Sermon Styles and Outlines
Below, I share four different type s of sermon styles and outlines I use regularly. First, for more than a decade, I am friends with a lawyer who served on the Board of Trustees of my first pastoral charge. We talk at length consistently. Our conversations solve the world’s problems using the distinct methods of theological and legal training. Interestingly, he has more theological questions than I have; in turn I am very puzzled by contemporary legal outcomes if the law definitively relies upon reason, equity and fundamental fairness. In answering each other’s queries, we realize we are both offering a defense for humankind. He argues in an earthly court and I proffer a case in celestial realms. In one conversation, he suggested the components of a sermon might parallel the four sections of a legal brief.
Second, I offer an “Exegetical and Expository Method” in which I adhere closely to the text by emphasizing three main verses. Each verse has a sub-point in which I detail the meaning of a particular word, the significance of a character, the relevance of the biblical or extra-biblical context, a contemporary illustration, or benefits of practical application. Assonance and alliteration help tremendously with recalling my sermon outline and congregants with remembering main points in the sermon.
Third, the “Hillman Method” honors a teacher of public speaking and speech whose career spanned more than a half century. He affirms the foundation of good public speaking of whatever genre is to (1) tell them what you are going to tell them, (2) tell them and then (3) tell them what you have told them. To that end, this outline is a basic three point sermon. Yet, each of the three points has three sub-points. This method depends heavily upon a strong, succinct and significant thesis and conclusion. Dr. Hillman recommends pastors begin next Sunday’s sermon immediately following the 11:00am morning worship service by drafting the outline.
Fourth, Professor Paul Scott Wilson has written ten books on preaching. I highly recommend his work. The fourth method is the same as the title of his engaging, accessible and most helpful book, The Four Pages of a Sermon. Professor Wilson adamantly stresses preaching concerns God’s actions in the biblical text and the world. Preachers first describe the crisis in the text. They balance this description with detailing God’s involvement in the crisis. To contemporize the sermon, preachers discourse upon the problems in the world. Again, they answer the question, “Where is God in the midst of these problems?” Then, the preacher finds grace in the text and demonstrates God’s bestowal of it. The sermon concludes with ax exposition of grace in the world and the ways in which Almighty God remains steadfast in unfailing love toward humankind.
Sermon Style: Based on a Legal Brief
Brief Form Sermon Style
I. Relevant Facts I. Setting
II. Argument II. Message
III. The Law III. Text
IV. Conclusion & Summary IV. Practical Applications
Sermon Outline – Exegetical & Expository Method
Introduction
Preview – Thesis Statement
Link Thesis Statement to a verse, word or character in the text
Body
1st Main Verse
2nd Main Verse
3rd Main Verse
Sub-points
1stA – Word Study
1stB – Character or Contextual Analysis
1stC – Illustration – Application – Assonance/Alliteration
2ndA – Word Study
2ndB – Character or Contextual Analysis
2ndC – Illustration – Application – Assonance/Alliteration
3rdA – Word Study
3rdB – Character or Contextual Analysis
3rdC – Illustration – Application – Assonance/Alliteration
Review – Restate Thesis Statement
Conclusion
Sermon Outline – Hillman Method
Introduction
Preview – Thesis Statement
Body
1.
2.
3.
Sub-points
1A.
1B.
1C.
2A.
2B.
2C.
3A.
3B.
3C.
Review – Restate Thesis Statement
Conclusion
Sermon Outline – PSW Four Pages Method
Introduction
Preview – Thesis Statement
I. Problems in the Text – Where is God?
II. Problems in the World – Where is God?
III. Grace in the Text – Where is God?
IV. Grace in the World – Where is God?
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