Introduction to The Basics of Preaching: An Introduction and a Review

This seven-module study is intended to equip lay pastors with the tools and knowledge to develop sermons from the biblical text and to proclaim God’s word from the pulpit with confidence, faithfulness, and accuracy. The course introduces the major aspects of developing sermons from biblical texts. Outcomes include: understanding preaching theology; analyzing the text for preaching; determining the sermon focus; developing a written, unified sermon with careful attention to sermon parts such as introductions, transitions, and conclusions; using illustrations effectively; and developing delivery skills.

Instructor: David Veum


Course Objective

Our objective for this course is to develop skills for proclaiming God’s word in a manner that is faithful, biblical, and impactful in helping others hear the good news of Jesus Christ and follow him.


What You Will Learn

  • To describe the purpose of preaching
  • To state the message of your chosen text and support your conclusions based on your study of the text
  • To develop a clear single sentence message statement derived from the text
  • To develop the form and outline of the sermon
  • To develop the sermon introduction, body, and conclusion
  • To write the body of the sermon
  • To use illustrations effectively
  • To deliver a sermon

Online Resources


Course Module Topics

  • Introduction
  • Module 1: Studying the Text
  • Module 2: From Text to Message
  • Module 3: Developing the Form of the Sermon
  • Module 4: Developing the Dermon Parts
  • Module 5: Writing the Sermon
  • Module 6: Using Illustrations Effectively
  • Module 7: Sermon Delivery
  • Module 8:  LBDI Course Survey