Page 62 - Homiletics I Student Textbook

1. Your conclusion summarizes the message by repeating the main ideas (proposition, question and
main points).

Concluding summaries should sound like hammer strokes . . .
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2. Your conclusion asks for a decision.

From the beginning of your message you have been preaching for a decision. Now is your time
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to appeal for that decision. You do well to plan the appeal you want to use.

Like a lawyer, a minister asks for a verdict. The congregation should see the idea entire and
complete, and listeners should know and feel what God’s truth demands of them. Directly or
indirectly the conclusion answers the question, So what? . . . And the people face another
question: Am I willing to allow God to make that difference in my experience?
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In the conclusion the preacher exhorts people to act on what the sermon has already made
clear. Thus, the primary purpose of the conclusion is motivation. There should be no new
exposition or application in the conclusion, but rather a determined effort to mobilize the will
of the listeners to conform to previously specified imperatives.
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3. Your conclusion should stir the heart. This can be done with a moving story or through intense
communication.

Weakness in manner, though, or words draws the nails instead of driving them deeper. Deep
passion, thoughts that burn, strong words are the instruments required, whether the
conclusion be a direct drive on the will or an appeal to the heart.
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4. Your conclusion should always offer restored hope.

5. Your conclusion should bring the message to an end.

Like the first sentence of a sermon, the last should also make a significant impression. Its
structure should indicate professionalism and fully prepared thought. Its content should hold
the entire sermon in nugget form. Its wording should be able to echo in the mind of the
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listeners throughout the week.

Which type of preacher will you be? One to whom people cannot listen, one to whom people can listen,
or one to whom people must listen? If you don’t grab the attention of your audience in the introduction,
they’ll never be with you when you arrive at your conclusion. That would be a great tragedy.

80 Chapell, 245.
81 Delnay, 150.
82 Robinson, 167.
83 Chapell, 246.
84 Broadus, John A., On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons, (New York: Harper and Row Publishers, 1944), 126.
85 Chapell, 247.
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