Sermon Preparation Stages Overview

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is one primary reason John Stott believes writing is essential to clear thinking?

  • It facilitates the organization of thoughts. (correct)
  • It encourages memorization of sermons.
  • It allows for spontaneous preaching.
  • It restricts creativity in expressing ideas.

What consequence does Stott mention if one only prepares a minimal outline for a sermon?

  • The sermon becomes more engaging.
  • The delivery of the message becomes repetitive. (correct)
  • The sermon will be longer and more detailed.
  • The preacher can adapt to audience feedback.

In what setting does John Stott suggest it is harder to express thoughts differently?

  • When delivering a sermon on the spot. (correct)
  • In casual conversations.
  • In group discussions.
  • During writing exercises.

What does Stott imply is a benefit of working through ideas during study?

<p>It allows for a wider array of expressions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Stott, how might a preacher feel when attempting to explain the gospel without sufficient preparation?

<p>Repetitive and unoriginal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be discarded ruthlessly when building a sermon?

<p>Information that does not contribute to understanding the passage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest is necessary for writing sermons clearly?

<p>Writing out sermons in near manuscript form (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the author's view on including personal ideas in a sermon?

<p>Personal ideas that merely pique curiosity should be excluded. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the primary question to ask during sermon preparation?

<p>Does this contribute to understanding the passage? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the author recommend assembling a sermon using a manuscript?

<p>It enhances clarity of thought and expression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the temptation to include all ideas gathered during meditation?

<p>Many ideas may not serve the sermon’s purpose. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the final stage mentioned in the process of sermon preparation?

<p>Writing the message with thorough explanation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when presenters fail to think through the passage clearly?

<p>Their ideas often confuse the audience. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Writing for Clear Thinking

The act of writing down your thoughts forces you to clarify and organize them, leading to clearer thinking.

Writing Enhances Communication

When you write out your thoughts, you can experiment with different ways to express them, improving your communication skills.

Writing for Better Retention

Writing out your thoughts makes it physically easier to revisit and revise them, leading to better understanding and retention of information.

Avoiding Repetitive Preaching

Repetition in preaching can be avoided by actively seeking diverse ways of explaining the same message.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Preaching Prep for Creativity

Studying and preparing for a sermon allows for creativity and exploration of new ways to present the message.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Building the Body of the Sermon

The process of carefully selecting and including only relevant information that will effectively communicate the message and theme of the sermon.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Is This Information Relevant?

Asking yourself whether each piece of information truly helps the audience understand the passage in the way God intended, making it relevant and impactful.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Ruthless Discarding

Being willing to discard information that, while interesting, doesn't contribute to the main message or the audience's understanding of the text.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Writing the Message

The stage of sermon preparation where you refine and expand upon the initial outline, adding detailed explanations and enriching the message through writing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Manuscript Sermons

The practice of writing out sermons in almost complete form, even if only a speaking outline is taken into the pulpit.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Writing Makes an Exact Man

Writing helps clarify thinking and ensures a clear flow of ideas, leading to a more coherent and impactful sermon.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Half-Baked Ideas

Preachers lacking clarity in their thinking often deliver sermons that are unclear and ineffective because their own ideas are not well-developed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Thinking Through The Passage

The importance of thoroughly thinking through the passage before delivering the sermon, ensuring clarity in thought and effectively conveying the message to the audience.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Sermon Preparation Stages

  • Selecting Relevant Information: Carefully choose information for your sermon that directly supports your theme and conveys the intended message. Discard irrelevant details, even if initially noted. The key question is: does this truly enhance understanding of the passage? Avoid including anything that simply satisfies personal curiosity.

Ruthless Discarding of Irrelevant Details

  • Importance of Ruthlessness: Being "ruthless" in discarding irrelevant information is crucial. This principle is highlighted by John Stott.

  • Difficulty in Implementing: Eliminating non-essential ideas is easier said than done. Many potentially valuable, yet ultimately irrelevant thoughts may arise during meditation and note-taking.

  • Temptation to Include Everything: Resist the urge to include all ideas just because they occurred during study. Initial importance doesn't necessarily translate to importance when understanding the text.

Refining the Sermon Outline

  • Writing as a Refinement Tool: The final stage involves refining the initial outline. Elaborate upon points, adding more thorough explanations and complete sentences.

Manuscript Writing for Sermons

  • Value of Writing: Advocating for writing sermons in near-manuscript form even if only delivering an outline. This practice, according to the speaker, enhances clarity and precision and emulates great preachers.

  • Avoiding Half-Baked Ideas: Writing out a sermon allows for the development of well-thought-out ideas, which in turn translates to a clearer and more effective sermon.

  • Discipline of Clear Thinking: The act of writing, as emphasized by John Stott, promotes the crucial discipline of clear thinking.

  • Maintaining Sermon Flexibility: Writing out the sermon enables the speaker to avoid repetitive delivery and explore fresh avenues for explaining the gospel.

  • Improved Sermon Delivery: Writing facilitates the ability to communicate ideas differently, avoiding habitual phrasing and allowing for creative adaptation during the actual sermon.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Psalm 138 Sermon Preparation
76 questions

Psalm 138 Sermon Preparation

CatchyBlankVerse avatar
CatchyBlankVerse
Sermon Preparation Techniques
36 questions

Sermon Preparation Techniques

CatchyBlankVerse avatar
CatchyBlankVerse
Sermon Outline Principles
8 questions

Sermon Outline Principles

CatchyBlankVerse avatar
CatchyBlankVerse
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser