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Haddon Robinson mentions a number of characteristics of an effective sermon introduction: it “commands attention ” it “uncovers needs ” and it “introduces the body of the sermon.” According to Robinson, “You must turn voluntary attention into involuntary attention.

A carefully planned introduction can accomplish that mental preparation. Hearers need to be prepared for the message of the sermon. Some pastors seem to think that sermon introductions are unnecessary, but I believe that is a communicational mistake. Buttrick recommends making a clear opening statement of the idea of the move, developing the idea using explanations, images, and metaphors, answering objections, and then closing the move with a restatement of the move’s idea. I have also been helped by what David Buttrick’s concept of sermon “moves” (similar to points or sub-points), which he describes in his book, Homiletic. Thomas Long has a good chapter on “Images and Experiences in Sermons.” I recommend Bryan Chapell’s discussions on explanation, illustration, application and their relationship, which can be found in his book and in lectures in his online course. There is a great deal that could be said, especially about the use of sermon illustrations. It may include answers to possible objections. It may include elaborations or illustrations of the point. This supportive material may include an explanation of the point in the outline or of how the sermon text supports the point. Haddon Robinson says, “Outlines serve as skeletons of thought, and in most sermons, as in most bodies, the skeleton will not be completely hidden.” However, just as skeletons are covered with flesh, so an outline needs to be fleshed out with supportive material. Gather supportive material for each point or move of the outline. Now that you have completed your planning for the sermon, you are ready to begin the process of composing or writing.ġ.