How to Write Sermon Outlines
Writing a punchy, memorable sermon is often a difficult task. Those passing through their religious studies often struggle especially with the outline, the organizational framework, of sermons. This can impede their ability to deliver a clear and unconfused message to their congregation. However, with some practice and internalization of good technique, your sermons will be greatly assisted by your concise and excellent outlines.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Decide upon the general subject for the sermon. Begin your outline by brainstorming a list of ideas and concepts related to the subject on a piece of blank paper. Write at your own pace and don't edit your ideas. The more ideas on paper, the larger the pool of material to draw from later. Use as much paper as you need. When you are finished brainstorming, carefully read over your ideas again.
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Condense the research and brainstorming into a single statement related to your subject. Imagine this statement as the thesis of the sermon. The statement should be short and simple; long or complex theses confuse congregations. Spend time crafting this leading statement of purpose until you are confident that it points in the direction you want the sermon to go.
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Below your topic sentence, write the most important ideas under the main idea. These are known as your main points, and they should clearly support your thesis. Include as many main points as you wish, depending on how long you plan to preach. Main points can be organized in a variety of different ways, including a chronological exploration of a biblical event, an exploration of an idea from many different vantage points or an exposition of doctrine.
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Flesh out your main points with specific subpoints. Attach a relevant Bible verse to nearly every subpoint. The subpoints should collectively work to illustrate a main point. While the thesis and main points should be general, subpoints contain the actual subject matter of the sermon. By reading the subpoints alone, the sermon should be understandable. The main points and thesis should serve to knit the sermon together and make it clear to the congregation.
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Before your thesis statement, add a punchy introduction that leads to the body of the speech. In sermons, anecdotes are often used to lead the congregation from a specific to a general idea. Ensure that the introduction is engaging and relevant to the audience. Add a closing idea or statement to the outline. Proofread, reconsider and prepare for the upcoming sermon by practicing it aloud.
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Tips & Warnings
Write lines in complete sentences. If an outline is consulted during the sermon, short or incompletely written points can confuse or stall the preacher unnecessarily.
Use vocabulary and syntax that you would actually use during the sermon. Overly formal sermon outlines are outdated and generally unhelpful.
Deliver the sermon from beginning to end using only the outline. If the outline doesn't clearly indicate all you wish to say, revise it.
Beware of writing too little or too much. The outline should point you in the right direction and keep you organized, but it shouldn't be overly wordy.
