Notes for a lecture on basic sermon design. Visit www.drpablojimenez.net

1. Pablo A. Jiménez
www.drpablojimenez.net

2. The structure of the basic sermon
is:
 Introduction
 Body
 Conclusion

3. The structure of the introduction
is:
 Opening paragraphs
 Statement of the main idea or
sermon-in-a-sentence (in
deductive sermons)
 Transition

4. Maintain the attention of the
listeners, motivating them to
pay attention to the sermon.

5. The introduction should be:
 Brief
 Clear and Concise
 Interesting
 Closely related to the main idea
 Well prepared

6. You may use one of the following
elements in the introduction:
An engaging question
An illustration
A true story

7. An allusion to a relevant historical
event of the past
A reference to a current issue
A challenge to the congregation
A dilemma or a choice
A hyperbole

8. A quotation from a literary work
A reference to a play, a movie or
TV program
A theological statement
A reference to the historical and
social setting of the biblical text

9.  Do not introduce all your sermons in the
same fashion; avoid falling into a
routine.
 Avoid generalities and banal
statements.
 Do not flatter your congregation.
 Avoid unnecessary excuses.
 Shun technical language.

10. You may use one of the following
elements in the transition:
 A question.
 A summary statement.
 A dilemma or choice.
 An invitation to explore further the
main idea.

11.  The body of the sermon is where the
main idea is discussed and developed.
 Usually, the main idea is divided in
several points that explore its
different aspects.
 A sermon should not have less than 2
or more than 5 points.

12.  The time allotted to the exposition
of a point should be proportional to
the time dedicated to the rest of the
sermon.
 The more points you have, the
shorter should be the discussion of
each point.

13. The points of the sermon should follow:
 The form or literary structure of the
biblical text, in expository sermons.
 The division of the story, in narrative
and storytelling sermons.
 A clear line of thought, in topical and
thematic sermons.

14. The main points of the sermon may
employ some of the following rhetorical
processes:
 Narration
 Interrogation
 Illustration
 Application

15.  Argumentation
 Exhortation
 Definition
 Interpretation
 Exemplification
 Comparison

16.  The aim of the conclusion is to
restate the “sermon-in-a-sentence”
and to stress the aim of the sermon.
 It is an exploration of the practical
implications of a main idea for the
congregation.

17.  The conclusion should be positive,
conveying the“good news” of the
Gospel.
 Given that it is the last section that
the congregation will listen to, the
conclusion should be properly
prepared.

18. A conclusion may have one of the
following aims:
Application
Exhortation
Affirmation

19. You may use one of the following
elements in the conclusion:
A summary of the main ideas of
the sermon
An invitation
Questions

20. An illustration.
A real-life story
A lesson from general history or
from the history of the church

21. A quotation from a literary work
A reference to a play, a movie or a
TV program
Issue a challenge to the
congregation

22. Develop a hypothetical scenario
that may exemplify your ideas and
challenge the congregation
Raise an issue

23. Visit www.drpablojimenez.net