PREACH (formerly known as The Big Idea Study) is a resource for developing teachable outlines. It's especially suited for those who teach to large groups. However, it is also a valuable tool for anyone who wants to grow spiritually, because the process of developing Bible outlines is beneficial for everyone. PREACH consists of four steps.
“I have been preaching & teaching the Bible, for 28 years. When I was shown how to do a Big Idea Study it took my teaching to the next level. The difference in my delivery and receptivity of my sermon was felt immediately. If you want to level-up your sermon preparation and delivery next Sunday, I can’t recommend The Big Idea method highly enough. It is simple, memorable, reproducible, and impactful.” — Manny C. |
"In just a couple of weeks, my preaching grew by leaps and bounds. My preparation was simpler, my teaching more precise and impactful, and my communication clearer. The Big Idea Study has made all the difference!" — Josh D |
Step 1. Create a Textual Outline.
A textual outline is developed from a passage of Scripture. Passages are the basic units of thought in the Bible. They contain at least one main idea, and several details.
A textual outline consists of only the words of your translation. Don't incorporate any outside words at this stage. This includes not using the passage heading. Creating this type of outline is foundational for a good preaching outline. Your final product will only be as good as your initial step. You will add more in the following steps.
A textual outline is created by finding the Big Idea, Supporting Ideas, and Defining Ideas. Understanding and identifying these concepts will be key to developing a good outline. We'll learn more about them below. For now, look over the template below to get a visual picture. Note the color coding. Often that is helpful for identification purposes.
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A textual outline can be created using the return and tab keys. Once you find the Big Idea, paste the entire passage into a document. Then pass the cursor over the passage and hit the return key to identify the Supporting Ideas (see below). Then go back through and hit the return key and tab key (to indent) to mark the Defining ideas (see below). While the Big Idea can come from anywhere in the passage, the Supporting and Defining Ideas usually flow in order from beginning to end.
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Outline TemplateBig Idea
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A. Find the Big Idea.
A Big Idea is a main concept of the passage. It is found by answering the question, "What word or phrase conveys a central idea of the passage?" It may be mentioned once or repeated. It may be located anywhere in the passage. Choose a word, phrase, or sentence from the passage itself, not the passage heading. Note, there will likely be more than one Big Idea chosen when several people compare outlines. The Big Idea will become the title of the outline.
A Big Idea may be just a word or phrase. The smaller the better. This is because you'll expand on it as you develop the outline. A Big Idea with too many words can lead to confusion when it comes to the development process. This will become clear as you go. For now, just remember, smaller is better.
A Big Idea is not the passage heading. Passage headings are not inspired text. Don't let it lead you off track. Sometimes it's helpful to see what the heading says, sometimes it's best to ignore it all together. The more confident you become with this method of study, the less it will guide your thinking.
A Big Idea can be hard to find. Sometimes a Big Idea is obvious. Sometimes it requires extra prayer, patience, and careful observation over time. Repeated readings of the passage as well as reading the other translations can be helpful. Don't paralyze yourself by overthinking. Just pick an important word or phrase and see if you can build on it. You'll know soon enough if what you picked is a valid Big Idea.
A Big Idea takes into account different elements of the passage. Note the different types of speech: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Often verbs play a key role in identifying a Big Idea. Pay attention to locations, time, emotions, and titles as well. Note shifts in scenes and dialogue. Observe the tense: past, present, and future. Consider the genre of each Testament. The Old Testament has four: Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy. The New Testament also has four: Gospel, History (Acts), Epistles, and Prophecy (Revelation). Consider the chronology of the passage. Remember, revelation was unfolding as it was being written. The canon is closed now, but was open and progressive as it was recorded. Excellent resources are listed below.
A Big Idea can be found by breaking the passage into paragraphs. Marking a key thought in each paragraph can help identify a Big Idea. Pick the main idea of each paragraph and see if one emerges as the Big Idea.
A Big Idea is like a big fish in an aquarium. Imagine you're standing before a large glass panel of an aquarium stocked with different sized fish. You're looking for a big fish, but you're noticing the medium and small fish at the same time. The medium and small sized fish will become important in the next two steps. Remember where they are because you'll refer to them. As you progress in this method of study, you will find yourself putting together a complete study all at once.
B. Find the Supporting Ideas.
Supporting Ideas are the main points of the outline. They describe and explain the Big Idea. They are the medium size fish and are found by answering the question, "What words or phrases support the Big Idea?"
Supporting Ideas usually exist in pairs. There are generally at least two Supporting Ideas for every Big Idea. Sometimes there are several, but usually there are at least two.
Supporting Ideas usually flow from beginning to end of the passage. Unlike the Big Idea, which can be found anywhere, Supporting Ideas generally appear from top to bottom. This is true for Defining Ideas as well.
Supporting Ideas are the main points of the outline. They describe and explain the Big Idea. They are the medium size fish and are found by answering the question, "What words or phrases support the Big Idea?"
Supporting Ideas usually exist in pairs. There are generally at least two Supporting Ideas for every Big Idea. Sometimes there are several, but usually there are at least two.
Supporting Ideas usually flow from beginning to end of the passage. Unlike the Big Idea, which can be found anywhere, Supporting Ideas generally appear from top to bottom. This is true for Defining Ideas as well.
C. Find the Defining Ideas.
Defining Ideas are the sub-points of the main points (Supporting Ideas). They are small fish and are found by answering the question, "What words or phrases define the Supporting Idea?"
Defining Ideas should occur in pairs. Try to find at least two defining ideas for each Supporting Idea. A good outline usually contains at least one Big Idea, two Supporting Ideas and four Defining Ideas (two for each Supporting Idea). This is a generalization, not an absolute rule.
Defining Ideas are the sub-points of the main points (Supporting Ideas). They are small fish and are found by answering the question, "What words or phrases define the Supporting Idea?"
Defining Ideas should occur in pairs. Try to find at least two defining ideas for each Supporting Idea. A good outline usually contains at least one Big Idea, two Supporting Ideas and four Defining Ideas (two for each Supporting Idea). This is a generalization, not an absolute rule.
Defining Ideas are often a single word. By the time you get to Defining Ideas you have thoroughly mined the passage, and all that may be left are single words. Don't worry about this. It's a good thing. Keep reading.
Defining Ideas are what you spend the bulk of your time talking about during your presentation. That is because they are what you explain, illustrate and apply. See Step 3.
Defining Ideas are what you spend the bulk of your time talking about during your presentation. That is because they are what you explain, illustrate and apply. See Step 3.
Resources
- View sample Step 1 outlines: Acts 17, Isaiah 6
- Watch Keep Watching (2:56)
- Refer to How To Read The Bible For All Its Worth.
- Refer to How To Read The Bible Book By Book.
Step 2. Create a Thematic Outline.
The thematic outline modernizes the textual outline. It incorporates timeless truths. This means it does not use words that are anchored to the time of the text. Generally, this means eliminating names, locations, and historical references. For instance, instead of saying, "Paul traveled to Corinth" you might say, "We can be strategic about sharing the gospel."
The thematic outline rewords the textual outline. It consists of vocabulary not used in the textual outline. Restating Scripture increases understanding, enhances comprehension and aids in retention. Fresh terminology makes the message vibrant, lively, and relevant.
The thematic outline aligns with your audience. The age, spiritual maturity and culture of your listeners should shape the content of your outline.
The thematic outline is supported by the textual outline. The words in the textual outline validate the thematic outline. Hence, it is stated below the words of the thematic outline. The words in Step 1 confirm the words in Step 2. This will become clear in the samples.
Step 3. Create a Complete Outline.
One way to complete Step 3 is by answering a series of questions.
Does my outline have an engaging title? Use the Big Idea to develop a question or addresses a relevant issue. Statements that start with, "How to..., "Why...," and "Top signs of..." generate interest. Create a heading that would cause people to want to know more. Be positive. Flip a negative passage into an upbeat title. Remember, the Gospel is good news, not bad news. Offer hope.
Does my outline prioritize the Defining Ideas? Most of your presentation should occur at the level of Defining Ideas. The exception is if a Supporting Idea does not have any Defining Ideas. A simple message will contain many points. Spending too much time talking about Big and Supporting Ideas can create information overload. Defining points often yields the most critical information. Spend the majority of your time talking about the smaller fish, and only what is necessary about the big and medium fish.
Does my outline explain, illustrate and apply the Defining ideas? An explanation consists of a few well-worded statements that provide understanding and clarity. Nehemiah 8:8 An illustration is an example, and comes from sources such as Scripture or everyday life. Spotlight yourself if you are modeling the principle being discussed. Maximize what you say about God, but avoid repetitive stories about your family. The application can be in the form of a question and should direct the listener to know, do, or feel something. Note, applications can also be made at the end of the message under the "So Let's..." summary.
Does my outline, ask an important question about a Defining Idea and provide insightful answers? This is a great way to deepen the thought about a crucial word and phrase. For instance, "Here are three reasons why this is so important." Providing insightful answers to a key question fosters maturity.
Does my outline take me deeper in the text than I have gone before? The task of the preacher is to discover fresh insights then share them with his audience. Maturity is the result of an in-depth encounter with Scripture. Superficial treatment of the text reflects inadequate presentation. It is the job of the preacher to answer the question every listener is asking; "So what?"
Does my outline reflect reliance upon resources that aid in the comprehension of the passage? Now is the time to look at other translations, commentaries, language tools, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc. This is when you harvest linguistic, cultural, and historical insights. This may result in modifying or changing some of the terms in the outline.
- Free sites: GotQuestions.org, BibleGateway and Bible Hub, Bibleref.com.
- An excellent paid app is Olive Tree. Suggested add-on resources include: Bible Knowledge Commentary, MacArthur Study Bible, Ryrie Study Bible Notes, and Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
Does my outline link the Big, Supporting and Defining ideas? They should form one complete sentence. Tie them together with words that communicate a complete thought. For instance—The truth about God... (Big Idea) ....is that He is righteous... (Supporting Idea) ...which means he is the judge of all mankind (Defining Idea). See samples below.
Does my outline use us and we? Is it personalized? Be inclusive by using the terms us and we. Statements that use you or your come across impersonal and distance the speaker from the audience.
Does my outline use a fill-in-the-blank format? This option that allows the audience to follow along with the presentation. It keeps your listeners engaged with the flow of the message.
Does my outline conclude by summarizing a few key points? End with a "So let's..." phrase that highlights a few important thoughts from the message. These are thoughts you emphasized during the presentation. Reword them for freshness.
Resources
- View Step 3 samples: Acts 17 and Isaiah 6, Ephesians 2:1-10
- View more sample outlines: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, James 1:1-12, Colossians 1:15-20, 1 Peter 4:7-19, Romans 8:26-30
- View Transforming Teaching
Step 4. Find a Banner Verse.
A Banner Verse is actually the first step if you are teaching through a book of the Bible. It's listed here because of the need to first understand how to develop individual Big Idea messages.
A Banner Verse is a word or phrase that summarizes the entire book you are studying. It's the Big Idea for the all the individual Big Ideas, and serves as a series title. It links all the messages under one common theme.
A Banner Verse is found by reading the entire book you are studying. Read with the aim of locating a key word, phrase or verse that summarizes the book as a whole. Finding it requires concentration and focus. Don't let chapter markers, passage headings of thematic outlines distract you from creating an outline. Create a list of key words, phrases or verses from a read through, then select a banner verse and create a final outline from that list.
A Banner Verse has a universal nature about it. It's a statement that is true for the entire book. It easily connects to each of the individual Big Ideas. See sample below.
A Banner Verse can be stated verbatim from Scripture, or reworded. Sometimes the Banner Verse is engaging as is. Sometimes it needs to be rephrased. For instance, a Banner Verse from the book of Hebrews 12:2 can be stated literally as, "Keeping our eyes on Jesus" (NLT) or reworded as, "Devoted: Staying Focused on Christ."
Resource
- See Sample Banner Verse & outline from Philippians
- Sample: 2 Timothy 2