December
2007 Sermon Tip --
Crafting an Outstanding Sermon – Part Two (of Three)
In November 2007,
we introduced the basic formula for any solid sermon, and discussed
the Introduction, which constitutes approximately 5% of the talk.
This month, we explore the Body and the Conclusion of a sermon.
Next month, transitions and SOS (Source of Support) techniques will
be covered.
Say It (aka The
Body) – 90% of the Sermon
As a general
guideline, the Body of the sermon should contain 2 – 3 major,
distinguishable points. By having clearly articulated points, you
stay on track and your congregation can more easily follow along
and, by keeping the Body to 2-3 major points, you can explore each
one with depth.
Narrowing a sermon
down to just major 3 points may be a challenge, so make a distinction
between the “need to knows” and the “nice to knows”
and focus on the “need to knows.” Refer back to your
purpose statement, and make sure your points fit your purpose (See
the October 2007 sermon tip for a discussion
of purpose).
Having said that,
there may be times when 2 – 3 major points simply won’t
work. Perhaps the topic just doesn’t lend itself to that kind
of breakdown and seems to need to be organized as one continuous
flow of ideas. This is perfectly acceptable and can be very powerful
if you stay on track
Or, perhaps you
choose to use an acronym of more than 3 letters as the structure
for your points, such as “G-R-O-W-T-H” is used to discuss
5 major points in one of the November 2007 sermons. Bear in mind,
you can’t get much depth under each point, so it is really
important that you get the most “bang for your buck”
by articulating only the most valuable, growth-provoking ideas.
In this case, you’ll definitely want to stick to the “need
to know” thoughts.
Say What You Said (aka The Conclusion) – 5% of the Sermon
This is your
final opportunity to make an impression/leave an impact. It should
be brief yet strong. It should:
• Summarize/review
– BRIEFLY
• Focus on what you want your congregation to take with them
• Leave them with a challenge/plan of action
• Be “Famous Last Words”
• Leave on an Up Note!
NEVER conclude
a presentation with, “…well, that’s all we’ve
got time for” or “That’s all I have to say.”
If you focus
on the components of a solid Introduction, a focused Body, a powerful
Conclusion, you will have a solid and acceptable talk. But, you
are going for more than “acceptable.” To make your talk
impactful and transformative, you need glue to hold it all together
and you need pictures to bring color to your points. We will discuss
those components in January 2008.
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