How do pastors decide on a Sermon Topic? Sometime pastors may get writers block. Sometimes young preachers are not sure what they should preach about. Often, people in the pew wonder how their pastor comes up with a Sermon Topic.
Expository
Actually there are several ways to develop a sermon. There is what is called the expository sermon. This is when the subject mater comes directly “out of” the Bible. Of course it is not quite as simple as this. The preacher must have some purpose in mind for the sermon. It might be purely educational. In a situation like this the sermon is more like a lecture. Perhaps the congregation is seeking to know the Bible and it’s background better. The sermon could delve into the who, what, where, and when. It might compare various translations and or explain some of the original Hebrew or Greek Behind the text.
I knew a pastor of actually took on the task of,preaching from the Bible beginning to end. Although, the congregation seemed to like it, as measured by their increase in membership, I would not recommend it.
Liturgical
In more liturgical traditions, such as mine, (Episcopal) denominations such as Presbyterian, Methodist, and Roman Catholics, the lessons for each Sunday have been determined and follow a collection in a three year cycle. The preacher has 4 scripture passage from which to choose. There is an Old Testament lesson, a Psalm, a Gospel reading and another from the Epistles.
In these situations the sermon might come from one of these lessons or from portions of each. The preacher will usually attempt to connect the message to the current part of the Liturgical year. There are various season in these denominations (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost).
All pastors, we hope, will do their best to connect with the current concerns of the congregation. These could range from celebrations to tragedies.
Evangelistic
Another type of sermon is the Evangelistic. The purpose is to convince members of the gathered audience to repent of their sins, put their faith in Jesus, and begin a new or renewed life as a disciple of Jesus Christ. This is traditionally the bread and butter, meat and potatoes of the Baptist tradition. It generally flows from examples of the perils of life without faith, to wonderful Grace of God’s forgiving love. There is an emphasis on the saving act of Jesus’s death and resurrection as the key with the promise of a better life now and eternal life in the future. There is usually an “alter call” at the end which is an opportunity for the listeners to “come forward” as an act of faith.
The best examples of Evangelistic preaching is in the long career of The Rev. Billy Graham. Although there have been many others over the centuries. Dwight L. Moody comes to mind. Bishop T,D. Jakes is another.
Holy Spirit
Some preachers focus on the Holy Spirit. The Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions are the main examples. This is not to say they are the only ones. The are other denominations that also include this form. The Charismatic Episcopal Church for one and various parts of the Anglican Churches. For example the ACNA (Anglican Church of North America) which is a split from the Episcopal Church.
Holy Spirit or Charismatic sermons stress the importance of receiving The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the receiving of Spiritual Gifts to carry out Christian ministries. These sermons might also conclude with something similar to an Altar Call where people might come forward for prayer. In the 1960s this was very popular and Episcopal like The Rev. Dennis Bennett, and The Rev. Terry Fulham who were well know Charismatic Episcopalians.
Healing
Some preacher choose sermon topics are related to healing. These generally use Biblical examples from the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Book of Acts. They will include moving stories of healing events past and present to encourage the members of the congregation. They too may be followed by opportunities for individual prayer following the sermon. It has been my practice for many years to include frequent healing sermons. Also I make an opportunity to receive a healing prayer including the anointing with holy oil.
During his lifetime Francis McNutt encouraged the ministry of healing and even developed a school to train others to pray for healing. There is also an interdenominational, international Order of Saint Luke dedicated to the spread of healing ministry.
Social Justice
Yet another form of sermon we might call Social Justice or Social Gospel preaching. The most famous preacher of this type was The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His “I have a dream” sermon is a classic example. We all know the key line, “I dream of a time when all will be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.”
Prosperity
I hesitate to include, as I find it contrary to the Gospel is Prosperity Gospel preaching. The Good News of these sermons suggests that God not only wants us to prosper but that there are spiritual laws that can more or less make it happen. “Cast your bread upon the waters and it will come back in blessings of plenty.” “Plant seeds of money into others and 100:fold will return to you.” Well known TV preachers like Pat Robertson major in these sermons.
Discipleship
There are also sermon topics aimed at Discipleship or growing in Christian Maturity. These sermons encourage members to live into the four traditional aspects of life in Christ: Fellowship, Worship, Study, and Action. They encourage participation in small groups, regular attendance at Sunday Worship as well as daily prayer, Bible study alone and In groups, and care for the least, the lame and the lost. They also stress the importance of the nuclear family and the roles of mothers and fathers. A good example is Dr. James Dobson, of Focus on the family.
Authority
When preparing a sermon it is good to be clear about ones source of authority. There is an old preacher joke goes like this. When a rabbi gets up to preach he says, “The Torah, the Law says.” When a Roman Catholic Priest preaches he says ,The Pope and the Church say,” When a Protestant pastor preachers he say, “Well now, it seems to me.”
In Anglican tradition we say their are three sources of authority: scripture, tradition, and reason. In practice there is really a fourth: experience. We do our best to balance the all.
Prayer
It probably should go without saying, however the most important resource is our life of prayer. In other words when preparing a sermon we out to be diligent in prayer as well as study and contemplation.
It is also important for the preacher to keep his or her spiritual house in order. There is a long tradition that encourages pastors to have a Spiritual Director whom the visit regularly. This helps us keep from unconsciously letting our own problems and short coming color our sermons unnecessarily. That is not to say we should not include thing from our own lives. Rather we ought be careful not to be using preaching as an opportunity for our own therapy.
Finally when nearing the end of my sermon preparation I ask myself, “ So what?” As, “Is what does I am going to say have anything relevant and ,helpful to those who will listen?”