Herbert W Armstrong

• To give you practice.
• Settle congregation at beginning of service.
• Cover minor point, example, assigned point. [But it does not have to be of minor importance]
• Reinforce pastor, sermon.  

Are not:

• To show off speaking ability.
• To move, shake, save the church in 12 minutes.
• To cover major subject.
• To go overtime/cut into sermon time.  

10 to 15 minutes on a small topic, or one facet of larger topic, or difficult scripture, or example — healing, blessing, encouraging. Or ask pastor for subject suggestions.

KEY:

• Limit subject to what can be covered in 10-15 minutes.  

Examples:

• Difficult scripture i.e. Mt. 28:1, 6 resurrection; Mk. 7:18-19 spiritual defilement, pork; I Tim. 4: doctrine of demons, no marriage.
• One facet of larger topic — Prayer, 3 times a day: Being in spirit of prayer, heart in prayers, position, content of prayer. Sabbath — what you can do, study and pray unhurriedly, time to meditate.
• Explain examples — healing, blessing, news event in light of prophecy, for encouragement.
• Don't apologize (time, preparation, etc.)
• Know exactly where you are headed: Limit topic. Think about response you want.
• Be warm and friendly — not real heavy.
• Enthusiastic.
• Grab attention quickly — short time — don't waste time.
• Specific Purpose Statement (SPS) — stick to it.
• Stick to key issues of subject — no time for wandering.
• Assume nothing — explain background and points clearly.
• Get a phrase, slogan, basic idea that will stick and repeat it.
• Round off, summarize with short, proper conclusion.  

POINTS TO REMEMBER:

1. Is subject appropriate?
2. Is it too broad?
3. Is organization good?
4. Is number of scriptures appropriate? (Not too many — not too few?)
5. Is it interesting?  

COMMON PROBLEMS: (From last year's evaluation)

• "lacked punch"
• "out of focus"
• "practice reading scriptures ahead of time"
• "choose more specific topic"
• "needed more stir"
• "introduced too many ideas"