How To Outline A Sermon
Following is a simple basic outline that will help you to organize your Sermon, Sunday School Lesson or even an article or devotional. It is a practice in my church to choose a young man that is showing spiritual growth, to occasionally preach a sermon to the Sunday night or Wednesday night crowd. This has proved to bless us richly with a great number of mature Christians. As these young men were called, many expressed that they knew basically what they wanted to say but weren't sure how to present it. So I structured this outline to help them.
"You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
1. TITLE: Name of the message. Start here--- usually with a few friendly comments like thanking them for the opportunity to speak, etc. - Or tell a good joke or story. Even "If You're Glad To Be Here Say Amen", is sufficient.
2. TEXT: This is the main scripture that will be used to build the sermon around, and to be read to the congregation while they stand. (Always ask them to stand for the reading of God's Word. This shows your reverence to God and that you expect the same from them)
3. INTRODUCTION: This is used to explain what you're going to preach about. And it should be done in a way to create their curiosity, and command their attention. Using Psalm 107:23-27 as your text:
EXAMPLE: This is one of my favorite stories. This story taught me several years ago how important it is to trust God. In this story we can picture a merchant ship . . . .
4. PROPOSITION: This explains what the scripture is going to tell us and/or how we can apply or compare it to our daily life. Psalm 107:23-27 tells of a storm that brought several men to their "Wits End". You can easily compare the storms in today's life that often brings us to our "Wits End".
EXAMPLE: Like these sailors - sometimes in our Christian life everything's going along fine. -- we're praising God. Then out of nowhere the storms come. And they keep coming.
5. INTERROGATIVE: Asking a question to draw attention that listeners may have something in common with the scriptures that make up the message.
EXAMPLE: Have you ever been to a place in your life where you couldn't see any way out? It seemed you couldn't take it any longer (God when is this gonna stop?) - you were at your wits end. I know you have. I've heard your testimonies. Some of you are there right now.
"A Place Called Wit's End"
6. TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: This is used to transfer to the sermon. Often times this is done by announcing the title of the sermon.
7. PRAY: This is usually where I pray. Some prefer to pray just before, or right after they read the text. Remember to pray for God's guidance and it's very important to remember that everything that you do and say in your message is for His honor and His glory.
This is Where I Let Them Be Seated
8. PRESENT SERMON: Follow your outline. This will keep you in focus. It's ok to tell stories that supports the message. However don't overdo it.
THE MESSAGE TODAY SHOWS US FIVE PHASES WE GO THRU IN THE "STORMS OF OUR LIFE"
I. "Wits End" Is A Place Which God Sometimes Initiates.
II. "Wits End" Is a Place Where God Test Us.
III. "Wits End Is A Place Where We Sometimes Fail The Lord.
IV. "Wits End" Is a Place Where God Takes Over For Us. (The Good News)
V. "Wits End" Is a Place Where Our trials Become Gifts. (After Victory)
VI. "Wits End" Is a Place Non-believers Find Too! (This one will lead to the invitation).
These are your main points. Underneath each one you will add your subtitles. If you have a "Big Screen" these titles and subtitles can be used with power point, and provides opportunity for the congregation to follow along.
9. INVITATION: This is done at the end of the message. And the message should be worked into an alter call. This is the hardest part to master. But the purpose of your message was to get to this point. Very often you can go back to your Interrogative and re-ask your question.
If your Pastor is present, you may want to turn the service back to them at this point and let them complete the invitation for you.
PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE -
If this is new to you, read your sermon out loud until you know it well enough that others don't notice you're reading it. Yes, you may want to read most of your message. This also allows you opportunity to time the length of the message (try to keep it under 40 minutes). Many Preachers with years of experience reads a very large percentage of their sermons. This assures that nothing will be lost that you intended say. If God wants to add to it during presentation then let Him.
Maybe God has not called you to be a pastor or missionary that requires seminary training. But 2 Chronicles 16:9 says that God is looking to show himself strong on behalf of men and women whose hearts are loyal to Him. God is looking more for availability than for ability. All Christians can make themselves available to Him?
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About the Author
Author: Ray Turner -- Retired school teacher from Oklahoma State University's School of Technical Training "Communications". Website dedicated to encourage and teach others to find God's gifts in their life, and to use them to bring others to Christ. http://thebridgetochurch.com/.