Preparing a Sermon

This week we have been listing to students prepare message getting ready for an event we are doing soon.

As I listen to them and help them in the process of preparing a message here are some thoughts I have. These are in no certain order and there are a lot more but I thought I would just give you 10:

1. Spend time in preparation for your message. You can never present well unless your sermon is prepared.
2. Get the message organized. For a message to come across clear it must flow well. Be sure your text, Illustrations and content all flow throughout the whole message
3. Practice, Practice, Practice. The more you rehearse your message the better you will be.
4. Do not wait until last Minute. Prepare weeks out.
5. Do not be Monotone in your presentation. Have some fluctuation in your voice.
6. Have Illustrations that relate to your message. Don’t just tell a story just because be sure all the message has purpose and flow!!!
7. Be Transparent. Don’t be afraid to laugh, cry and have fun!!!
8. Don’t read your sermon. Practice it so it is conversational and not reading.
9. Have a time limit to your message and try to stick right with it
10. Pray over your message

Here is a brief outline on how to prepare a message by Eric Hystad:
I. Introduction
A. Interesting illustration to begin the message
B. Read the topic passage and introduce the character
C. Give the thesis sentence - people should know where they are going …

II. Body of message (usually 3 points is plenty - make sure the points are different from the others - too much similarity in points makes for a very boring message
A. Repeat thesis point 1.
1. Reread the particular verse in your passage that supports the point
2. Comment on your character and how he/she relates to this point
3. Relevant personal illustration from their own life (we want to hear about them - it is always best that our people get a feel for what God is doing in their life …)
4. Reference to other related verses that support the point (one or two is fine)

B. Repeat for point 2
C. Repeat for point 3

III. Conclusion
Brief closing illustration. This doesn’t have to be from their own life. Close with a repeat of the thesis statement.