Keith's Colorful Sermon Notes (Tutorial)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating colorful and effective sermon notes, as demonstrated by Keith Foskey from YourCalvinist. Whether you're a seasoned preacher or new to sermon preparation, these notes can help streamline your preaching process and enhance your delivery.

Step 1: Set Up Your Document

• Open a text editing software such as Mac Pages or Microsoft Word.
• Create a new document and insert a three-column table.
• Start with three to four rows, which you can expand as needed.

Step 2: Title and Introduction

• In the first row, insert the title of your sermon and the relevant scripture text.
• If your sermon has a subtitle, include it in this section.
• Add an introductory section that might include:
  • Contextual notes on the scripture.
  • Background information, especially if you’re introducing a new book or topic to your audience.

Step 3: Organize Your Main Points

• Create a transition box to signal the shift from the introduction to the main outline.
• Below the transition, outline your main points:
  1. Point 1: Description and notes.
  2. Point 2: Description and notes.
  3. Point 3: Description and notes.
• You can arrange these points in rows or columns based on your preference for visual clarity.

Step 4: Use Color Effectively

• Implement a color-coding system for different sections of your notes:
  • Yellow for the introduction.
  • Light blue for contextual notes.
  • Use darker colors for transition points (e.g., purples, reds).
  • Alternate between light and dark backgrounds (e.g., tan and white) for major outlines to enhance readability.
• Conclude with a blue box to signify the end of your sermon notes.

Step 5: Create a Second Page for References

• If needed, create a second page for cross-references and longer quotes.
• Label this page clearly (e.g., "P2" for Page 2).
• Include relevant references that you may want to quote during your sermon.

Step 6: Finalize and Review

• Go through your notes to ensure clarity and completeness.
• Ensure that each section visually stands out but maintains a cohesive look.
• Remember, your notes should serve as a blueprint for your sermon, guiding you through each point effectively.

Conclusion

Creating colorful sermon notes can enhance your preaching experience and help you engage your audience. By following these steps, you can develop a structured and visually appealing set of notes that suits your style. For additional resources on sermon preparation, check out Keith Foskey's series "Not Only Water." Happy preaching!