How to Write a Lay Sermon
Those of us who serve as elders and members of administrative boards sometimes find ourselves called upon to fill in at services for the sermon. A lay sermon is no different than a plain old exclamatory speech like they used to teach us how to do in school. The only difference is that its topic is based on a theme or scripture that is part of our value system, so you'll need to do some research on your subject and make sure that your thesis is in basic agreement with your denomination's doctrine. You may choose to do a homily, a short meditation based on the readings. But if you're asked to do a sermon (an exposition of the meaning, intent and application of the reading), you'll need to do some more organization.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Your denomination's guide to worship
- Theme or scripture passage from the lectionary
Instructions
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1
Know your audience. If you are a regular speaker before them, you know how sophisticated and knowledgeable they are. You also know how sympathetic (and forgiving) they will be. If you're speaking before a strange audience for the first time or in a time of anxiety, it's best to avoid controversy and keep your message fairly simple.
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Based on your listeners, define your topic. If there are specific interests, such as the illness of the pastor or recent births in the congregation, you can tailor your topic toward these unique situations. Be sure that your topic is consistent with the season and where you are in the religious calendar. If there are no unique topics you want to speak on, you can rely on the lectionary for your topic.
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3
Read and meditate upon the scripture for the service. Whether you chose it or use the scripture identified in a lectionary, you need to think about it, define any words or locations you don't know and even do a little reading on it. This will help you identify several points you want to make in your talk.
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Find material that relates to your topic. This may be additional scriptural material, everyday or historical examples or just anecdotes that support your ideas.
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Assemble your ideas and tighten up your construction. Three major ideas are enough and they should be arranged to lead back to your initial idea. Be brief and clear in your language. Use authoritative, credible sources and visual aids if appropriate. Relate to everyday life.
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6
Try your sermon out on your family, friends--anybody who'll listen. After you've done this a few times, you can try your sermons out on yourself. Do this several days running--you'll find that every time you listen to yourself, you'll find a way to say it with more impact, more simply or in a better-organized way.
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On the day you are to deliver your sermon, go over it carefully, marking any unfamiliar words or syllables to be emphasized. If you are going to read, print out your sermon in large type and short paragraphs so you don't lose your place.
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Tips & Warnings
Unless you're an ecclesiastical scholar, leave the theology to the professionals who've studied this for years. Concentrate on what you know--how you live your religion and what you can share with others.
If you're going to be responsible for the entire service, be sure to get the hymns, prayers and other material to the proper person (secretary, clerk, organist) early the week before you speak. They'll appreciate it.
Keep it short. Nobody wants to listen to a rambling, unorganized sermon. Your audience may tolerate a 30-minute oration from visiting clergy but for you, they'll start fidgeting after about fifteen minutes. And that's when they find your efforts riveting.
A number of churches provide education and/or certification for lay preachers. If you're interested, check with your clergy member to see if this is an option for you.
A good percentage of your audience will be listening to what you say fairly closely. At least a few of them will be listening fairly judgementally.
Although it's tempting to use Internet sources, be very skeptical. The Internet provides an outlet for everyone's opinion, no matter how knowledgeable or well read the writer. There is reliable information on your denomination's website and sermon websites that have church affiliations. Sometimes it's very difficult to tell the difference between real scholarship and gibberish.
