How to Write a Sermon in 7 Easy Steps

Step 1: Pray and Select Your Passage

Begin with prayer for Holy Spirit guidance.5 This fundamental step is universal across all recognized homiletics experts including Robinson, Richard, Craddock, Broadus, and Notre Dame's "Ladder of Homiletics."6

Anglican-Specific Considerations

The Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) provides structured Scripture readings across a three-year cycle (Years A, B, C focusing on Matthew, Mark, Luke respectively, with John interspersed). Anglican clergy typically preach from one of the Sunday readings—most commonly the Gospel.

The lectionary prevents "hobby horse" preaching and exposes congregations to comprehensive biblical narrative. However, during Ordinary Time (Trinitytide), some Anglican parishes practice lectio continua—preaching verse-by-verse through entire biblical books—reflecting the tradition's Reformed heritage.

Practical Application

If using the lectionary, read all four readings early in the week. If practicing expository preaching, continue with the next passage in your series. Consider how the Collect of the Day (Prayer Book provision) "collects" the theme of readings and can guide sermon focus.7

Citation-ready statistic: 22% of pastors plan sermon topics only the week before delivery, while another 22% plan 2-5 months ahead8 (Lifeway Research 2016). Anglican tradition encourages advance planning aligned with liturgical seasons.

Step 2: Study the Text Through Biblical Exegesis

This step is emphasized by Robinson ("Big Idea" methodology), Richard (7-step method), Broadus (classical approach), and all seminary curricula as foundational to faithful biblical preaching.

Core Exegetical Process

Perform grammatical-historical analysis by:

• Reading the passage in multiple translations
• Studying original language tools (Greek/Hebrew lexicons)
• Examining historical and cultural context
• Consulting 3-5 reputable commentaries
• Identifying the text's original meaning to its first audience

Ask critical questions: Who wrote it? To whom? When? Why? What is the literary genre? How does it fit within the book's flow?

Time-Saving Insight

Digital tools like Logos Bible Software provide instant access to commentaries, lexicons, and cross-references that once required physical library visits. Modern AI-enhanced sermon prep tools can assist with initial research on biblical history, theology, and original languages—though pastoral refinement remains essential.

Step 3: Discover the Central Idea (The "Big Idea")

This concept is core to Robinson (Big Idea), Broadus (Proposition), Richard (Central Truth), and Fasol (Timeless Principle). Distill the passage to one main theological truth.

Method

Formulate the "exegetical idea" (what it meant to original hearers), then transform it into the "homiletical idea" (what it means today). Express this in a single, clear sentence of 15-18 words maximum using present tense.10 Avoid historical names or places in the statement to maintain timeless relevance.

Example structure: Subject + Complement. "God demonstrates His love through sacrificial giving." Not: "God demonstrated His love when Jesus died on the cross for our sins in first-century Palestine."

Why This Matters

All homiletics experts agree that sermon clarity depends on a unified central idea. Multiple points should all support this single theme. Robinson's methodology, detailed in "Biblical Preaching" (named one of the 25 most influential preaching books),11 builds everything from this foundation.

This becomes your sermon's "North Star"—everything flows from this central truth.

Step 4: Determine Purpose and Build Your Structure

This step is universal across all methodologies—Robinson, Richard, Craddock, and Wilson's "Four Pages" approach.

Purpose Definition

Ask specifically: "What do I want listeners to know, feel, or do?" Define whether the sermon's purpose is to inform, convince, or motivate. Write a specific purpose statement addressing how hearts and lives should change.12

Structure Development

Create 2-5 main points flowing logically from the central idea (three is optimal for retention). Each point should support the Big Idea and advance the sermon's purpose.13 Ensure logical progression with clear transitions.

Choose between deductive structure (state thesis, then prove) or inductive structure (build evidence toward revelation)—Fred Craddock pioneered inductive preaching with his influential "As One Without Authority."1415

Step 5: Develop Supporting Content (Explanation, Illustration, Application)

The "Four E's" are emphasized across expository preaching traditions, including Wilson's "Trouble/Grace" framework.

Four Essential Elements for Each Point

• Explanation: Define terms, provide context, clarify difficult concepts. What does the text mean?18
• Exposition: Why is it true and important? Cross-reference other scriptures, provide theological support, use logic and reasoning.
• Illustration: What does this look like in real life? Use biblical examples, personal stories (avoid being the hero), historical accounts, contemporary examples with concrete, specific details.19
• Application: What should we do in response? Make it practical and specific. Address different life situations. Give clear action steps.20 Challenge and comfort appropriately.

Research Validation

Studies show churches receiving steady diet of biblical exposition demonstrate increased Bible knowledge and member engagement.21 Thom Rainer's research identified correlative relationships between sermon preparation time and church health metrics including evangelistic effectiveness, member retention, and per capita giving.

Step 6: Craft Introduction and Conclusion

This is a universal recommendation across all methodologies, with strategic placement emphasized by Broadus and Robinson.

Introduction Requirements (10% of sermon)

• Grab attention in the first 30 seconds
• Create interest and establish need
• Introduce the biblical text
• State or hint at the central idea
• Preview the structure

Use story, provocative question, startling statement, or current event connection. Write the introduction LAST after you know where the sermon is going.

Conclusion Requirements (15% of sermon)

• Briefly recapitulate main points
• Drive home the central idea with power
• Call for specific response with clear action steps
• End decisively—"land the plane" without introducing new material or meandering2223

Step 7: Prepare for Delivery and Pray

This step is consistent across all sources and emphasized in Anglican tradition's spiritual formation focus.

Preparation Steps

• Write full manuscript OR detailed outline based on personal preference and experience
• Practice delivery aloud 2-3 times
• Time yourself to ensure appropriate length
• Mark emphasis points and pauses
• Prepare pulpit notes with large print and wide margins
• Internalize the message personally—let it impact your own heart first
• Pray over the manuscript and congregation24

Delivery Considerations

Modern trend moves toward extemporaneous delivery over manuscript reading. Extemporaneous preaching (from memorized outline or internalized structure) allows better eye contact, dynamic adjustment to congregation response, and conversational tone. However, traditional manuscript preaching remains common in high-church Anglican contexts for literary quality and precise doctrinal expression.

Soul Care Emphasis

Research reveals 72% of pastors only study the Bible when preparing sermons, not for personal growth. 70% report lower self-esteem than when entering ministry.2526 Anglican spiritual tradition emphasizes that "the inner life makes the preacher" (James S. Stewart).

The preacher must be prepared before the sermon is prepared.27 "Study without prayer is atheism; prayer without study is presumption"28 (R.W. Dale).