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Preparing a Sermon is Like Preparing a Meal
Even though I still have much to learn about being an effective communicator and preacher, I thought I’d share what I’m learning so far.
For what it’s worth, here is how I go about preparing a message. I liken it to preparing a feast.
The first step is determining what to make
Planning ahead by topic or text is like planning a menu. This helps determine what to shop for and keeps me focused in my studies. Choosing a text or topic should be done with much prayer and wisdom. I think this is the most challenging part of the process. It’s helpful if I plan my teaching calendar out ahead of time.
Next, I go shopping
This is where I begin to dig into Scripture. I read it, pray through it, and meditate on it. Then, I write down my thoughts on the text. At this point, a pen, Moleskine notebook, and a Bible is all I need. I prefer to go analog first before I go to my computer.
Then I check with other trusted sources such as commentaries, books, etc. to make sure that my initial thoughts aren’t heretical and to get other perspectives. I also grab other resources and information and put it all into my bucket- or in keeping with the analogy, my shopping cart.
During all this, I wrestle with what I’m preparing through more prayer and repentance. I find the person who needs the message most is the one preaching it.
Now that I have the ingredients, it’s time to to prepare the meal
I take all of the information and begin to work on preparing a coherent, accurate, and engaging message. I look at the order of the message and figure out where the various ingredients I’ve collected should go. Then, I begin to write it out in a rough draft. Some people prefer to do an outline. To each their own. The key is to build the skeleton- the initial framework- of the message.
Once I’ve got the ingredients together in the right order, I cook it
Good cooking doesn’t happen in a microwave, it’s usually a slow cook. Likewise, once I have the message prepared, I let it bake, or stew, in me, and walk through the message in my head during spare moments throughout the week. Sometimes, I preach it out loud to further refine it. Every now and then, I let it roast in my heart and mind and serve it right out of the oven with no rehearsal. Either way, I make sure it’s cooked.
After it’s cooked, I examine it one last time, and then serve it
It’s time to deliver this God-given message to a God-given audience. Usually, God has worked on my heart all the while and now I need to let my church feast on a word from God. I work hard to make sure it tastes good and is true to the original recipe that God had in mind. Presentation matters in serving a feast. Ask any good chef. That’s why we have garnish, color, and thoughtful arrangement of a dish. Similarly, I try to present the sermon in such a way that people are moved to taste and see that the LORD is good. Specifically, the bread of life- Jesus Christ. He is always to be made much of.
Leftovers
It’s not a bad idea to send the audience away with leftovers. That one well-crafted, sticky statement; that list of resources; that momentous experience that rocks them to their core. Something they can chew on and apply to their life.
Teach folks to cook for themselves
Too many Christians expect to be fed by their pastor. But the truth is, the pastor is an equipper who is to teach the church to cook for, and feed, themselves. To pray and meditate on Scripture. To apply it to their life. And to preach it to their thoughts, words, and actions. The command to go and make disciples also applies to all Christians- not just ministry leaders.
Finally, I [try to] rest easy
Ultimately, I need to remember that it’s not me or the message that changes hearts, it’s God. But I have to admit, it’s hard. Especially when you care so much. However, I simply want to be faithful to God and the Scriptures, speak the truth in love to my church, and trust that God is active and at work.
3 Responses to “Preparing a Sermon is Like Preparing a Meal”
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Good stuff Jason!
good reminders.
This is a highly relevant post for me. I am currently doing a study on preaching and have read 2 books which are causing me to change how I approach and deliver messages. I’d recommend ‘Communicating for a change’ by Andy Stanley and I am half way through ‘Preaching without notes’ by Joseph M. Webb. Once I am done with my research I’ll post it on my blog. Please look out and critique it if you have the time.
I also really like the part above about “teaching people to cook for themselves”. We need to work harder at resourcing churches to be self-feeders — that’s where most church growth is going to come from — reproduction!