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Sermon Preparation: Bible, Sermon Illustrations, Presentations And Preaching

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Published: November 15, 2007

Sermon preparation is a stage-by-stage process that needs careful planning and creativity. It cannot be accomplished in just a day or two. Before preaching in front of an audience, one has to prepare the materials to be used during the presentation. It also needs careful planning because a preacher has to organize thoughts and translate them into written words. Sermon preparation also needs a bit of creativity because one has to create a sermon that can catch the attention of the audience while effectively conveying the message.

Sermon preparation may seem an arduous task, especially for first-time speakers. However, there are certain measures that can be taken in order to help a person organize thoughts. One can start the process of sermon preparation by choosing a specific topic or theme. Once a specific topic is chosen, an outline can be drafted. In the outline, include an introductory message. The introductory message can be a simple greeting or an interesting story to which the audience can relate. Divide the main topic into several subtopics if necessary. These subtopics can be ideas or other teachings that can help the audience understand the message better.

Sermon illustrations can be stories, jokes or anecdotes that can help a speaker convey and describe teachings to an audience. Unique and witty illustrations can also make sermons more lively and enriching, especially if the audience can greatly relate to these stories. Sermon illustrations can also help a speaker achieve a smoother presentation.

When looking for original ideas for illustrations during sermon preparation, there are many available sources -- the Bible, movies, radio talk shows, newspapers, books or any reliable material that can be linked to the sermon. During sermon preparation, it's important for a preacher to read a variety of materials to keep the illustrations updated. The Bible is a reliable source of sermon topics and illustrations, as this book contains plenty of enriching stories and teachings that can be easily applied to today's life lessons.

All throughout the actual presentation or preaching session, it's important for a speaker or preacher to speak clearly and carefully so that the audience can understand. Practicing in front of a mirror is a good idea. This technique can help a preacher improve confidence and stance as part of sermon preparation. Practicing the presentation days before the actual preaching session is always a good sermon preparation technique. Having a fixed schedule for sermon preparation sessions is also a good idea, as this technique can help a preacher focus on the sermon materials despite a hectic lifestyle.

Reading a verse from the Bible or reciting a prayer before and after a practice session is also useful as divine intervention is quite a powerful force. Sermon preparation may seem like a time-consuming task, but once the basics of preparing an effective sermon is mastered, preparing for the following preaching sessions should be easier.


Sources:
Redick, Dave. "Sources for Original Sermon Illustrations." The Preacher's Study Ezine. March 2001. 15 Nov. 2007. http://preacherstudy.com/ezine34.htm.

Redick, Dave. "Ten Days to a Better Sermon." The Preacher's Study Ezine. Sept. 2000. 15 Nov. 2007. http://preacherstudy.com/ezine24.htm.

Turner, Ray. "How To Outline A Sermon." EzineArticles. 11 June 2007. 15 Nov. 2007. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Outline-A-Sermon& amp;id=601790.
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