Sermon RudimentsTitle, Text, Main Idea, Area & Aim

Pablo A. Jiménez * www.drpablojimenez.net

1

Title

The title helps the preacher to captivate and maintain the attention of the audience.

2

Definition

The title is a short phrase that announces the topic, main issue or subject matter of the sermon. The function of the sermon is to entice the mind of the audience, leading them to inquire what is the main idea of the sermon. In a way, the title “problematizes” the process, inviting the audience to hear attentively while they seek answers. 3

Title: Characteristic Traits An effective title is brief. An effective title is engaging. It must

not be too funny or “cute." An effective title raises the

expectations of the audience. Such expectations must be met in the sermon. A title should never “promise” more than it can deliver.

An effective title is related to the topic. However, it is but not identical to the “sermon-in-a-sentence.” 4

Title: Examples 1

The following titles would be largely ineffective. Why? God calls the church to incarnate

the divine love for humanity How Peter got his Groove Back Eight Guidelines for a Happy Life

(Part 1) Top Ten Reasons why you are

Special to God5

Title: Examples 2

The following are examples of effective titles: Anyway A Matter of Faithfulness Friend or Foe? I am not

6

Text

The “text” is the biblical portion (or pericope) that serves as the scriptural basis of the sermon.

7

Text: Function

The function of the text varies according to the type of sermon. In expository and narrative sermons, the text furnishes the main topic of the homily.

In storytelling, topical, doctrinal and special occasion sermons, the text illustrates the topic.

8

Text: “Do’s and Don’ts” (I) Base your sermon on a complete portion of

the Scripture. Remember that the readings suggested by the lectionary will not always be distinct pericopes. The lectionary may employ only a fragment of a pericope or refer to two or more portions.

Be aware of the literary context of your text. Read at least the portions that precede and follow your main text.

Do not evade well-known texts. Present the message of such portions in an innovative and contextual way. 9

Text: “Do’s and Don’ts” (II) Preaching on the great biblical texts--such

as the Lord’s Prayer--is very demanding. It requires additional study time and preparation.

Most preachers who employ regularly the lectionary prefer to use the reading of the Gospel as the main text for the sermon. Although this is largely commendable, an effective preaching schedule would also include sermons based on the other documents of the NT and the OT.

10

Main Idea

The determination of the main idea or “sermon-in-a-sentence” is the most important step in the sermon designing process.

11

Main Idea: Definition

The main idea is a clear, concise and complete sentence that summarizes the content of the sermon and suggests its form.

It is a theological statement that proclaims the “Good News” of the Christian message.

12

Main Idea: Function

The function of the main idea is two-fold.

It gives the sermon unity and sense of direction.

It demarcates the sermon, helping the preacher to decide what to include in and what to exclude from the homily.

13

Main Idea: Characteristics (I)An effective main idea is theological.

It talks about God and about God’s relationship with humanity. The main idea addresses a theological “truth," inferred from God’s character as it has been revealed through the Scriptures, theology, history (experience) and reason.

An effective main idea has unity. The sermon must address only one main issue.

14

Main Idea: Characteristics (II) An effective main idea is positive. The

“sermon-in-a-sentence” must be indicative and affirmative. It should never be imperative or negative. Sermons that take an imperative sentence as their point of departure acquire an authoritarian quality that hinders communication.

An effective main idea is relevant. The sermon must address an issue that is important for the hearers. 15

Main idea : Examples 1

The following are examples of inadequate “sermons-in-a-sentence”: God’s love for humanity The main thing is to keep the main

thing the main thing The church must care for the poor God calls the church to care for the

fallen creation and to preach to the fallen humanity

16

Main idea: Examples 2

The following are examples of adequate “sermons-in-a-sentence”: God calls the church to

demonstrate the divine love for humanity

The Holy Spirit gives us the charisma of critical discernment

Jesus Christ calls the church to touch the untouchables

17

Area

This item will help the preacher to determine the impact of the sermon.

18

Area: Definition

The “area” of a sermon is the specific domain of experience addressed by the sermon. The function of the “area” is to give the sermon a characteristic mood or tone. Although a sermon will always touch on several areas of human experience, it should always have a target area.

A sermon may cover one of four basic areas of Christian experience.

19

1. Pastoral Care

A pastoral sermon provides a theological analysis of life and its crisis. These sermons probe individual, congregational and social issues.

20

2. Prophetic Challenge

A prophetic sermon calls the audience to live in peace (Hb “shalom”) and justice, following the values of God’s Reign (Gr “Basileia”.) Such sermons call the congregation to consider the evil consequences of oppression and social sin. They also confront people with their own acts of injustice, calling them to repentance and restitution. 21

3. Christian Education

A teaching sermon pursues the faith development of the congregation. Educational sermons respond to our need of learning more about the Christian faith. They also expose false doctrines and warn against erroneous teachings.

22

4. Evangelization

Evangelization is the proclamation of the Gospel. Evangelistic sermons confront the audience with its own sin, proclaim God’s saving works in Christ, and call the audience to faith.

23

Aim

Given that human communication is intentional, a given sermon seeks to induce a particular effect in or response from the congregation. Every sermon has an explicit or implicit purpose. 24

Aim: Definition

The “aim” is the objective of the sermon. It expresses what the preacher wishes to occur in response to a specific sermon. It makes clear the result sought by preacher.

25

Aim: Characteristics (I)

The aim should be determined by the needs of the congregation. The preacher must reject those aims that may self-serving.

The aim must be reachable. The preacher must refrain from goals that might be too ambitious.

26

Aim: Characteristics (II)

As a rule, an effective sermon can aspire only to help the audience to understand an aspect of a particular issue in a new way.

Thus, a single sermon cannot modify conduct. Behavior modification occurs only after a person changes his or her core beliefs about an issue. Nonetheless, an effective and comprehensive preaching program may contribute to positive behavioral changes in the long run.

27

Aim: Key questions (I)

What are the most pressing needs of my congregation?

What are the most pressing needs of our community, city or state?

Has any recent event influenced the life of my congregation?

Has any recent event influenced my community, city or state?

28

Aim: Key Questions (II)

Is there a current issue in the news that I should take into consideration before preparing my sermon?

Why am I choosing this text or this topic? What are my motivations? Why do I want to address this issue?

What response am I expecting to this sermon?

29

Aim: Examples

To present a new aspect of an issue

To consider a new way of doing something

To evaluate our current theory & practice

To imagine a situation or condition

To empathize with somebody’s situation or feelings

30

The EndVisit www.drpablojimenez.net

31