Sermon Advice

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Sep 17, 2016
8,862
4,513
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#1
So I have been asked to give a sermon in January due to a Bible study I led on the leadership structure of the church.

Well one element of that excited my pastor and wanted me to expand on the parallel theme in the book of Ruth in relation to the Church(Bride) & Jesus (The Groom).

Now I have pages of notes that I believe after practice is down to the time limit I have been given.

I'm more of a writer and more comfortable with teaching classes but never really thought much about sermon preaching. I'm very notes driven so how can I make this transition from classroom notes driven teaching to a sermon type of public speaking.

The common advice I hear is just be yourself which is more of a college classroom vibe lol. I'm not charismatic in energy but more so very serious with the message as to me life and death hangs in the balance.
 

MsMediator

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2022
1,100
739
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#2
Since this is one of your first sermons, do what you are comfortable with. I have seen guest pastors read off notes or give PowerPoint presentations.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,318
3,619
113
#4
So I have been asked to give a sermon in January due to a Bible study I led on the leadership structure of the church.

Well one element of that excited my pastor and wanted me to expand on the parallel theme in the book of Ruth in relation to the Church(Bride) & Jesus (The Groom).

Now I have pages of notes that I believe after practice is down to the time limit I have been given.

I'm more of a writer and more comfortable with teaching classes but never really thought much about sermon preaching. I'm very notes driven so how can I make this transition from classroom notes driven teaching to a sermon type of public speaking.

The common advice I hear is just be yourself which is more of a college classroom vibe lol. I'm not charismatic in energy but more so very serious with the message as to me life and death hangs in the balance.
You don't have to give a sermon; it's probably better if you don't in my opinion. One of the best speakers I've had the pleasure of listening to was more of a teacher than a sermonizer, even in front of the whole congregation. If the Lord has laid a message on your heart, and you and the pastor feel it's important, just explain it to them and show them from the scriptures why it's important. You're basically giving them what they need to see your vision.
 
Sep 17, 2016
8,862
4,513
113
#5
Since this is one of your first sermons, do what you are comfortable with. I have seen guest pastors read off notes or give PowerPoint presentations.
I will have a PowerPoint to help the visual learners and note takers. Which I find helpful in a class setting to pull myself from the notes and speak using the PowerPoint as a guide.
 
Sep 17, 2016
8,862
4,513
113
#6
You don't have to give a sermon; it's probably better if you don't in my opinion. One of the best speakers I've had the pleasure of listening to was more of a teacher than a sermonizer, even in front of the whole congregation. If the Lord has laid a message on your heart, and you and the pastor feel it's important, just explain it to them and show them from the scriptures why it's important. You're basically giving them what they need to see your vision.
Thank you, I'll stay focused on my main points, why it matters, and application. I have really enjoyed this study.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,319
6,647
113
62
#7
So I have been asked to give a sermon in January due to a Bible study I led on the leadership structure of the church.

Well one element of that excited my pastor and wanted me to expand on the parallel theme in the book of Ruth in relation to the Church(Bride) & Jesus (The Groom).

Now I have pages of notes that I believe after practice is down to the time limit I have been given.

I'm more of a writer and more comfortable with teaching classes but never really thought much about sermon preaching. I'm very notes driven so how can I make this transition from classroom notes driven teaching to a sermon type of public speaking.

The common advice I hear is just be yourself which is more of a college classroom vibe lol. I'm not charismatic in energy but more so very serious with the message as to me life and death hangs in the balance.
Some great preachers have simply read their sermons. If the Lord gives you something extemporaneously, simply add it and pick up again from your notes.
 
Sep 17, 2016
8,862
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#9
Why not talk it over with God?
I believe I know what God wants. But it is one of those things that is difficult because my overthinking conflicts with just trusting that His strength will move where I feel more like Moses in his hesitation to speak to Pharaoh lol.
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
2,887
1,684
113
#10
So I have been asked to give a sermon in January due to a Bible study I led on the leadership structure of the church.

Well one element of that excited my pastor and wanted me to expand on the parallel theme in the book of Ruth in relation to the Church(Bride) & Jesus (The Groom).

Now I have pages of notes that I believe after practice is down to the time limit I have been given.

I'm more of a writer and more comfortable with teaching classes but never really thought much about sermon preaching. I'm very notes driven so how can I make this transition from classroom notes driven teaching to a sermon type of public speaking.

The common advice I hear is just be yourself which is more of a college classroom vibe lol. I'm not charismatic in energy but more so very serious with the message as to me life and death hangs in the balance.
You’ll relax with age. :)

Early in my preaching I would have others read the proof texts. It mainly helped the audiences stay awake. :D
 

DRobinson

Well-known member
Aug 23, 2023
549
283
63
#12
I believe I know what God wants. But it is one of those things that is difficult because my overthinking conflicts with just trusting that His strength will move where I feel more like Moses in his hesitation to speak to Pharaoh lol.
Just look at it as another chance to teach and teach as you have been doing.
That is what preaching is supposed to be anyway.
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,368
3,163
113
#15
So I have been asked to give a sermon in January due to a Bible study I led on the leadership structure of the church.

Well one element of that excited my pastor and wanted me to expand on the parallel theme in the book of Ruth in relation to the Church(Bride) & Jesus (The Groom).

Now I have pages of notes that I believe after practice is down to the time limit I have been given.

I'm more of a writer and more comfortable with teaching classes but never really thought much about sermon preaching. I'm very notes driven so how can I make this transition from classroom notes driven teaching to a sermon type of public speaking.

The common advice I hear is just be yourself which is more of a college classroom vibe lol. I'm not charismatic in energy but more so very serious with the message as to me life and death hangs in the balance.
Ask Jesus to anoint you. It makes all the difference. It's good advice to just be yourself. God accepts you as you are, so why should anyone else have an issue?