This post reproduces a brief ministry document outlining a sermon framework and practical speaking guidance for Victor Street Bible Chapel in 1992.
Presented here as an archived ministry handout, the document sets out a basic sermon structure, two key preparation questions, and practical suggestions for both the morning ministry and the Lord’s Supper meeting.
SERMON FRAMEWORK FOR VICTOR STREET BIBLE CHAPEL (1992)
INTRODUCTION: Catches attention and interest
BRIDGE:
-
- Why should the audience listen?
- Is this going to be relevant? Helpful?
BODY OF THE SERMON
(May have any number of parts)
A.
B.
C.
-
- Parts should fit together in some meaningful way.
- Sermon should seem to progress.
- Desirable: practical applications of each point.
CONCLUSION: Two goals—
1. Seeks a final impact on hearer.
2. Restates the major lesson clearly.
Two important questions to ask in sermon preparation:
1. What is my main theme, my controlling idea? (aids unity).
2. What do I want my hearers to do as a result of my message?
Suggestions about the morning ministry.
1. Remember this is not a Seminary audience, but a working class church.
2. Be careful of vocabulary that is not understood—
like theological or scholarly terms
like words not in everyday use by our people
3. Apply at least the principles of the “Sermon Framework”
4. Morning schedule will be somewhat different in 1992.
Suggestions about the Lord’s Supper meeting.
1. We must remember the large number of kids at the meeting and try to interest them.
2. Opening presentation should probably not go longer than 20 minutes.
3. Avoid hard-to-follow topics.
If the talk is theology make the ideas simple and clear to all.
Don’t go through a long, detailed argument or proof unless it is easy to follow.
4. New pattern for assigning the speakers in 1992.
Document type: Ministry Notes / Outline
Date: 1992
Topics: sermon preparation; preaching structure; morning ministry; Lord’s Supper meeting; Victor Street Bible Chapel