The Sermon Handout: Uses, Abuses, Ideas, and Samples

Written by Craig Webb

Free Download: The Sermon Handout, Uses Abuse Ideas Samples (150 KB PDF)

I attended a conference almost thirteen years ago where I learned the value and the method of a sermon handout. A sermon handout (you might call it something different) is a sheet of paper you handout to the congregation which helps them follow along with your sermon. It could include the title of your sermon, the main points of your sermon with fill in the blanks, and printed verses of scriptures and scripture references.

Good Uses/Benefits of a Sermon Handout

It encourages people to participate and engage the sermon by writing something down. This is an added level of learning to your speaking and the visual images they see on your PowerPoint.
It eases the tension of persons who were unfamiliar with the Bible and are afraid of the clumsiness of finding a particular Bible reference.
It allows me to share different translations and paraphrases of familiar passages.
It provides a take home reminder of the content of the sermon. Members and attenders can share these with family or co-workers. At one church I served, we provided notebooks for members to keep sermon notes.

While the sermon handout takes time, forethought, and effort, I believe it is a worthwhile investment and continues to be fruitful and helpful. However, there can be problems.

Possible Abuses of the Sermon Handout

In years of providing sermon handouts, these three issues have troubled me.

Some persons who might have developed the skill of taking more detailed notes only filled in the blanks (often there is little room for other notes).
Many people stopped bringing their Bibles to church.
I got in a rut with how I did these outlines. My rut was three statements, which included fill-in-the-blanks, each followed by one or more printed scriptures.

Ideas for better handouts

This past year I have been experimenting with some new ways of using this valuable teaching tool. I would like to share some of the methods and principles along with some sample handouts (see free download above) that I hope will be helpful.

1. Provide an "answer key" at the bottom of the page.

You’ll be surprised at how many listeners are uptight about missing one of your “fill-in-the-blanks.” A simple "answer key" at the bottom of the page may relieve their anxiety and allow them to listen more closely. The example on the free download (Jesus on Judgment) is a traditional “fill-in-the-blank” outline with scriptures. Notice the very simple answer key at the bottom of the page.

2. Present a questionnaire, checklist, or invitation.

This will help your listeners interact with your sermon and engage in self-evaluation. I preached a sermon called “Five Things to Do While You Wait.” On the back of the handout, I listed things that people might be waiting for. I enlisted the help of co-workers as I compiled this list. It was very effective as I gave listeners time to mark areas they identified with. I felt it drew them into the sermon topic.

In another sermon called “Jesus on Influence” I posed the question on the study outline, “Where do you have the biggest influence?” I then listed several options, many of which they may not have thought about. On the bottom of the outline, I called for a specific response to the message of the sermon under, “My commitment today.” I used it during the invitation. See samples on the free download above.

3. Use the back of your outline to provide practical guides, lists, or practical application suggestions from your sermon.

Influencing Like Jesus - Workbook

I used this principle on the back of my “Jesus on Influence” sermon handout (see free download). I listed "Five Qualities of a Godly Influencer" that I found on pages 23-29 of "Influencing Like Jesus: 15 Biblical Principles of Persuasion" by Michael Zigarelli.

4. Rather than fill-in-the-blanks, list the topic and leave some room for notes.

In the “Jesus on Influence” sample (see free download above) I provided questions and left room for listeners to take notes as I explained the topic.

I believe this method may help your congregation think more deeply about the scripture you are dealing with. It also leaves room for the Holy Spirit to speak into the lives of individuals in areas unrelated to your sermon topic. I want God to have great freedom during the sermon not only to speak through me but even in spite of me. I want to be careful not to communicate that the only message God has today is included on this handout or included in my sermon.

Feel free to add your ideas in the comments area below...

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Craig Webb is the Pastor for Vision and Purpose at Gladeville Baptist Church. He is the editor of the Pastors Today e-Newsletter, Proclaim Online, and the articles and ministry helps that appear in the Pastors Area of LifeWay.com. He lives in the Nashville area with his wife, daughter, and two sons. He is a graduate of Samford University, Southern Seminary, and is in the Doctor of Ministry program at New Orleans Seminary.

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