How To Prepare A Sermon Introduction: Before you start preparing a sermon introduction, it is important to understand the structural components of a sermon and the introduction is only one component of the sermon structure.
I usually see the sermon in three parts – the introduction, the body of the sermon and the conclusion. The body of the sermon, which is the sermon outline, includes the title/topic or the main preaching point, the sub-points and incident points. I also see illustrations as part of the structure of the sermon. All of these structures belong to the body of the sermon.
Once you have outlined your sermon with the main preaching point, sub-points, incidental points and illustrations, you now have enough information to write an effective introduction.
There are four features associated with an effective and exciting introduction.
1. The Introduction Must Command Attention
When you step behind the pulpit, you dare not assume that your congregation sits expectantly on the edge of the pews waiting for your sermon. In reality they are probably a bit bored and harbor a suspicion that you will make matters worse (so Robinson).
Therefore your introduction must capture their attention so that they will listen to you. You only have a few minutes to get their attention otherwise you may never gain their attention at all.
Your introductory remarks must arouse interest, whet the appetite of your listeners, be personal and introduce the theme of your message.
Creating tension is a great way to introduce your message! This is often referred to as upsetting the equilibrium. “God is with us and yet He seems a million miles away.” “We are more than conquerors and yet we feel defeated most days!”
Asking a rhetorical question is another way to introduce your sermon! God’s word tells me that He is with me, why does it feel as though He is a million miles away? If the Christian life is a victorious life, why do I feel defeated most days?
Presenting a startling fact or statistic is another way to introduce your message! For every death by suicide, it is estimated that as many as thirty (30) people attempt to end their lives. In Australia there are around 2170 suicide deaths each year. If that is the case, then there are around 65100 suicide attempts each year. What does that say about us as a people? Why do so many people struggle with life?
Highlighting the subject of your message with a story is another way to introduce your sermon!
Several years ago it was reported in a newspaper that a man had robbed a convenience store. This man gave the clerk a $10.00 dollar bill to get her to open the cash register. Well! It worked. She opened it and he forced her to give him the contents of the drawer. He got everything–a grand total of $4.34. He left in such a hurry that he forgot the $10.00 bill he gave the clerk to open the cash register, and he lost $5.66 in the deal. You know, that’s the way of sin. It never gives you what it promises.
2. The Introduction Must Uncover Needs
When Jesus spoke people listened. Why? Well Jesus understood the needs of the people. To motivate people to listen to your message, you must uncover their needs.
Most Christians are busy people so Bill Hybels wrote a book called “Too Busy Not To Pray!” Bill uncovered a need that we all face as busy people.
3. The Introduction Must Introduce the Body of the Sermon
The introduction is not the sermon. It simply introduces the theme or subject of your message. Yes, it must be interesting and it must uncover needs but it must also introduce the body of the sermon. It needs to be clear and concise leaving no doubt in the audience what you are going to speak about in your message.
4. The Introduction Must Be Relevant and Personal
By making the introduction relevant and personal, you simply bring the listeners with you.
Everyone wants to be thin, but it’s hard work to eat correctly and exercise regularly. However, if we take those small steps each day, day by day, we begin to see the results. It is the same with our spiritual life. If we do the little things day by day, we will begin to see the results in our spiritual walk. Let me say this to you right now, you will never change your life until you change something you do daily. Let’s face it! Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time. We can overcome the everyday problems of life with a positive attitude by consistently putting into practice those little things every day. Let me tell you what those little things are! Are you ready to hear them?
How to prepare a sermon introduction: The more you write introductions the easier it will become!
How To Prepare A Sermon Introduction Resource Material
Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell
How To Preach Without Notes by Charles Koller
How To Prepare Bible Messages by James Braga
Using Illustrations To Preach With Power by Bryan Chapell
Thirty Minutes To Raise The Dead by Bill Bennett