Standing behind the pulpit for the first time, Bible in hand, heart pounding, and the weight of sharing God’s Word resting on your shoulders—it’s a moment filled with both excitement and nerves. Whether you’re preaching your first sermon in front of a congregation or sharing a message in a small group, the thought of preparing can feel overwhelming.
You might be asking: How do I prepare a sermon for the first time? Where do I even begin?
The good news is that sermon preparation doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a clear process, some practical guidelines, and a heart open to God’s leading, you can learn how to prepare a sermon that touches hearts and glorifies God.
This blog post will guide you step-by-step through the process of how to prepare a sermon for the first time. If you’re a beginner in ministry or simply need a refresher, these tips will show you how to write a sermon for church, create a strong sermon outline, and deliver it with confidence.
What are the Five Parts of a Sermon?
The most important parts of a sermon can be broken down into five key elements:
The Biblical Text and Its Context:
At the heart of every sermon is God’s Word. A strong sermon is anchored in Scripture, not just using the Bible as a springboard for personal opinions.
Before you can preach effectively, you need to understand what the text meant to its original audience and how it fits into the broader biblical narrative.
The Central Message (Big Idea):
Every effective sermon has one main point that serves as its North Star. Think of it as the one thing you want your congregation to remember when they leave.
As the old preaching adage goes, “A mist in the pulpit becomes a fog in the pews.”
Your central message should be clear enough that someone could repeat it to a friend over coffee.
The Application:
Scripture wasn’t just written to inform us—it’s meant to transform us. Your sermon needs to bridge the gap between the ancient text and modern life.
It needs to show your congregation how this truth applies to their daily walk with God. Without application, a sermon remains merely an interesting Bible lecture.
The Introduction and Conclusion:
These are your sermon’s bookends. Your introduction should grab attention and create a sense of relevance (“Why should I care about this?”), while your conclusion should drive home your main point and call your listeners to respond to God’s Word in some way.
Illustrations and Examples:
These are the windows that let light into your sermon. Well-chosen illustrations—whether personal stories, current events, or metaphors—help make abstract biblical truths concrete and memorable.
Jesus himself frequently used parables and everyday examples to illuminate spiritual truths.
Here’s something many first-time preachers don’t realize: these elements aren’t separate pieces but interconnected parts of a whole. They should flow together naturally, like a river carrying your listeners from the biblical text to life application.
While all these elements are important, they serve one ultimate purpose: to faithfully communicate God’s Word in a way that helps your congregation understand and apply it to their lives.
As Paul reminded Timothy, we preach “not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4).
What to Do When Preparing a Sermon
Let me walk you through a practical, step-by-step process for preparing your first sermon. I’ll make sure this is both biblically grounded and easily actionable.
Prayer and Personal Preparation:
Begin preparing your sermon by spending time in prayer, asking for God’s guidance and wisdom. Remember 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
This isn’t just another speech—you’re handling God’s Word.
Select and Study Your Text:
Start by choosing a passage that has personally impacted your own walk with God. Read it repeatedly in different translations, and allow the words to sink deep into your spirit.
Take time to write down your initial observations and questions—nothing is too simple or obvious. Study the historical context.
Try to understand what was happening when this text was written and how it fits into the broader biblical narrative.
If possible, explore key words in their original language, as this can provide deeper insights. Don’t hesitate to consult reliable commentaries, but remember they’re meant to supplement, not replace, your personal study time with God’s Word.
Find the Main Message:
This is where you distill everything you’ve studied into one clear, powerful truth. Ask yourself what God is saying through this text—not just what you want to say about it.
Write down the central message in a single, clear sentence that your grandmother could understand. Test this message against the text to ensure it naturally flows from Scripture rather than being forced upon it.
This main message will be your guiding light throughout the sermon preparation process.
Build Your Outline:
Think of your sermon outline as the skeleton that will support everything else. Begin with a compelling introduction that will capture your listeners’ attention.
Develop 2-4 main points that naturally support and explain your central message. Each point should flow logically into the next, creating a clear path for your listeners to follow.
Finally, plan a conclusion that will bring everything together and call your congregation to respond to God’s Word. I’ll speak more on your conclusion in a bit.
Add Flesh to the Bones:
Now it’s time to develop each section of your outline into full form. Carefully explain what the Bible is saying, using language your congregation will understand.
Weave in illustrations that illuminate the truth you’re sharing—think of these as windows that let light shine on your message. Also include practical applications that show how this truth can transform daily life.
Write clear transitions between your points so your sermon flows smoothly from one idea to the next.
Craft Your Introduction and Conclusion:
Your introduction needs to accomplish several things in just a few minutes: grab attention, create interest, and give people a reason to listen. Consider opening with a compelling story, a thought-provoking question, or a current event that relates to your message.
I’ll give you a few more in-depth examples later on.
Your conclusion is equally crucial—it’s your last chance to drive home your message. Summarize your main points, provide clear next steps for application, and end with hope and encouragement that motivates your listeners to respond to God’s Word.
Review and Refine:
Take time to review your entire sermon with fresh eyes. Ensure every illustration, point, and application supports your main message.
Look for places where you might lose your audience’s attention and adjust accordingly. Time yourself as you read through the entire sermon—for your first time, aim for 25-35 minutes.
This step is about polishing your message until it shines with clarity and purpose.
Practice Delivery:
Practicing your sermon out loud is essential—it’s completely different from reading it silently. If possible, record yourself and listen back. Pay attention to your pace, tone, and emphasis.
Practice in the actual preaching space if you can, as this will help you feel more comfortable when the time comes. Don’t just practice until you get it right—practice until you can’t get it wrong.
Final Spiritual Preparation the Day Before:
The day before you preach, focus on spiritual preparation. Spend extended time in prayer, not just for your delivery but for the hearts of those who will hear.
Review your notes one final time, but resist the urge to make major changes. Get good rest—your physical preparation matters too.
Most importantly, remind yourself of (2 Corinthians 12:9), that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be faithful to what He’s called you to do.
Pro Tips for First-Time Preachers:
- Keep it simple—don’t try to cover too much.
- Be yourself—don’t try to imitate other preachers.
- Share from your heart and personal walk with God.
- Remember that nervousness is normal and even helpful.
- Focus on serving your listeners, not impressing them.
Most importantly, remember that God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. If He’s given you this opportunity to preach, He will provide what you need to fulfill it.
As Jesus promised, “The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say” (Luke 12:12).
What Is a Good Sermon to Preach for the First Time?
So we’ve talked about how to put a sermon together for the first time. But what if you’re still looking for ideas or inspiration?
Let me help you choose a suitable topic for your first sermon that will set you up for success while faithfully serving your congregation.
For your first sermon, it’s wise to choose a foundational biblical truth that you deeply connect with personally. Here are some recommended topics and passages that work well for first-time preachers:
The Love of God (1 John 4:7-21):
This topic resonates with everyone and allows you to share from both Scripture and personal experience. The passage is rich yet straightforward because it focuses on God’s love for us and how we’re called to love others.
It’s a message that naturally flows into practical application for daily life.
Faith in Action (James 2:14-26):
This passage offers a clear message about living out our faith, with practical examples that make it easy to illustrate and apply. James’s straightforward writing style makes it particularly suitable for first-time preachers.
The Power of Prayer (Matthew 6:5-13):
Using the Lord’s Prayer as your text provides a natural structure for your sermon. Since prayer is something every Christian engages in, you’ll find plenty of relatable applications and illustrations to share.
God’s Faithfulness (Joshua 1:1-9):
This narrative passage shows God’s faithfulness during times of transition and challenge. It’s particularly powerful because it combines storytelling with clear promises from God that still apply today.
A Personal Testimony Through Scripture (Like Psalm 40):
Consider preaching from a psalm that parallels your own journey with God. This allows you to combine solid biblical teaching with authentic personal experience, which often connects deeply with listeners.
Here’s why these topics work well for first-time preachers:
- They’re foundational to the Christian faith.
- They’re relatable to both new and mature believers.
- They offer clear applications for daily life.
- They provide natural opportunities for storytelling and illustration.
- They’re challenging enough to be meaningful but not so complex that they’re overwhelming.
Whatever topic you choose, remember these key principles:
- Pick something you’ve personally experienced and can speak about authentically.
- Choose a passage you’ve spent significant time studying and meditating on.
- Select a topic that genuinely excites you—your enthusiasm will be contagious.
- Make sure it’s something you can explain clearly in a single sermon.
- Consider your congregation’s needs and current circumstances.
Think about Paul’s words to Timothy about keeping things focused on essential truth: “Guard what has been entrusted to your care” (1 Timothy 6:20).
Your first sermon doesn’t need to solve every theological question. It does, however, need to faithfully communicate one truth from God’s Word that can impact lives.
What Should I Say Before I Start My Sermon?
As I talked about earlier, starting your sermon well is very important because it sets the tone, calms your nerves, and helps you connect with your audience.
Before diving into your message, here are some ideas about key things you can say and do to begin confidently and engage your listeners:
Greet Your Audience Warmly:
Begin with a sincere, friendly greeting. A warm introduction not only helps you feel more at ease but also establishes a connection with the congregation.
For example:
- “Good morning, church! I’m so grateful to be here with you today.”
- “It’s a privilege to share God’s Word with you this morning. Thank you for welcoming me.”
If it’s your first time preaching in a specific church, briefly introduce yourself:
- “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I’m excited to share what God has placed on my heart today.”
Thank the Leadership or Hosts:
Acknowledging the leadership of the church demonstrates respect and humility. It also shows the congregation that you value their church family.
- “I want to thank [Pastor/Leader’s Name] for the opportunity to speak today and for their leadership in this ministry.”
Say a Brief Opening Prayer:
An opening prayer invites the Holy Spirit to guide your message and prepares the hearts of your listeners. Keep it simple and focused:
- “Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for the opportunity to share Your Word today. Please speak through me and open our hearts to receive what You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Introduce Your Sermon Topic:
Give a quick preview of the message to set the stage. Use this time to grab attention with a relatable question, story, or Scripture:
- “Today, we’re going to talk about [sermon topic]. Have you ever wondered how God’s promises apply to your life when you’re struggling to trust Him? Let’s explore that together.”
- “This morning, I’m sharing a message about [topic], inspired by [Scripture passage]. It’s a truth that has deeply impacted my own life, and I pray it encourages you too.”
If appropriate, begin with a short, relatable story that ties into your sermon theme. This helps you connect with your audience and makes your message feel relevant.
- “A few years ago, I faced a situation where I felt completely unprepared. I’ll never forget how God used that experience to teach me about His faithfulness. Today, I want to share a similar truth from Scripture.”
Key Tips for Starting Your Sermon:
- Be Genuine: Speak from the heart and let your personality shine. Your authenticity will resonate with the congregation.
- Keep It Concise: The introduction should flow naturally into your main message without dragging on.
- Focus on God: This moment isn’t about impressing anyone but about pointing people to Jesus.
What are the Best Ways to Deliver a Sermon?
You’ve finished writing your semon but aren’t quite sure how to deliver it. You might be lacking confidence when speaking or you’re just a bit unsure.
When learning how to prepare a sermon for the first time, these three proven delivery methods will help you balance sound theology with engaging presentation:
The Conversational Connection Method:
Think of your sermon as a heart-to-heart conversation rather than a lecture. Share insights from Scripture as if you’re talking with friends over coffee.
When explaining complex theological concepts, pause occasionally and say things like, “Have you ever wondered…” or “You might be thinking…” This approach helps your congregation feel included in the discovery process rather than being talked at.
For example, instead of declaring “James 2 tells us faith without works is dead,” try “When James wrote about faith and works, he was addressing people just like us who sometimes struggle to live out what we believe.”
The Story-Truth-Application Framework:
Begin each main point with a relevant story that illustrates the biblical truth you’re about to share. Then move to the Scripture and explain its meaning clearly.
Finally, bridge to application by showing how this truth intersects with your congregation’s daily lives.
This creates a natural rhythm that keeps people engaged while ensuring solid biblical teaching. When preaching your first sermon, this framework helps you maintain focus while keeping your audience connected to both the Word and its relevance.
The Interactive Reflection Approach:
Guide your congregation in actively processing the message by periodically incorporating brief moments of reflection. After explaining a biblical principle, pause and say something like, “Take a moment to consider…” or “Ask yourself…“
This technique helps listeners internalize the message and see its personal application. It transforms your sermon from a monologue into a guided journey through Scripture which helps both new and experienced preachers create meaningful connections between God’s Word and their congregation’s lives.
The key to all these methods is remembering that you’re not just preparing a message to preach. You’re shepherding people toward a deeper understanding of God’s truth.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to prepare a sermon for the first sermon is a milestone in your ministry journey. While it’s natural to feel nervous or unsure, remember that God has called and equipped you for this moment.
He isn’t asking for perfection—He’s asking for faithfulness.
When you approach sermon preparation with prayer, a teachable heart, and a willingness to rely on God, you’ll see how He works through you to bring His Word to life. No matter if you’re preaching to a packed church or a small group, trust that your obedience in delivering His message is what truly matters.
As you step into this calling, let Philippians 4:13 encourage you: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Take a deep breath, trust the process, and remember that God is with you every step of the way as you prepare and preach your first sermon.
All my love,
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