This template is for those wanting to use the Simple Sermon Guide for short, flexible, Jesus-focused sermons. You can also download this sermon template I use for all my sermons.

TITLE:

• Choose a title that reflects the heart of the message from the listener’s perspective

Scripture:

• To keep the message succinct and clear, ask God to guide you to a single scripture that guides the heart of your message.

State:

• This short statement captures a truth from the key scripture that you are trying to teach.
• Use simple, everyday language.
• Limiting the phrase to a single line (in a big, bold font) makes it easier to remember for both yourself and those you are listening too.
• Choose simple, everyday language that has some rhythm or rhyme if possible.

Story:

• Recall a brief story from your personal experience that illustrates your key statement
• Ensure the story is appropriate for your audience and not so personal that you may later regret sharing it or the information is of a nature that it could be used against yourself or someone else.
• Ensure the story has an emotional component (most often joy) that engages the heart, not just the mind.

Symbol:

• A symbol could be a ‘prop’ (e.g. cup) or a symbol that people imagine (e.g. a lion).
• When you are speaking to a diverse audience, have a challenge concept to communicate or simply have more time consider using a symbol of some kind.
• Ideally the symbol builds on your story and is a symbol your listeners are familiar with.

Step [Pray]:

• As you invite your listeners to pray, ensure there is a clear step that you have built to.
• The step should be a challenge arising from your Scripture, articulated in your Statement and vividly captured in your Story and/or Symbol.
• If in doubt, your Step should be to simply “follow Jesus” in faith for the first time, or in a renewed or continuing manner.