doctrinal matters.
It's easy to do, if the content and topic requires a great deal of details from the Bible and written down facts.
Such sermons are better based in article sermons or at the very least in regular outline sermons.
* Yes, this format will motivate and inspire, which if that is what your aiming for serves it's purpose. But if you want to
go into meaty subjects and serious doctrinal/grounding applications, that require alot of specific detail in delivery, this format
is not the best for those occasions. If you want to uplift and talk about heaven, this works, but if you want to go into
the fundamentals of premillennialism, this format is not the best.
Preaching Exercises to improve in oral delivery.
Keys to Delivery performance
These preaching tips are for those who are not "church preachers" but want to improve in this field. Many young men and older men, may want to preach, but don't have a platform for such vocal training and exercise practice. Note: these tips can also help the seasoned preacher, improve, as well. Especially if combined with the page content in "Public speaking exercises." Both both novice and experienced preacher, should combine the public speaking content.
If you want to improve in sermon making and delivery here are some exercises to do. Note: this is hard core. It is designed to make you grow in this process and grow quickly. It is not meant to be easy. It is meant to help you. I know it works. Test it out for yourself and you will see it begin to work as well. After a season, you'll not be the same.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exercises:
First month...
1. Find a day....to make a sermon each week for a month. Learn the process more thoroughly by doing the work.
A. Once the sermon is made, get a video camera and record yourself, delivering the content. Yes, it might be sloppy. Mine was a mess.
But you need to see yourself, to learn about your facial gestures, your vocal speech patterns, (clarity of speech, confidence, volume, etc).
When you speak a sermon/deliver it, you may want to make corrections, afterwards. This is part of the refining process. This is useful in enhancing the quality of the content and in cleaning up mistakes.
Note: for delivery, I have installed a stop watch app on my cell phone, that I can monitor to make sure I don't go over time. This is good to have on hand to use in your content delivery. Use a phone app or a device you can easily look at, (without being obvious) while speaking. This process will come in handy when your speaking at a church.
Having a video, (especially one you can look at while speaking) can speed up the learning and improvement curve of visual and audio delivery.
For when you speak your not only talking with your voice, but with your body language and behavior. Set up a recording stand, get a video camera.
B. After you delivered the sermon once, deliver it again two more times on video camera. When you continue to analyze (for improvement) the video presentations, you WILL watch yourself grow. Doing this helps one become familiar with the content and internalize the material. Doing this gives the content a more polished and spontaneous delivery when presented. And your less likely to make mistakes, when speaking to an audience. To many preachers, even those who have been doing such work for years, misspeak from time to time, due to not giving the material adequate preparation time. Practice, practice, practice.
Sadly, some preachers, after 50 years are still just as dry and inarticulate as the first time they preached. Simple reason for this, they are not trying to improve. They are not analyzing their content under a microscope. They are not seeking to change from the way they deliver their content. Make improvement your goal. When you do this, as time passes, you will notice a great difference between your first video and the last video you made.
C. I'd also encourage you to share what you write concerning these materials in some type of public forum, wife, friends, or a social media platform like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. This builds accountability.
D. I also exhort you to speak to an audience. You may not have a church to preach at. But to help you overcome stage freight. And help build "speaking" confidence, PUBLIC speaking is important.
Practice speaking one of your sermons, (each week) on Facebook live or YouTube live. If you don't have one of these accounts, set it up. Again the more you do such PUBLIC activities, the less timid and anxious you will be. This will help prepare you for public speaking at church.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Second month...
2. After you have done the above exercise for a month, then in the following month, start trying to make two sermons a week, each week for a month. Rinse and repeat the above exercises of the first month.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Third month...
3. Once you have invested 2 months in making sermons, for the third month add a Bible class lesson to your load. Create and deliver two sermons and a Bible class lesson each week for a month. Practice speaking the content 3 times on camera.
I know delivering a Bible class lesson on camera is not the same as delivering such material to a Bible class. A class is more interactive. But this will still get you used to the format of lengthy delivery (40 plus minutes) and give you lesson materials to create and talk on. The delivery process of 3 times, will enhance your Bible lesson skill set, as well.
AGAIN, repeat the exercises of the first month.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See if you can handle this work load. For this is a big part of being a preacher. Making sermons/Bible class lessons and delivering them is what a church expects of you. And it is what you must be able to do.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Side notes for personal development: (Optional yet prudent)
4. Watch/listen to people in the motivational speaking genre. Like those who are on YouTube. Watch how they speak. Take notes. Watch/listen (online) to articulate preachers and those who give in-depth/meaty content in their presentations. Take notes.
5. Work out with weights at least 3 times a week for an hour or more times a week, for less lengthy periods. This builds testosterone. After a few months of working out like this, you will notice more primal energy, a deeper voice, a stronger presence, a more intense delivery. If you stop working out, you will lose this testosterone and these qualities. A healthy preacher can do more for the Lord, then a preacher who has health issues. So exercise my be optional, but it is still a discerning choice to make.
6. Eat healthy, take care of self. If your tired, weak, etc. this will affect work performance and sermon delivery.
Your better to God as a healthy man, then in the hospital.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual rituals to do:
7. Pray for God to be used in you. Always make that the first priority for the service you are doing.
8. Study daily. Pray daily. A strong spirit, makes for a strong preacher in delivery and in influence.
9. Like anything, if you don't keep this up, (studying, sermon prep/delivery, etc.) you will lose it. You'll lose your edge, your accumulated skill set in speaking, etc.
If you want to improve in sermon making and delivery here are some exercises to do. Note: this is hard core. It is designed to make you grow in this process and grow quickly. It is not meant to be easy. It is meant to help you. I know it works. Test it out for yourself and you will see it begin to work as well. After a season, you'll not be the same.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Exercises:
First month...
1. Find a day....to make a sermon each week for a month. Learn the process more thoroughly by doing the work.
A. Once the sermon is made, get a video camera and record yourself, delivering the content. Yes, it might be sloppy. Mine was a mess.
But you need to see yourself, to learn about your facial gestures, your vocal speech patterns, (clarity of speech, confidence, volume, etc).
When you speak a sermon/deliver it, you may want to make corrections, afterwards. This is part of the refining process. This is useful in enhancing the quality of the content and in cleaning up mistakes.
Note: for delivery, I have installed a stop watch app on my cell phone, that I can monitor to make sure I don't go over time. This is good to have on hand to use in your content delivery. Use a phone app or a device you can easily look at, (without being obvious) while speaking. This process will come in handy when your speaking at a church.
Having a video, (especially one you can look at while speaking) can speed up the learning and improvement curve of visual and audio delivery.
For when you speak your not only talking with your voice, but with your body language and behavior. Set up a recording stand, get a video camera.
B. After you delivered the sermon once, deliver it again two more times on video camera. When you continue to analyze (for improvement) the video presentations, you WILL watch yourself grow. Doing this helps one become familiar with the content and internalize the material. Doing this gives the content a more polished and spontaneous delivery when presented. And your less likely to make mistakes, when speaking to an audience. To many preachers, even those who have been doing such work for years, misspeak from time to time, due to not giving the material adequate preparation time. Practice, practice, practice.
Sadly, some preachers, after 50 years are still just as dry and inarticulate as the first time they preached. Simple reason for this, they are not trying to improve. They are not analyzing their content under a microscope. They are not seeking to change from the way they deliver their content. Make improvement your goal. When you do this, as time passes, you will notice a great difference between your first video and the last video you made.
C. I'd also encourage you to share what you write concerning these materials in some type of public forum, wife, friends, or a social media platform like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. This builds accountability.
D. I also exhort you to speak to an audience. You may not have a church to preach at. But to help you overcome stage freight. And help build "speaking" confidence, PUBLIC speaking is important.
Practice speaking one of your sermons, (each week) on Facebook live or YouTube live. If you don't have one of these accounts, set it up. Again the more you do such PUBLIC activities, the less timid and anxious you will be. This will help prepare you for public speaking at church.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Second month...
2. After you have done the above exercise for a month, then in the following month, start trying to make two sermons a week, each week for a month. Rinse and repeat the above exercises of the first month.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Third month...
3. Once you have invested 2 months in making sermons, for the third month add a Bible class lesson to your load. Create and deliver two sermons and a Bible class lesson each week for a month. Practice speaking the content 3 times on camera.
I know delivering a Bible class lesson on camera is not the same as delivering such material to a Bible class. A class is more interactive. But this will still get you used to the format of lengthy delivery (40 plus minutes) and give you lesson materials to create and talk on. The delivery process of 3 times, will enhance your Bible lesson skill set, as well.
AGAIN, repeat the exercises of the first month.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
See if you can handle this work load. For this is a big part of being a preacher. Making sermons/Bible class lessons and delivering them is what a church expects of you. And it is what you must be able to do.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Side notes for personal development: (Optional yet prudent)
4. Watch/listen to people in the motivational speaking genre. Like those who are on YouTube. Watch how they speak. Take notes. Watch/listen (online) to articulate preachers and those who give in-depth/meaty content in their presentations. Take notes.
5. Work out with weights at least 3 times a week for an hour or more times a week, for less lengthy periods. This builds testosterone. After a few months of working out like this, you will notice more primal energy, a deeper voice, a stronger presence, a more intense delivery. If you stop working out, you will lose this testosterone and these qualities. A healthy preacher can do more for the Lord, then a preacher who has health issues. So exercise my be optional, but it is still a discerning choice to make.
6. Eat healthy, take care of self. If your tired, weak, etc. this will affect work performance and sermon delivery.
Your better to God as a healthy man, then in the hospital.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Spiritual rituals to do:
7. Pray for God to be used in you. Always make that the first priority for the service you are doing.
8. Study daily. Pray daily. A strong spirit, makes for a strong preacher in delivery and in influence.
9. Like anything, if you don't keep this up, (studying, sermon prep/delivery, etc.) you will lose it. You'll lose your edge, your accumulated skill set in speaking, etc.