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The Episcopal Church
The Diocese of
Homiletics: Letting God’s Word Shine Through
HANDOUT #3: STRUCTURING YOUR SERMON
Now you are ready to DRAFT the sermon in longhand or on a computer, whatever is most comfortable for you.
The ideas you worked out on the DEVELOPING THE SERMON handout are your KEYS. Fit them into the KEYHOLE on the following page.
Ideally, put your draft away for a space of time to give it (and yourself) time to breathe. Then rewrite.
And read your draft aloud. Generally speaking, you are aiming for a five-minute homily or a ten-minute sermon. (Local practice varies, however.)
Finally, remember this: the “keyhole” approach is a very helpful way to structure a sermon—or, for that matter, almost any talk you may give. BUT it is not the only way. So turn it inside out or upside down; write in poetry or throw away your notes. Spread God’s word the best you can. And don’t forget to check the Deacons’ Web for sermons written by your diaconal brothers & sisters.
May God give you the courage to express yourself
and the joy of being the bearer of His word!
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