Writing an Inductive Sermon Outline

Writing an inductive sermon outline requires a good understanding of the structure of an inductive sermon outline.

How to Write an Inductive Sermon Outline

To write an inductive sermon outline requires an understanding of the difference between deductive sermon outlines and inductive sermon outlines.

What is the Difference?

A deductive sermon outline reveals the main preaching point near the beginning of the sermon; whereas, an inductive sermon outline reveals the main preaching point near the end of the sermon.

An Inductive Sermon Outline

An Inductive sermon outline begins with the incidental sub-points and proceeds to the main preaching point.

You may have the opportunity to preach the story of Abraham and Isaac inductively (Genesis 22:1-19). Your main preaching point of this story may be: God wants you to put Him first in all things.

Your inductive sermon outline may look like this...

What happens when your stability in life is shattered?
Abraham's stability was shattered by one request (22:1-2)
Nevertheless, he obeyed God immediately without question (22:3-8)
In fact, he put God first in his life even before his son, Isaac (22:9-10)
But God intervened and saved the day by providing a needed sacrifice (22:11-14)
So God greatly blessed Abraham and his descendants in light of his act of worship (22:15-19)

Notice the incidental sub-points proceed to the main preaching. In fact, the inductive sermon outline becomes a narrative story that unfolds scene by scene. It has coherence and sequence.

This is very important because your congregation can follow your sermon and understand what is happening in your sermon.

How Does the Inductive Sermon Outline Work?

The inductive sermon outline use above adopted Lowry's Loop. See diagram on the right. You can read more about Lowry's Loop in The Homiletical Plot.

The structure of Lowry's Loop has five stages.

1. OOPS - Upsetting the Equilibrium

The OOPS stage creates tension in relation to the main preaching point. The tension created has two purposes. First, it creates interest from the audience. Second, it creates a need to resolve the tension.

2. UGH - Analysing the Discrepancy

The UGH stage analyses the tension and begins to develop anticipation of the answer.

3. AHA - Disclosing the Clue to Resolution

The AHA stage bridges the gap between tension and resolution. Once the solution is revealed, the situation is seen in a different light. Often it comes as a welcome surprise.