Send us a text

The Sermon Proposition

The proposition of a Keyword sermon is a brief, simple sentence that declares to the hearer what should be known about the theme of the sermon. The proposition can be called “the sermon in a sentence.” It embodies the single truth that the preacher hopes to communicate and usually includes an implied response. Everything else in the sermon revolves around, or in some way relates to the proposition. As Lloyd Perry states, “It is this sentence which is the integrating center of the sermon.”

Different writers and preachers have called the sermon proposition various names. Some have referred to it as the thesis, the central idea, the big idea, or the central truth, among other names. Regardless of the label given to it, the proposition is crucial to a well-done sermon.

A sermon without a clear proposition is like a ship without a rudder or an automobile without a steering wheel. Keeping the sermon on target will be very difficult, if not impossible! The result will be an unclear purpose, an unclear direction, and an unclear argument. The audience may feel a sense of frustration, for effective communication has been hindered by a lack of preciseness. The preacher himself may also be frustrated, feeling unable to present clearly that which he desires to present.

Following are some characteristics of a good Keyword sermon proposition. Most of these characteristics are true of propositions for other kinds of sermons as well:
The proposition should be stated in one simple sentence, avoiding compound or complex sentences.

• The proposition should be eight words or less, if possible.
• The proposition should consist of a personal reference (you, we, each of us), plus a course of action (a suitable verb form), plus the theme of the sermon.
• The proposition should be a persuasive statement, when possible, rather than being merely factual. The Keyword method is by nature a persuasive structure, and the proposition should reflect this.
• The proposition should reflect, or be stated as, a timeless truth.
• The proposition should not include proper names, except for Deity.
• The proposition should reflect the overall purpose of the sermon. The following list of purposes is suggestive:

           To inspire
           To move toward deeper consecration 
           To evangelize 
           To motivate to action 
           To bring comfort 
           To instruct 
           To bring warning

Remember to subscribe to The Preaching Matters Podcast and leave a favorable review on your favorite podcast directory.

Our website is: https://preachingmatters.buzzsprout.com/

The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)

https://www.patreon.com/user?u=69828429&fan_landing=true

Support the show

Subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review, and tell others about us if you find it helpful.

Contact me at [email protected].

The podcast is a ministry of Dr. Alan Carr and The Sermon Notebook (http://www.sermonnotebook.org)