The Seven C’s of Preparing a Message
Keys to Message Prep Success
Do you sometimes struggle to get traction writing your messages? There are times when preparing a new sermon is easy. The words just seem to flow right through you. At other times, it can feel like your message tank is empty. It can be a struggle to get something on paper in those moments. This article will cover some basic principles to help you get going when your message prep seems stuck.
The goal of your messages should not be to present your opinions or good ideas. Each sermon should point to Jesus, be delivered with spiritual weight, and inspire people to a decision. To do this effectively, consider these 7 C’s.
Seven 7’s of Message Prep Success
1. Consistency is in your devotional time lays the best foundation for your message prep. Your daily devotional time not only feeds your spirit but also primes the pump of your message writing. Being consistent in this area adds much-needed depth to your messages.
2. Continual Personal Development - You need to build up a saving account of content to have “money in the bank” when you want to make a withdrawal to write a message. You can make deposits through reading books and listening to podcasts. Take notes on what you are learning that can be easily accessed when writing what you will speak about on Sunday.
3. Calendar - Add message prep times throughout your week. Save it on your calendar like you would any other appointment. When you develop a writing and message prep routine, you will experience better focus and fewer interruptions. Build margin into your prep because there will always be things that come up.
4. Creative elements - You may feel finished once you have a well-organized message with straightforward points. In reality, this is only step one. Now it is time to consider creative elements. What illustrations can you add? Bring your team into your prep earlier on by giving the general direction of your message. Including them will generate suggestions and help you deliver a better-finished product.
5. Contributions - You should process your message with a trusted advisory team to make sure you communicate what you intend in the best way possible. You may only have one person at first. That is ok, but make sure you include a diverse group to best reach those who have different experiences than you.
6. Clock Yourself - Too many communicators are unconcerned with the time it takes them to deliver their message. This is a mistake. It takes hard work to be efficient at communicating. It would be best if you rehearsed your message and timed each element. Practice your takeoff and landing and transitions between points. Planes and messages are most likely to crash during these two times.
7. Commit to Memory - You want your message to come across to those listening as something coming from your heart; because it is. To accomplish this, you should learn to internalize your messages before presenting. One way to know if you have done this is to see if you can summarize the message in one sentence. To begin internalizing, start with your main idea and then move on to your major points. After that, focus on the transitions and the stories.
These 7 C’s will help you while preparing, and your audience will also see the difference in your delivery. Sharing a message of eternal significance each week is no easy task. You will need God’s help every time, as well as a desire to keep learning and growing in this craft.
Deka wants to help you have more time to spend on message prep and the people of your church. To do this, we offer a variety of solutions that keep you on the field of ministry instead of on the sideline of administration. Whether it is digital giving, social media, or church finances, we have the experience and expertise to help. Click here to schedule a complimentary coaching session with one of our helpful team members today.