The document outlines the basic structure of a sermon as having an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should be brief, clear, interesting and related to the main idea. It can include engaging elements like questions, illustrations, or challenges. The body develops and explores the main points of the sermon through processes like narration, illustration, and application. The conclusion restates the central message and aims to apply or exhort the ideas, potentially through elements such as summaries, illustrations, or questions.

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