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Writing Style Library

Sermon template

Canonical template for the Sermon format.

[Opening: hook, image, or question that establishes urgency or wonder]


[Scripture reading: the anchor text, read aloud in full]


[Exposition: 2-3 major moves, each interpreting a portion of the text]
  Move 1: What the text says - close reading of the passage
  Move 2: What the text means - theological or narrative unpacking
  Move 3 (optional): How the text pushes against common assumption or objection


[Illustration: a story, image, or analogy that makes the exposition concrete]


[Exhortation: the turn toward the congregation - what are they being called to do, believe, or become?]


[Closing invitation: a direct, simple call - often tied back to the opening image]