Contents Click to Jump to Each Section Strategy 3 Day 1 4 Day 2 6 Day 3 8 Day 4 9 Day 5 10 Day 6 11 Day 7 12 2
Strategy 1. Plan Sermon Series Sermon Series Name: 2. Choose Passage/Text Bible Text: 3. Formulate the Big Idea of the Text Big Idea of the Passage: 3
Day 1 Study Step 1: Personal Study Read the Bible passage multiple times. Think about what the one Big Idea of the text is. Does it line up with what you wrote down months ago? Step 2: Formal Study What do others have to say about the text or topic? (Commentaries, books, and other sermons). Write down your findings so you can include them in your message. This step will form the foundation for your sermon. You won t use everything you read, but this is your chance to make note of important points in the text as well as clues found in the passage s original language. 4
Day 1 Notes: Step 3: Finalize the Big Idea of the passage As a result of study, write down what you believe is the one Big Idea of the passage. It might not change much, if at all, from your original thesis. Big Idea of the Passage: Example: Luke 22:39-62 Big Idea of the Text: Jesus relied on God s strength as he faced the cross, allowing the same disciples who abandoned Him to later be courageous in the face of death. 5
Day 2 Sticky Step 1: Create a Sticky Statement Using the Big Idea of your passage, create one sticky statement that sums up your entire message. Your Sticky Statement should apply and contemporize the Big Idea of the text. Craft it in such a way that your audience can remember it long after the sermon is over. Sticky Statement: Example - Luke 22:39-62 Big Idea of the Text: Jesus relied on God s strength as he faced the cross, allowing the same disciples who abandoned Him to later be courageous in the face of death. Sticky Statement: Jesus did what we couldn t; now, we can do what he could. Step 2: Write Down Your End Goal What do you want your congregation to do as a result of this message? Make this clear, precise, and applicable. End Goal: 6
Day 2 Example - Luke 22:39-62 Big Idea of the Text: Jesus relied on God s strength as he faced the cross, allowing the same disciples who abandoned Him to later be courageous in the face of death. Sticky Statement: Jesus did what we couldn t; now, we can do what he could. End Goal: As a result of reflecting on Jesus death and resurrection, I want the people in my congregation to make a courageous step to share the love of Jesus with one person this week. Step 3: Outline Your Sermon Now that you know where your sermon is going, outline your message. There are many different methods you can utilize. Find out what works best for you and communicates the text effectively. In each section of your outline, write down one clear sentence that summarizes that header or point. Example: Traditional 2-4 Point Method; Andy Stanley s Me, We, God, You, We; Running Commentary, etc. 7
Day 3 Style Step 1: Introduction and Conclusion Now that the bare bones of your sermon is put together, craft a compelling introduction and conclusion. A good introduction captures attention and answers this question for the audience: Why do I need to listen? A good conclusion summarizes the messages and pushes audiences to the end goal: What do I need to do? Step 2: Illustrations By now, you ve probably already thought of sermon illustrations for your message. Plug those in and research more. Step 3: Fill in Outline Using your study notes from Day 1 and your End Goal, fill out the Bible (or explanation) and the application portions of your message. 8
Day 4 Solidify Step 1: Finish Illustrations Finish researching illustrations and inserting them into your message. Step 2: Finish Sermon Content Finish filling out the outline then double check the content. Have you adequately communicated the Big Idea? Is the message practical? Useful? Attention grabbing? 9
Day 5 Sabbath Take a day off from sermon prep. Usually this will coincide with your personal day off. 10
Day 6 Say Step 1: Practice Verbally preach through your message once or twice, making notes on what you need to tweak or change. 11
Day 7 Speak 12