6-STAGE SERMON PREPARATION WORKSHEET


STAGE 1: Select the Passage

Text:


Why did I choose this passage?

Context of the passage (brief summary):



STAGE 2: Exegetical Study (What does it mean?)

Key observations from the text:

Key words / repeated ideas:


Historical / literary context:



STAGE 3: Exegetical Idea (What is the author saying?)

One-sentence summary of the passage:


(Describe what the original author meant to communicate)


STAGE 4: Homiletical Idea (What will I preach?)

Sermon Big Idea (clear and memorable):


(Rewrite the exegetical idea in a way people can understand today)


Sermon Theme / Title:



STAGE 5: Sermon Development (How will I explain it?)

Main points of the sermon:

Supporting Scriptures / illustrations:

Application directions:

  • What should they understand?
  • What should they believe?
  • What should they do?

STAGE 6: Sermon Purpose (What should change happen?)

Core Question:

What specific change do I want in the hearers?


Purpose Statement (Measurable):

After this sermon, my hearers will be able to:





Type of change expected:

☐ Knowledge (understanding truth)
☐ Attitude (heart response)
☐ Behavior (action / obedience)


Observable results (be specific):


Sermon “Motion” (decision/action expected):



FINAL CHECK (Before Preaching)

✔ Is my message faithful to the text?
✔ Is my idea clear and unified?
✔ Is my purpose specific and measurable?
✔ Does my sermon lead to real life change?


SUMMARY STATEMENT

A good sermon moves through the text, clarifies its meaning, shapes it into a clear message, and ends with a defined purpose that produces transformation in the hearers.