The preacher reads a text. He states his title. He gives the introduction. He states the point. He then prepares to move to the main body of the sermon.
He announces this transition to the congregation by saying, “Let me say three things about this text.”
Not good.
You have chosen a specific text. You have worked to craft the point of the message in a clear sentence. You have chosen an attention-grabbing title. You have crafted a compelling introduction. You have a powerful message to deliver.
- Don’t stumble into the text by tripping over “things.”
- Don’t get into an accident at the intersection between the first and second points of the sermon because you ran into “things.”
- Don’t land the plane awkwardly on the runway of “things.”
Work hard on your transitional sentences. Move smoothly from one idea to the next. Give a clear signal and get the right-of way before you change lanes.
“Things” don’t make good transitions. Try other key words instead.
Give four reasons why believers should pray.
State three requirements for Christian discipleship.
Share five benefits of forgiving people who wrong you.
Describe the dynamics of a healthy church body.
Explain the signs of true conversion.
Get it?
Reasons, requirements, benefits, dynamics, and signs are better than “things.” They make transitional sentences concrete, lively, and powerful.
There are many effective words you can use to make your transitional sentences come alive. Hunt them down. Practice using them.
Work hard to get “things” out of your sermons.