Sermon Outline Examples: Templates You Can Use Right Away
Every preacher has been there. The message is in your heart, but when you sit down to write, the words feel scattered. The truth is, even the best ideas need structure to connect with your congregation.
That’s where sermon outline examples come in. Far from stifling the Spirit, outlines give clarity to the message God has given you. They ensure your sermon stays biblical, focused, and impactful. Whether you’re preparing your first message or your hundredth, these templates will help you preach with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk through several practical sermon outline templates—including expository, topical, and narrative outlines—that you can use right away. We’ll also give you access to a printable sermon outline template, a free Preaching Preparation Checklist, and resources like ready to preach sermon outlines to make preparation simple and Spirit-led.
Why Use a Sermon Outline?
Some preachers hesitate to use outlines because they don’t want to quench the Spirit. Others rely only on outlines, risking a message that feels academic or flat. The truth is, you need both.
A good outline for a sermon provides:
Clarity, so your listeners can easily follow your points.
Consistency, so every message has structure without feeling repetitive.
Confidence, so you step into the pulpit prepared instead of scrambling.
Far from being restrictive, a sermon outline is a tool that frees you to preach boldly. It gives the Spirit room to move within a framework that keeps your message on track.
Outline Example 1: Expository Sermon Outline
An expository outline walks through a passage verse by verse, explaining what the text means and how it applies.
When to Use It:
Teaching through books of the Bible.
Deep dives into essential doctrines.
When you want Scripture itself to be the centerpiece.
Example of a Sermon Outline (John 15:1–5):
Christ is the true vine (v. 1).
Believers are the branches (v. 2–3).
Abiding brings fruit (v. 4–5).
Outline Example 2: Topical Sermon Outline
A topical outline organizes a sermon around a theme rather than a single passage.
When to Use It:
Addressing a cultural issue from a biblical perspective.
Preaching a series on discipleship, prayer, or leadership.
Speaking to special occasions like weddings or holidays.
Example of a Sermon Outline (The Power of Prayer):
Prayer connects us to God’s power.
Prayer shapes our character.
Prayer brings breakthrough.
Outline Example 3: Narrative Sermon Outline
A narrative outline tells the story of a biblical passage in a way that engages imagination and emotion.
When to Use It:
Preaching through parables.
Walking through Old Testament stories.
Making sermons memorable for younger or newer audiences.
Example of a Sermon Outline (The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25–37):
The need revealed (v. 25–29).
The failure of religion (v. 30–32).
The compassion of the Samaritan (v. 33–35).
The call to “Go and do likewise” (v. 36–37).
Want to simplify this process? Download our free Preaching Preparation Checklist. It’s a step-by-step printable tool that ensures your study, outline, and delivery stay organized every week.
Printable Sermon Outline Template
Sometimes, all you need is a simple, reusable guide. That’s where a printable sermon outline template comes in. Instead of starting from scratch, you can follow a proven structure that gives you space for:
Title and passage.
Big idea of the sermon.
Main points with Scripture references.
Illustrations and applications.
Closing call to action.
This makes preparation faster without sacrificing quality. You can adapt the template for expository, topical, or narrative sermons and still keep every message unique.
Spirit-Led Preaching with Structure
Remember, using an outline doesn’t mean being locked into a script. Preparation is not the opposite of inspiration—it is the partner of inspiration.
The Spirit may lead you to pause mid-sermon, share a testimony, or emphasize one point over another. Because you prepared with a clear outline for a sermon, you can follow His leading without losing the flow of the message.
Preparation gives you freedom. Instead of scrambling for what to say, you can focus on how to say it with passion and power.
Using Resources: Free and Ready-to-Preach Outlines
If you want to save time or need inspiration, you don’t always have to start from scratch. Many ministries provide a free sermon outline or even full sets of ready to preach sermon outlines.
These resources can:
Give you a quick starting point.
Provide fresh ways of approaching a familiar passage.
Help bi-vocational pastors who juggle ministry and work.
⚠️ The key: Never preach them word-for-word without personal study. Use them as a foundation, then add your own prayer, illustrations, and Spirit-led insights.
Want to go deeper? Our eBook Anointed But Untrained: The Preacher’s Guide to Preparing Sermons with Confidence is designed to help you develop clarity, structure, and Spirit-led creativity. Inside, you’ll find prompts, sermon-building strategies, and tools to strengthen your preparation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Outlines
Too many points – 2 to 4 is usually best.
Forgetting the big idea – every outline must connect back to one central truth.
Overloading Scripture – choose supporting verses wisely.
Not leaving room for the Spirit – preparation should allow flexibility.
Avoiding these mistakes keeps your sermons clear and Spirit-filled.
FAQs on Sermon Outlines
Q: Where can I find a printable sermon outline template?
A: You can download one from our free resources. A printable outline saves time and keeps your sermons structured week after week.
Q: Can I use ready to preach sermon outlines instead of writing my own?
A: Yes, but use them as a foundation. Add your own study, stories, and Spirit-led insight to make the message authentic.
Q: What is the simplest outline for a sermon?
A: A simple sermon outline often includes an introduction, 2–3 main points with Scripture, illustrations, application, and conclusion.
Ready to Preach With Confidence
Outlines are not about restriction. They’re about freedom—freedom to preach the truth of God’s Word with clarity, boldness, and Spirit-led conviction.
With these sermon outline examples and templates, you now have tools you can use immediately. Whether you prefer an expository, topical, or narrative approach, these outlines give you a framework that works.
If you’re ready to go even further, download our free Preaching Preparation Checklist and check out our ready to preach sermon outlines inside the Companion Bundle. Both are designed to help you step into the pulpit prepared, Spirit-filled, and confident.
