My Short and Simple Sermon Writing Workflow

On Substack, I wrote on two real-life examples of bravery and boldness I was able to incorporate into my sermon on Sunday morning. Yesterday I shared encouragement from C. H. Spurgeon on taking every opportunity turn the diamond of the gospel. Today I’m sharing my short and simple sermon writing workflow:

1. Read the preaching text immediately

Get the passage into your head as soon as possible so you can start wrestling with it and working on it. Dig in using basic hermeneutical skills and study Bibles. Begin forming your main points and the big idea while letting the text marinate in your mind.

2. Study the text with resources

Explore commentaries, Logos, and other trusted materials, and check what pastors you respect have written or preached online. Make discoveries, but don’t get lost in the content—stay focused on your big idea and keep your congregation in mind. Use these insights to solidify your main points and refine your message.

3. Apply the text to your life

Live out the sermon personally. Work through the applications in your own life so you can speak to your congregation from experience, not just theory. Reflect on how it relates to your listeners, and then put it all into writing in a way that is practical, relatable, and spiritually grounded.