On Outlines

Think in outlines.  To consistently communicate well, think in outlines. Proper application of this principle will have wide ranging application to your ministry. The skill you learned back in fourth grade will carry you through your ministry.  Outlines force better organization and sharper points.  Outline everything.

I first came across this “outlining insight” in a little book entitled “It Takes So Little to Be above Average” by Florence Littaur.  As a pastor you are going to talk… a lot.  If you think in outlines, your talking will turn into communicating. 

Sermons certainly need to be well outlined.  Give your listeners a better chance of understanding your message by having a reasonable progression to your presentation.  Make sure you have a point and have all that you say support, elaborate and drive home that point.  Words lose their punch if not married to a proper outline.

Phone calls should be outlined.  Pastors make many phone calls.  Make the most of them by outlining them in advance in your head:

Introduction:  Hey, good morning.  How are you doing?  Enjoying the weather?  I have three quick things I am calling about.

I. I need help at this Friday’s family night.  Could you work the registration booth?

II. I wanted also to thank you for the comment you made in Bible class yesterday.  Good point.

III. Don’t forget that Jimmy needs to get measured for his confirmation robe at class this week.

Conclusion:  Hope all goes well for you family this week and that Marsha gets over her cold soon.

Use the same format if you leave a voice mail!

Announcements at potlucks go better when outlined.

Introduction:  Good evening and welcome everyone. Hope you all found a seat.

I. We are going to serve table by table starting from the front left to the back right. Marion will dismiss each table.

II. Let’s bow our heads in prayer.

III. Before we start, let’s have a show of appreciation for all the good cooks and the set up crew.  (clap warmly to get others to do so)

Conclusion:  Eat heartily.

Emails pack more punch when outlined:

Introduction:  Jim, Hope your day is going well.

I. Don’t forget the meeting tonight.

II. Remember, you were going to bring that report.

III. The Ladies’ Guild will have a representative there.

Conclusion:  The meeting shouldn’t last long. Pastor

Whenever you are asked to speak, even off the cuff for a couple minutes, take a breath, collect your thoughts and put together a little outline.  You’ll be surprised at how much this helps.  And your listeners will be surprised at what a good communicator you are even in the little things.

NOTE:  You do not need to write out the outline visibly with the Roman Numerals for your audience.  If you apply this skill properly, they will see it in their own minds.