Monthly Archives: June 2008
First-Person Dangers
When you have an idea and a purpose for your sermon, you then choose the strategy that will best allow the idea to hit home. Once you realize the potential in first-person sermons, this form will regularly suggest itself. First-person … Continue reading →
Ideas that Stick – Part 3
So far we’ve seen the principles of simplicity, unexpectedness and concreteness. Here are the last three principles from Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. Principle 4 – Credibility. An idea must carry it’s own credentials, thereby having internal … Continue reading →
Filed under Christianity, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 6 - Message Idea
Ideas that Stick – Part 2
So a “sticky” idea is simple, that is both stripped to its core essence and yet profound. In Made to Stick, Chip and Dan Heath share further principles that can bridge the gap from the business world to homiletics. How … Continue reading →
Filed under Christianity, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 6 - Message Idea
Ideas that Stick
In our approach to preaching (sometimes labeled the Big Idea approach), the main idea of the sermon is critical. The idea is the core essence of a sermon that acts as boss over every other detail. The main idea is … Continue reading →
Filed under Christianity, Homiletics, How to . . . ?, Preaching, Religion, Stage 6 - Message Idea
Factors In Selecting Sermon Form – Part 3
So I think it best to start with the shape of the text as the default shape for the sermon. But that may be adjusted due to the needs, nature and situation of the audience. One other factor should be … Continue reading →
Filed under Christianity, Homiletics, Preaching, Religion, Stage 7 - Message Outline
Factors In Selecting Sermon Form – Part 2
Yesterday I suggested it is best to start with the assumption that the sermon will be shaped according to the shape of the text itself. However, there may be reasons to choose an alternate sermon shape. Why? Because there is … Continue reading →
Filed under Audience Analysis, Christianity, Homiletics, Preaching, Religion, Stage 7 - Message Outline
Tagged as Audience Analysis
Factors In Selecting Sermon Form – Part 1
Last week I posted on the subject of sermon form. Now I’d like to expand on the factors that go into selecting a sermon form. Some people are committed to one sermon form. They think that true expository preaching is … Continue reading →
A Ninth Stage?
I like the eight-stage approach to sermon preparation we use on this site. It makes sense. It works. Sometimes I’m tempted to add a stage, but I think I’ll stick with eight. Yet if I were to add a stage, … Continue reading →
Don’t Say Too Much
My post last Sunday concerned preaching like it is your first message and your last. I meant something specific under both of these points, and was not referring to the negative elements of each. In reality your last sermon might … Continue reading →
Remember the Main Thing
It’s easy to be overwhelmed as a preacher. So many things to keep in mind. The different aspects of delivery, built on the different elements of a sermon, not to mention the multiple facets of biblical study. You pour in … Continue reading →
