God …“never gives His God …“never gives His servants a work to do servants a work to do without also giving them without also giving them all needed help.” all needed help.”

-F.B. Meyer -F.B. Meyer

Much like teaching, Much like teaching, preaching is a discipline preaching is a discipline

and process that and process that requires: requires:

• Planning Planning • PreparationPreparation• PracticePractice• Perspiration Perspiration

The proclamation of the Word of God The proclamation of the Word of God (The Holy Bible), by a human (The Holy Bible), by a human

messenger, in the power of the Holy messenger, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of declaring Spirit, for the purpose of declaring the life transforming truth of the the life transforming truth of the

Gospel (Good News).Gospel (Good News).

GodGod

Biblical Biblical WriterWriter

PreacherPreacher

AudienceAudience

• ““I am eager to preach the gospel to you I am eager to preach the gospel to you …who are in Rome,” …who are in Rome,” Romans 1:15 Romans 1:15

• “… “… been born anew, not of perishable been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” 1 living and abiding word of God.” 1 PeterPeter 1:23 1:23

• ““is the good news which was is the good news which was preachedpreached to to you,” you,” 1 Peter 1:25 1 Peter 1:25

The communication of a The communication of a biblical concept derived biblical concept derived from and transmitted from and transmitted through a historical, through a historical, grammatical and literary grammatical and literary study of a passage(s) in study of a passage(s) in its context, which the its context, which the Holy Spirit first applies Holy Spirit first applies to the personality and to the personality and experience of the experience of the preacher, then through preacher, then through him to his hearers. him to his hearers.

““Ultimately God is more Ultimately God is more interested in developing interested in developing messengers than messengers than messages, and since the messages, and since the Holy Spirit confronts men Holy Spirit confronts men primarily through the primarily through the Bible, a preacher must Bible, a preacher must learn to listen to God learn to listen to God before he speaks for Him.”before he speaks for Him.”

----Haddon RobinsonHaddon Robinson

• As an As an exegeteexegete (one who explains and/or (one who explains and/or interprets a text) he struggles with the interprets a text) he struggles with the meanings of the biblical writer.meanings of the biblical writer.

• As a As a man (or woman) of God man (or woman) of God he wrestles with he wrestles with how God wants to change him personally.how God wants to change him personally.

• As a As a preacherpreacher he ponders what God wants to he ponders what God wants to say to his congregation.say to his congregation.

• Answer the questions on the questionnaire.Answer the questions on the questionnaire.• You will have five minutes to complete this You will have five minutes to complete this

before we share our answers to question 4.before we share our answers to question 4.• Which element—the sermon or the Which element—the sermon or the

presentation—had the greatest impact? presentation—had the greatest impact?

• ‘‘Ideally each sermon is the Ideally each sermon is the explanation, interpretation, or explanation, interpretation, or application of aapplication of a single dominant single dominant ideaidea supported by other ideas’ supported by other ideas’

--Haddon Robinson--Haddon Robinson• An idea has two parts: a An idea has two parts: a subjectsubject

and a and a complementcomplement. Both are . Both are necessary for an idea to be necessary for an idea to be complete. complete.

• Subject:Subject:– What am I talking about?What am I talking about?

• Complement:Complement:– What am I saying about what I am talking about?What am I saying about what I am talking about?

• Example:Example:– SubjectSubject: : WWhat is the test of holiness?hat is the test of holiness?– Complement(s)Complement(s): : • The test of holiness is to love what God loves.The test of holiness is to love what God loves.• The test of holiness is to hate what God hates.The test of holiness is to hate what God hates.• The test of holiness is to be like Jesus. The test of holiness is to be like Jesus.

Praise the Lord, all nations;Praise the Lord, all nations;Extol Him, all you people!Extol Him, all you people!

For His love is strong,For His love is strong,His faithfulness eternalHis faithfulness eternal

• Subject: Subject: Why everyone should praise the LordWhy everyone should praise the Lord• Complements: Complements: – because His love is strongbecause His love is strong– because His faithfulness is eternalbecause His faithfulness is eternal

• Divide into groups of 4Divide into groups of 4• Some groups will be working on Some groups will be working on

the same texts and can share their the same texts and can share their results later.results later.

• Use the text assigned and write a Use the text assigned and write a subject and complement for the subject and complement for the big idea!big idea!

• Groups AGroups A Proverbs 22:1Proverbs 22:1 Groups BGroups B 1 Timothy 5:1-21 Timothy 5:1-2

• TextualTextual: : –main divisions [parts] are derived from a main divisions [parts] are derived from a

text consisting of a brief portion of text consisting of a brief portion of Scripture. Scripture. – Each division is used as a line of suggestionEach division is used as a line of suggestion– Text provides the theme of the sermonText provides the theme of the sermon– Supporting texts Supporting texts

• TopicalTopical::– Derived from the topicDerived from the topic– Independently of a text Independently of a text

• ExpositoryExpository: : – Extended portion of Scripture is interpretedExtended portion of Scripture is interpreted– Material drawn directly from the passage Material drawn directly from the passage – Series of progressive ideas centered on that Series of progressive ideas centered on that

one main idea. one main idea. – Single passage being studied alone supports Single passage being studied alone supports

what is being preached. what is being preached.

• Activity:Activity:– Research and find some Research and find some

biblical texts that talk biblical texts that talk about God’s love. How are about God’s love. How are these texts related? How these texts related? How are they different? Do are they different? Do some support others? some support others? How? How?

– Using one of the texts, try Using one of the texts, try and state the big idea and state the big idea including a subject and including a subject and complement.complement.

• The main objectives of study are: The main objectives of study are: – To discover and analyze the biblical ideaTo discover and analyze the biblical idea– To formulate the sermon idea and main divisionsTo formulate the sermon idea and main divisions– To determine the sermon’s purpose and how to To determine the sermon’s purpose and how to

accomplish itaccomplish it

• Source = BibleSource = Bible• ContextContext• Other TranslationsOther Translations• ““living with” the textliving with” the text• Cross references in ScriptureCross references in Scripture

•Secondary Secondary resources: resources: –Concordance, Concordance, English Dictionary, English Dictionary, Thesaurus, Thesaurus, Commentaries, Commentaries, Word Studies, Word Studies, Salvation Army Salvation Army ResourcesResources

• SubjectSubject– I had six faithful friends,I had six faithful friends,They taught me all I knew,They taught me all I knew,Their names are How Their names are How and What and Why,and What and Why,When and Where and Who.When and Where and Who.

• ActivityActivity– Individually form a subject Individually form a subject

statement for John 3:16. Write this statement for John 3:16. Write this statement on the bottom of the statement on the bottom of the ‘Aids to thinking’ sheet. ‘Aids to thinking’ sheet.

• Example:Example:– SubjectSubject: : The distinct qualities of God’s gift in Jesus are…The distinct qualities of God’s gift in Jesus are…

– ComplementsComplements: : • II. It is a love gift (. It is a love gift (God so lovedGod so loved…)…)• IIII. It is a sacrificial gift (. It is a sacrificial gift (that He gave His one and onlythat He gave His one and only))• IIIIII. It is a universal gift (. It is a universal gift (whoeverwhoever))• IVIV. It is a conditional gift (. It is a conditional gift (believesbelieves))• VV. It is an eternal gift (. It is an eternal gift (shall not perish but have eternal lifeshall not perish but have eternal life))

• Biblical Idea:Biblical Idea:– The distinct qualities of God’s gift in Jesus are The distinct qualities of God’s gift in Jesus are

loving, sacrificial, universal, conditional and loving, sacrificial, universal, conditional and eternal.eternal.

• Activity:Activity:– Formulate your own complements to the subject Formulate your own complements to the subject

based on John 3:16. based on John 3:16. – In three minutes you will share your subject and In three minutes you will share your subject and

complements with your neighbor. complements with your neighbor. – Write your Biblical idea in the last section of the Write your Biblical idea in the last section of the

‘Aids to Thinking’ sheet. ‘Aids to Thinking’ sheet.

• The proposition [sermon idea] is a simple The proposition [sermon idea] is a simple declaration of the subject, which the preacher declaration of the subject, which the preacher proposes to discuss, develop, prove or explain proposes to discuss, develop, prove or explain in the discourse [sermon]. In other words, it is in the discourse [sermon]. In other words, it is a statement of the main spiritual lesson [idea] a statement of the main spiritual lesson [idea] or timeless truth in the sermon reduced to or timeless truth in the sermon reduced to one declarative sentence. one declarative sentence.

• The sermon idea [proposition] is the The sermon idea [proposition] is the statement of a biblical concept in statement of a biblical concept in such a way that it accurately reflects such a way that it accurately reflects the Bible and meaningfully relates to the Bible and meaningfully relates to the congregation.the congregation.

Three worlds for the PreacherThree worlds for the Preacher– The ancient world of the BibleThe ancient world of the Bible– The Modern WorldThe Modern World– The preacher’s own particular The preacher’s own particular

worldworld• Questions:Questions:– What does this mean?What does this mean?– Is it true?Is it true?– What difference does it What difference does it

make?make?

• Activity:Activity:– Write a sermon idea for John 3:16 on your ‘Basic Write a sermon idea for John 3:16 on your ‘Basic

Outline for Sermons’ handout in the space Outline for Sermons’ handout in the space provided. provided.

• “…“…No man is better for No man is better for knowing that God so loved knowing that God so loved the world of men that He the world of men that He gave His only Son to die for gave His only Son to die for their redemption. In hell their redemption. In hell there are millions who know there are millions who know that. Theological truth is that. Theological truth is useless until it is obeyed. useless until it is obeyed. The purpose behind all The purpose behind all doctrine is to secure moral doctrine is to secure moral action.”action.”

——A.W. TozerA.W. Tozer

• ““Why are you preaching this sermon?”Why are you preaching this sermon?”• ““What does God want to accomplish through What does God want to accomplish through

this sermon?”this sermon?” • Example purpose statement: Example purpose statement: – The listener should understand how God loves them The listener should understand how God loves them

and explain at least one way in which that love makes and explain at least one way in which that love makes them secure.them secure.

• Activity:Activity:– On your ‘Basic Outline for Sermons’ write a purpose On your ‘Basic Outline for Sermons’ write a purpose

statement in the place provided. statement in the place provided.

• What do we do with our sermon idea to carry out What do we do with our sermon idea to carry out our purpose? our purpose?

• Serves four purposes:Serves four purposes:– Clarifies the relationships between the parts of the Clarifies the relationships between the parts of the

sermonsermon– The sermon has a sense of unityThe sermon has a sense of unity– Crystallizes the order of ideasCrystallizes the order of ideas– Helps the preacher see where additional supporting Helps the preacher see where additional supporting

material is required material is required

• ComponentsComponents– IntroductionIntroduction– Body – Main PointsBody – Main Points– ConclusionConclusion– TransitionsTransitions– IllustrationsIllustrations

• Activity:Activity:– Complete as much of the Complete as much of the

‘Basic Outline for ‘Basic Outline for Sermons’ form as possible Sermons’ form as possible based on John 3:16.based on John 3:16.

• ConclusionConclusion– Summary / RecapitulationSummary / Recapitulation– IllustrationIllustration– QuotationQuotation– Application / Specific DirectionsApplication / Specific Directions– MotivationMotivation

• IllustrationsIllustrations– Understandable and not require Understandable and not require

explanationexplanation– ConvincingConvincing– Appropriate to the sermon Appropriate to the sermon

theme and the audiencetheme and the audience– Told dramaticallyTold dramatically– CredibleCredible– Fairly briefFairly brief– Chosen with great care and Chosen with great care and

discretiondiscretion– Caution on personal illustrations!Caution on personal illustrations!

• IntroductionIntroduction– A good introduction is interesting, commands A good introduction is interesting, commands

attention, surface needs; and introduces the body attention, surface needs; and introduces the body of the sermon, its development and the main idea of the sermon, its development and the main idea (proposition). It should be short and not promise (proposition). It should be short and not promise more than it can deliver. more than it can deliver.

• TitleTitle– Brief, pithy, pertinent to the message, interesting and Brief, pithy, pertinent to the message, interesting and

discreetdiscreet

• ActivityActivity– Create a sermon title based on your outline and write it in Create a sermon title based on your outline and write it in

the space provided on the ‘Sermon Outline’ sheet.the space provided on the ‘Sermon Outline’ sheet.– Create or think about one illustration you could use to Create or think about one illustration you could use to

support one of your main points. support one of your main points.

• Key ingredient is Key ingredient is believabilitybelievability – UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian UCLA Professor Albert Mehrabian – Verbal, Vocal, VisualVerbal, Vocal, Visual

• ActivityActivity– VERBAL _______________%VERBAL _______________%– VOCAL _______________%VOCAL _______________%– VISUAL _______________%VISUAL _______________%

““There are three types of preachers: those to There are three types of preachers: those to whom you cannot listen; those to whom whom you cannot listen; those to whom you can listen; and those to whom you must you can listen; and those to whom you must listen. During the introduction the listen. During the introduction the congregation usually decides the kind of congregation usually decides the kind of speaker addressing them that morning.”speaker addressing them that morning.”

----Haddon Robinson Haddon Robinson

• Eye ContactEye Contact– Objective:Objective:To look sincerely and To look sincerely and

steadily at another person. steadily at another person. – Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:

• Looking at people 5-10 seconds Looking at people 5-10 seconds before looking away.before looking away.

• Avoid eye dart—looking Avoid eye dart—looking everywhere but at the people everywhere but at the people you’re speaking to.you’re speaking to.

• Avoid slow-blink—closing your Avoid slow-blink—closing your eyelids for up to 2-3 seconds. eyelids for up to 2-3 seconds.

• Posture / MovementPosture / Movement– Objective: to learn to Objective: to learn to

stand tall and move stand tall and move naturally and easily.naturally and easily.

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Stand tallStand tall• Watch your lower body Watch your lower body

posture.posture.• Practice moving naturally, Practice moving naturally,

keeping your energy keeping your energy forward. forward.

• Gestures / Facial ExpressionsGestures / Facial Expressions– Objective: to learn to be relaxed Objective: to learn to be relaxed

and natural when you speak.and natural when you speak. – Key Skills to work onKey Skills to work on• Find out your habits Find out your habits • Find your nervous gesturesFind your nervous gestures• Try to exaggerate your positive Try to exaggerate your positive

gestures or facial expressionsgestures or facial expressions• Learn to smile naturally more.Learn to smile naturally more.

• Dress / AppearanceDress / Appearance– Objective: to dress, groom and Objective: to dress, groom and

appear appropriate to the appear appropriate to the environment (worship) that you environment (worship) that you are in, as well as to yourself. are in, as well as to yourself.

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Be appropriate.Be appropriate.• Dress at a conscious level. Take a Dress at a conscious level. Take a

careful look at how you dress and careful look at how you dress and groom yourself.groom yourself.

• Ask for feedback about how you Ask for feedback about how you look. look.

• Voice / Vocal VarietyVoice / Vocal Variety– Objective: to learn to use your voice as a Objective: to learn to use your voice as a

rich, resonant instrument, and to rich, resonant instrument, and to command attention and not allow your command attention and not allow your voice to be a barrier to action.voice to be a barrier to action.

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Conveying excitement, enthusiasm and Conveying excitement, enthusiasm and

conviction with your voice. conviction with your voice. • Vocal expression through relaxation, Vocal expression through relaxation,

breathing, projection and resonance. breathing, projection and resonance. • Vocal variety.Vocal variety.

• Language / Non-wordsLanguage / Non-words– Objective: to use appropriate and clear language for Objective: to use appropriate and clear language for

your listeners, with planned pauses and no “non-your listeners, with planned pauses and no “non-words.”words.”

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Use direct and concise language.Use direct and concise language.• Actively expand your vocabulary by regularly learning new Actively expand your vocabulary by regularly learning new

words.words.• Use common language. Avoid jargon.Use common language. Avoid jargon.• Learn the effective uses of pauses (up to 3-4 seconds).Learn the effective uses of pauses (up to 3-4 seconds).• Replace non-words with pauses. Avoid umm’s, ahh’s, er’s, Replace non-words with pauses. Avoid umm’s, ahh’s, er’s,

and’s, well’s, OK’s, like’s, ya know’s and any other “pause and’s, well’s, OK’s, like’s, ya know’s and any other “pause fillers.”fillers.”

• Listener InvolvementListener Involvement– Objective: to maintain active interest and Objective: to maintain active interest and

involvement of each person with whom involvement of each person with whom you are communicating, every time you you are communicating, every time you talk.talk.

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Use drama in your communication Use drama in your communication • Use visuals like video clips, overhead Use visuals like video clips, overhead

transparencies, recordings, etc. transparencies, recordings, etc. • Congregation ParticipationCongregation Participation• Give your listeners an outline of your Give your listeners an outline of your

sermon beforehand and/or ask them sermon beforehand and/or ask them to take notes. to take notes.

• HumorHumor– Objective: to create a bond between yourself and Objective: to create a bond between yourself and

your listeners by using humor to enable them to your listeners by using humor to enable them to enjoy listening to you more and: to use humor as enjoy listening to you more and: to use humor as a conscious tool to make yourself more human. a conscious tool to make yourself more human.

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Learn to tell stories and anecdotes, not jokes. Learn to tell stories and anecdotes, not jokes. • Learn to be likeable by being human. Learn to be likeable by being human. • Use humor to teach. Use humor to teach.

• The Natural SelfThe Natural Self– Objective: to be authentic, to be yourself in all Objective: to be authentic, to be yourself in all

communication circumstances, understanding and communication circumstances, understanding and using your natural strengths and building using your natural strengths and building communication weaknesses into strengths.communication weaknesses into strengths.

– Key skills to work on:Key skills to work on:• Acknowledge your strengths, and then work on your Acknowledge your strengths, and then work on your

weaknesses. weaknesses. • Remember that communicating well is a lifetime Remember that communicating well is a lifetime

process. process.

• ActivitiesActivities– In groups of 4 – 5 individualsIn groups of 4 – 5 individuals– ““How not too”How not too”– ““How to”How to”– One minute talks based on an illustration you created One minute talks based on an illustration you created

in session 3 or the object provided by the instructor.in session 3 or the object provided by the instructor.– Have groups members highlight the positives and areas Have groups members highlight the positives and areas

requiring attention!requiring attention!– Be helpful and nice!Be helpful and nice!