Some people think in a very linear and text-oriented way. Others don’t. I find the use of mind maps or concept maps to be helpful in my Bible study. Somewhere between analysis of details and synthesis of discourse using a conventional outline, I often find myself doodling a map or diagram on paper. For instance, when trying to define the relationships between the major themes in Hebrews, I started to map out my thoughts. Suddenly I have a piece of paper with major and minor themes, circles, linking lines, arrows and so on. I wouldn’t show this paper to my congregation, but it helps me process the mass of information into a more coherent and dynamic understanding of what is there.
Typically I will take appropriate elements of that thought and convert back to an outline form (and if possible, a full manuscript), but there are also possibilities in respect to replacing outlines and notes with sermon maps. Perhaps I’ll address that another day. At this stage I am merely suggesting that some may be helped by free doodling of the themes, ideas, flow and theology of a book or section of book during stage 2 – passage study.
There are software tools available, some free to download. I haven’t explored those possibilities yet, but if you know of one that is easy to learn and use, let us know about it!
Biblical Preaching 
Peter:
I have used MindMapper for the past couple of years and find it very user friendly and helpful. It costs, however, and I am aware that there are similar free programs out there. This is the one I use, however, and find it helpful.
I find that when I am MindMapping that a pen and a piece of paper works better for me. While I only write with the computer, when I am mind mapping, the computer seems to slow me down too much…
Like Sherman, I like to do the work freehand. As my first homiletics professor taught us, the very process of engaging visual imagery in word association engages more parts of the brain than we would otherwise us in simply stringing words together.
The best mindmapping software I know is MindManager (www.mindjet.com) but it is not free.
I also use FreeMind (http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page), that is free.
Hope it helps.
Thanks Andrea!
I use “mind-mapping” when I’m thinking about tasks but never thought about using it for sermon prep. I will try it. I really do appreciate this blog.
The Kingdom of God is funny–you get by giving away. Our academic institutions make you pay big dollar for information. That trickles down to the pastoral mind set that, “if I let my congregation and fellow churches know where I get info, they won’t need me anymore”. That’s so far from the truth. The most vibrant ministries and ministers I know give away sources of info like it’s the last days on earth. Hey, maybe there’s something to that.
chip.
Yesterday I came accross this one http://www.bubbl.us/.
It is free, web-based and it seems very simple and good for collaboration.
I use NovaMind software. It costs $50 and is well worth it. I’m a graduate student and use it to explore ideas for my assignments.