2016 - ICF Training Seminar

A Rationale for Sermon Structure[1]

The Importance of Structure
The role of sermon structure should be understood properly so that it is neither overemphasized nor ignored. If it is overemphasized, it becomes the proverbial "cart before the horse." If it is underemphasized, the sermon becomes a shapeless mass that exerts itself in any convenient direction and deprives the audience of a fair chance at following a progression of ideas.

Benefits of Good Structure
A well-conceived structural plan will be of significant benefit to both the preacher and the audience.

Benefits for the Preacher:

(1) Good structuring confirms and solidifies the preacher's grasp of the material being presented in the sermon;

(2) Good structuring helps the preacher emphasize one central idea in a sermon, rather than dabble in several minor ones;

(3) Good structuring encourages the preacher to know his target clearly and not digress from it;

(4) Good structuring results in good sermonic movement toward an appropriate climax;

(5) Good structuring results in a "balanced attack," avoiding the error of overloading certain parts of the sermon and under-loading other parts;

(6) Good structuring helps the preacher in delivery, for each time the next idea will flow naturally from the last one; and

(7) Good structuring enhances the preacher's credibility with the audience, making the total force of the presentation more effective.

Benefits for the Audience:

(1) Good structuring helps the listener follow the argument being presented. Thus, persuasion is enhanced;

(2) Good structuring gives the listener a feel for where the sermon is headed;

(3) Good structuring helps the listener remember the thrust of the sermon, and not just isolated or unrelated parts; and

(4) Good structure helps attention span, for it gives the audience periodic psychological breaks at the right times rather than encouraging the listeners arbitrarily to take needed breaks at the wrong times.


Characteristics of Good Structure
Since sermons are enhanced by a carefully arranged structure, what should this structure be like? Four things should characterize it: (1) unified, (2) discernable order, (3) balanced arrangement, and (4) moves towards a specific target.


Basic Components of Sermon Structure
Now some basic components of structuring will be mentioned so that a broad frame of reference may be established:

(1) every sermon should be rooted in at least one Scripture text. The text(s) should have a bearing on structure;

(2) every sermon should be reduced to one propositional sentence;

(3) the proposition is supported by two or more subordinate ideas or truths;

(4) the main points are supported, clarified, illustrated, and proven by subpoints, sometimes called supporting material;

(5) appropriate transitions that remind the listeners of the sermon's proposition or theme are usually given between the main points; and

(6) An appropriate introduction and conclusion should be added only after the body of the sermon has been completed.


Traditional Methods of Structuring

Topical Sermons: Sermons whose subject (topic) is based on a given Scripture text while the main points and the subpoints are not based on that text are commonly called topical sermons.

Textual Sermons: Textual sermons are based on one or two verses of Scripture, with the main points of the message coming from the text itself, often from phrases or clauses that are of somewhat equal weight in importance.

Expository Sermons: Expository preaching has traditionally been understood to refer to sermons based on texts longer than two verses or so. Beyond that, differences of opinion seem to prevail.

Narrative Sermons: Narrative preaching has become a term used to describe a sermon that varies from the traditional points-that-explain-a-central-idea homiletical arrangement to one which purposely tells a single story, a story with a spiritual point.


[1] Donald L. Hamilton, Homiletical Handbook, 1992 – Broadman & Holman