5 Elements Every Sermon Needs Part 2
Jesus was the best preacher ever. He included five elements so His audience could hear, see, and feel His teaching.Here are five elements that every message at your church must have to communicate for life change
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INTRODUCTION
Every sermon needs five elements to succeed. These elements help you communicate for life change and challenge people to take their next step in following Jesus. The five elements are scripture, skin, symbol, story and step. We covered the first two steps in part one here. I encourage you to jump back and read it first if you haven’t already.
3. STORY
I’ve had the phrase “The best stories win culture” on my dry erase board. It is a daily reminder to continue honing my storytelling craft for the sake of culture and the kingdom. Stories are a vital element to include in your message. And notice how I said stories, not story. I like to use the 1:10 rule here. Include 1 story for every 10 minutes of preaching. Stories are important because they connect spiritual truth to the listeners’ emotions & feelings.
There are three ways to tell a story. Tell your own story. Tell someone else’s story. Someone else tells their story. All are powerful but have different pros and cons. So understanding how and when to use which type of story is important.
Telling your own story has a strong sense of intimacy because it is personal. But sharing too many personal stories can start making the message feel self-centered. Telling someone else’s story brings in a wider range of life experiences that you don’t have. It is also wise when the person is not a strong public speaker. Telling someone else’s story works well when it is complimentary. This allows you to brag about someone else instead of them bragging about themselves. The advantages of inviting someone to share their story is that it's intimate and probably not an experience you’ve had. The disadvantage is it takes more time to either coach someone to deliver it live or capture it on camera.
At the end of the day few people will remember your scripture, but everyone will remember your stories. So include stories.
4. SYMBOL
There are 2D and 3D symbols. 2D symbols are images you put on screen to illustrate a point. 2D symbols are easy to find and use. Google image search, download and drop into ProPresenter. I remember when a woman was reading her testimony at a baptism service. When she got to the decisive moment, she said “A year ago I was listening to a message. I don’t remember what it was about. But I remember seeing an image on screen of a path coming to a fork. When I saw that image I knew I had to make a decision. Was I gonna continue down my own path? Or was I gonna take God’s path for my life?” This simple 2D symbol had an eternal impact on this woman’s life.
Often the scripture will suggest a symbol to illustrate the truth we’re trying to convey. If Hebrews 4:14-16 talked about connecting to God through prayer I would hold up a phone as the symbol. If 2 Corinthians 5:20 talked about being ambassadors for Christ, I would compare it to the Queen using a sword for a knighting ceremony. If Hebrews 12:6 talked about how God disciplines those He loves, I would use the framework of foul poles and the symbol of a baseball bat for parents who are trying to love and discipline their children.
3D symbols don’t need to be complex. They can be ordinary objects found in everyday places. All they need to do is visually connect your guests to what you are saying. But it is more memorable if they are striking or even dangerous. Like standing on the top step of a ladder when talking about generosity. Or wielding a blowtorch when referencing the refining fire of God. Ask yourself these questions when selecting your symbol. Does it connect to the scripture? Is it visually striking? Is it well placed? Is it big enough? Will the people in the back row see it? How am I getting it on and off stage? These questions will help you select an awesome symbol.
5. STEP
The last element is step. Without it, your message will connect to the head and heart of your guests, but not their hands. People will think and feel but not do. So including this step is vital. There are a ton of potential next steps. Accept salvation, receive healing prayer, get baptized, participate in communion, join a life group, volunteer to serve, invite a friend, feed the poor, go on a mission trip and start to tithe. Spiritual steps are how people grow. A lifetime of small steps can result in dramatic life change. An effective message should inspire the audience to take their next step after the service. Or better yet, during the service. Let’s remember - faith without action is dead.
In evaluating your step, ask yourself these questions. Did the audience clearly understand what they were being asked to do? Was ample time provided to respond? Is the step measurable? How do we know people responded? Were the right tools available? Tools like sign-up cards, new believers kit and invite cards?
CONCLUSION
Those are my five elements that every message at your church must have to communicate for life change. As we conclude, let’s remember that Jesus was the best preacher ever. He included all five elements so His audience could hear, see, and feel His teaching.
He quoted scripture liberally. You see this anytime he starts a statement with “it has been written” and “you have heard it said.”
He skinned his messages with a theme. Luke 15 is a great example of this as the lost theme applies to the sheep, coin and son. Jesus repeatedly used striking symbols to illustrate deeper spiritual reality–seeds, soil, bread, wine. He was always using symbols.
Jesus told memorable stories. Most people can’t tell you what Luke 10:25-37 is about, but most people can retell the story of the good Samaritan. In fact, that story is so memorable, that we now have laws named after it 2,000 years later.
Lastly, Jesus always gave a step. Whenever Jesus healed, there was a step involved. Come down from that tree, fill these jars, pick up your mat.
Jesus was the master communicator. Let’s follow His direction and include the five elements of scripture, skin, symbol, story and step into our messages. Let me know what you thought of this article. I would love to hear from you and learn from you. And if you want additional help in this area then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win. Have an awesome day.
Sign Up for Product Updates
For over twenty years Ben has created & captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. He has served on the executive team of multiple megachurches and currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Zarephath Christian Church in New Jersey. Ben also consults for churches, teaches at universities and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity. For more information visit www.benstapley.com.
INTRODUCTION
Every sermon needs five elements to succeed. These elements help you communicate for life change and challenge people to take their next step in following Jesus. The five elements are scripture, skin, symbol, story and step. We covered the first two steps in part one here. I encourage you to jump back and read it first if you haven’t already.
3. STORY
I’ve had the phrase “The best stories win culture” on my dry erase board. It is a daily reminder to continue honing my storytelling craft for the sake of culture and the kingdom. Stories are a vital element to include in your message. And notice how I said stories, not story. I like to use the 1:10 rule here. Include 1 story for every 10 minutes of preaching. Stories are important because they connect spiritual truth to the listeners’ emotions & feelings.
There are three ways to tell a story. Tell your own story. Tell someone else’s story. Someone else tells their story. All are powerful but have different pros and cons. So understanding how and when to use which type of story is important.
Telling your own story has a strong sense of intimacy because it is personal. But sharing too many personal stories can start making the message feel self-centered. Telling someone else’s story brings in a wider range of life experiences that you don’t have. It is also wise when the person is not a strong public speaker. Telling someone else’s story works well when it is complimentary. This allows you to brag about someone else instead of them bragging about themselves. The advantages of inviting someone to share their story is that it's intimate and probably not an experience you’ve had. The disadvantage is it takes more time to either coach someone to deliver it live or capture it on camera.
At the end of the day few people will remember your scripture, but everyone will remember your stories. So include stories.
4. SYMBOL
There are 2D and 3D symbols. 2D symbols are images you put on screen to illustrate a point. 2D symbols are easy to find and use. Google image search, download and drop into ProPresenter. I remember when a woman was reading her testimony at a baptism service. When she got to the decisive moment, she said “A year ago I was listening to a message. I don’t remember what it was about. But I remember seeing an image on screen of a path coming to a fork. When I saw that image I knew I had to make a decision. Was I gonna continue down my own path? Or was I gonna take God’s path for my life?” This simple 2D symbol had an eternal impact on this woman’s life.
Often the scripture will suggest a symbol to illustrate the truth we’re trying to convey. If Hebrews 4:14-16 talked about connecting to God through prayer I would hold up a phone as the symbol. If 2 Corinthians 5:20 talked about being ambassadors for Christ, I would compare it to the Queen using a sword for a knighting ceremony. If Hebrews 12:6 talked about how God disciplines those He loves, I would use the framework of foul poles and the symbol of a baseball bat for parents who are trying to love and discipline their children.
3D symbols don’t need to be complex. They can be ordinary objects found in everyday places. All they need to do is visually connect your guests to what you are saying. But it is more memorable if they are striking or even dangerous. Like standing on the top step of a ladder when talking about generosity. Or wielding a blowtorch when referencing the refining fire of God. Ask yourself these questions when selecting your symbol. Does it connect to the scripture? Is it visually striking? Is it well placed? Is it big enough? Will the people in the back row see it? How am I getting it on and off stage? These questions will help you select an awesome symbol.
5. STEP
The last element is step. Without it, your message will connect to the head and heart of your guests, but not their hands. People will think and feel but not do. So including this step is vital. There are a ton of potential next steps. Accept salvation, receive healing prayer, get baptized, participate in communion, join a life group, volunteer to serve, invite a friend, feed the poor, go on a mission trip and start to tithe. Spiritual steps are how people grow. A lifetime of small steps can result in dramatic life change. An effective message should inspire the audience to take their next step after the service. Or better yet, during the service. Let’s remember - faith without action is dead.
In evaluating your step, ask yourself these questions. Did the audience clearly understand what they were being asked to do? Was ample time provided to respond? Is the step measurable? How do we know people responded? Were the right tools available? Tools like sign-up cards, new believers kit and invite cards?
CONCLUSION
Those are my five elements that every message at your church must have to communicate for life change. As we conclude, let’s remember that Jesus was the best preacher ever. He included all five elements so His audience could hear, see, and feel His teaching.
He quoted scripture liberally. You see this anytime he starts a statement with “it has been written” and “you have heard it said.”
He skinned his messages with a theme. Luke 15 is a great example of this as the lost theme applies to the sheep, coin and son. Jesus repeatedly used striking symbols to illustrate deeper spiritual reality–seeds, soil, bread, wine. He was always using symbols.
Jesus told memorable stories. Most people can’t tell you what Luke 10:25-37 is about, but most people can retell the story of the good Samaritan. In fact, that story is so memorable, that we now have laws named after it 2,000 years later.
Lastly, Jesus always gave a step. Whenever Jesus healed, there was a step involved. Come down from that tree, fill these jars, pick up your mat.
Jesus was the master communicator. Let’s follow His direction and include the five elements of scripture, skin, symbol, story and step into our messages. Let me know what you thought of this article. I would love to hear from you and learn from you. And if you want additional help in this area then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win. Have an awesome day.
podcast transcript
For over twenty years Ben has created & captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. He has served on the executive team of multiple megachurches and currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Zarephath Christian Church in New Jersey. Ben also consults for churches, teaches at universities and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity. For more information visit www.benstapley.com.
INTRODUCTION
Every sermon needs five elements to succeed. These elements help you communicate for life change and challenge people to take their next step in following Jesus. The five elements are scripture, skin, symbol, story and step. We covered the first two steps in part one here. I encourage you to jump back and read it first if you haven’t already.
3. STORY
I’ve had the phrase “The best stories win culture” on my dry erase board. It is a daily reminder to continue honing my storytelling craft for the sake of culture and the kingdom. Stories are a vital element to include in your message. And notice how I said stories, not story. I like to use the 1:10 rule here. Include 1 story for every 10 minutes of preaching. Stories are important because they connect spiritual truth to the listeners’ emotions & feelings.
There are three ways to tell a story. Tell your own story. Tell someone else’s story. Someone else tells their story. All are powerful but have different pros and cons. So understanding how and when to use which type of story is important.
Telling your own story has a strong sense of intimacy because it is personal. But sharing too many personal stories can start making the message feel self-centered. Telling someone else’s story brings in a wider range of life experiences that you don’t have. It is also wise when the person is not a strong public speaker. Telling someone else’s story works well when it is complimentary. This allows you to brag about someone else instead of them bragging about themselves. The advantages of inviting someone to share their story is that it's intimate and probably not an experience you’ve had. The disadvantage is it takes more time to either coach someone to deliver it live or capture it on camera.
At the end of the day few people will remember your scripture, but everyone will remember your stories. So include stories.
4. SYMBOL
There are 2D and 3D symbols. 2D symbols are images you put on screen to illustrate a point. 2D symbols are easy to find and use. Google image search, download and drop into ProPresenter. I remember when a woman was reading her testimony at a baptism service. When she got to the decisive moment, she said “A year ago I was listening to a message. I don’t remember what it was about. But I remember seeing an image on screen of a path coming to a fork. When I saw that image I knew I had to make a decision. Was I gonna continue down my own path? Or was I gonna take God’s path for my life?” This simple 2D symbol had an eternal impact on this woman’s life.
Often the scripture will suggest a symbol to illustrate the truth we’re trying to convey. If Hebrews 4:14-16 talked about connecting to God through prayer I would hold up a phone as the symbol. If 2 Corinthians 5:20 talked about being ambassadors for Christ, I would compare it to the Queen using a sword for a knighting ceremony. If Hebrews 12:6 talked about how God disciplines those He loves, I would use the framework of foul poles and the symbol of a baseball bat for parents who are trying to love and discipline their children.
3D symbols don’t need to be complex. They can be ordinary objects found in everyday places. All they need to do is visually connect your guests to what you are saying. But it is more memorable if they are striking or even dangerous. Like standing on the top step of a ladder when talking about generosity. Or wielding a blowtorch when referencing the refining fire of God. Ask yourself these questions when selecting your symbol. Does it connect to the scripture? Is it visually striking? Is it well placed? Is it big enough? Will the people in the back row see it? How am I getting it on and off stage? These questions will help you select an awesome symbol.
5. STEP
The last element is step. Without it, your message will connect to the head and heart of your guests, but not their hands. People will think and feel but not do. So including this step is vital. There are a ton of potential next steps. Accept salvation, receive healing prayer, get baptized, participate in communion, join a life group, volunteer to serve, invite a friend, feed the poor, go on a mission trip and start to tithe. Spiritual steps are how people grow. A lifetime of small steps can result in dramatic life change. An effective message should inspire the audience to take their next step after the service. Or better yet, during the service. Let’s remember - faith without action is dead.
In evaluating your step, ask yourself these questions. Did the audience clearly understand what they were being asked to do? Was ample time provided to respond? Is the step measurable? How do we know people responded? Were the right tools available? Tools like sign-up cards, new believers kit and invite cards?
CONCLUSION
Those are my five elements that every message at your church must have to communicate for life change. As we conclude, let’s remember that Jesus was the best preacher ever. He included all five elements so His audience could hear, see, and feel His teaching.
He quoted scripture liberally. You see this anytime he starts a statement with “it has been written” and “you have heard it said.”
He skinned his messages with a theme. Luke 15 is a great example of this as the lost theme applies to the sheep, coin and son. Jesus repeatedly used striking symbols to illustrate deeper spiritual reality–seeds, soil, bread, wine. He was always using symbols.
Jesus told memorable stories. Most people can’t tell you what Luke 10:25-37 is about, but most people can retell the story of the good Samaritan. In fact, that story is so memorable, that we now have laws named after it 2,000 years later.
Lastly, Jesus always gave a step. Whenever Jesus healed, there was a step involved. Come down from that tree, fill these jars, pick up your mat.
Jesus was the master communicator. Let’s follow His direction and include the five elements of scripture, skin, symbol, story and step into our messages. Let me know what you thought of this article. I would love to hear from you and learn from you. And if you want additional help in this area then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win. Have an awesome day.
VIDEO transcript
INTRODUCTION
Every sermon needs five elements to succeed. These elements help you communicate for life change and challenge people to take their next step in following Jesus. The five elements are scripture, skin, symbol, story and step. We covered the first two steps in part one here. I encourage you to jump back and read it first if you haven’t already.
3. STORY
I’ve had the phrase “The best stories win culture” on my dry erase board. It is a daily reminder to continue honing my storytelling craft for the sake of culture and the kingdom. Stories are a vital element to include in your message. And notice how I said stories, not story. I like to use the 1:10 rule here. Include 1 story for every 10 minutes of preaching. Stories are important because they connect spiritual truth to the listeners’ emotions & feelings.
There are three ways to tell a story. Tell your own story. Tell someone else’s story. Someone else tells their story. All are powerful but have different pros and cons. So understanding how and when to use which type of story is important.
Telling your own story has a strong sense of intimacy because it is personal. But sharing too many personal stories can start making the message feel self-centered. Telling someone else’s story brings in a wider range of life experiences that you don’t have. It is also wise when the person is not a strong public speaker. Telling someone else’s story works well when it is complimentary. This allows you to brag about someone else instead of them bragging about themselves. The advantages of inviting someone to share their story is that it's intimate and probably not an experience you’ve had. The disadvantage is it takes more time to either coach someone to deliver it live or capture it on camera.
At the end of the day few people will remember your scripture, but everyone will remember your stories. So include stories.
4. SYMBOL
There are 2D and 3D symbols. 2D symbols are images you put on screen to illustrate a point. 2D symbols are easy to find and use. Google image search, download and drop into ProPresenter. I remember when a woman was reading her testimony at a baptism service. When she got to the decisive moment, she said “A year ago I was listening to a message. I don’t remember what it was about. But I remember seeing an image on screen of a path coming to a fork. When I saw that image I knew I had to make a decision. Was I gonna continue down my own path? Or was I gonna take God’s path for my life?” This simple 2D symbol had an eternal impact on this woman’s life.
Often the scripture will suggest a symbol to illustrate the truth we’re trying to convey. If Hebrews 4:14-16 talked about connecting to God through prayer I would hold up a phone as the symbol. If 2 Corinthians 5:20 talked about being ambassadors for Christ, I would compare it to the Queen using a sword for a knighting ceremony. If Hebrews 12:6 talked about how God disciplines those He loves, I would use the framework of foul poles and the symbol of a baseball bat for parents who are trying to love and discipline their children.
3D symbols don’t need to be complex. They can be ordinary objects found in everyday places. All they need to do is visually connect your guests to what you are saying. But it is more memorable if they are striking or even dangerous. Like standing on the top step of a ladder when talking about generosity. Or wielding a blowtorch when referencing the refining fire of God. Ask yourself these questions when selecting your symbol. Does it connect to the scripture? Is it visually striking? Is it well placed? Is it big enough? Will the people in the back row see it? How am I getting it on and off stage? These questions will help you select an awesome symbol.
5. STEP
The last element is step. Without it, your message will connect to the head and heart of your guests, but not their hands. People will think and feel but not do. So including this step is vital. There are a ton of potential next steps. Accept salvation, receive healing prayer, get baptized, participate in communion, join a life group, volunteer to serve, invite a friend, feed the poor, go on a mission trip and start to tithe. Spiritual steps are how people grow. A lifetime of small steps can result in dramatic life change. An effective message should inspire the audience to take their next step after the service. Or better yet, during the service. Let’s remember - faith without action is dead.
In evaluating your step, ask yourself these questions. Did the audience clearly understand what they were being asked to do? Was ample time provided to respond? Is the step measurable? How do we know people responded? Were the right tools available? Tools like sign-up cards, new believers kit and invite cards?
CONCLUSION
Those are my five elements that every message at your church must have to communicate for life change. As we conclude, let’s remember that Jesus was the best preacher ever. He included all five elements so His audience could hear, see, and feel His teaching.
He quoted scripture liberally. You see this anytime he starts a statement with “it has been written” and “you have heard it said.”
He skinned his messages with a theme. Luke 15 is a great example of this as the lost theme applies to the sheep, coin and son. Jesus repeatedly used striking symbols to illustrate deeper spiritual reality–seeds, soil, bread, wine. He was always using symbols.
Jesus told memorable stories. Most people can’t tell you what Luke 10:25-37 is about, but most people can retell the story of the good Samaritan. In fact, that story is so memorable, that we now have laws named after it 2,000 years later.
Lastly, Jesus always gave a step. Whenever Jesus healed, there was a step involved. Come down from that tree, fill these jars, pick up your mat.
Jesus was the master communicator. Let’s follow His direction and include the five elements of scripture, skin, symbol, story and step into our messages. Let me know what you thought of this article. I would love to hear from you and learn from you. And if you want additional help in this area then visit benstapley.com/coach to schedule a free consultation. I would love to help you win. Have an awesome day.
Sign Up for Product Updates
For over twenty years Ben has created & captured moving and memorable moments for individuals, non-profits & corporations across the globe. He has served on the executive team of multiple megachurches and currently serves as the Executive Pastor at Zarephath Christian Church in New Jersey. Ben also consults for churches, teaches at universities and speaks at conferences about leadership, communication and creativity. For more information visit www.benstapley.com.
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