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Three types of Sermon Preparation

1. The Written Sermon:

Here preacher needed a great deal of time in preparation. Sometimes the whole message is written out beforehand. This often involves several pages of notes.  It give attention to great detail, the construction of a sentence and the correct word to use. This method has advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is that the whole sermon has been the subject of very careful attention to detail. Nothing has been left to chance, the disadvantage is in the presentation of this type of sermon is that it often comes across as uninteresting and does not capture the listener’s attention. This style is extremely boring.

 2. “Skeleton-type” Notes:

This is the most commonly used method, and the one, which is effective. Notes are kept in a minimum, affording sufficient outline of the message to prompt the memory. The brief notes form the “skeleton” of the message. They are the bones, which give shape and structure to what the preacher desires to say. This method allows the preacher much more flexibility. He is not tied to his notes so much. He is more open to the inspiration that will often come to him while he is actually preaching. Here presentation is not hard to listen too.

3. The Extemporary Sermon:

This style of preaching is spontaneous and usually presented without notes at the time of delivery. The subject is often given a good deal of careful thought beforehand had the mind and heart are filled with vital aspect of the message. This is often used to deliver the more inspirational type of sermon. The sermon flows from the heart and often carries a strong emotional involvement. There are two potential weaknesses in this style. The first is that it often lacks meaningful content, and the spirits and minds of the hearers are not edified. The second is that the delivery may become over-emotional, and become irrational and unconvincing.