Thematic series. The thematic series is a succession of sermons dealing with a central theme or subject. These series might be shorter than book series because the number of sermons in the series is entirely dependent on the preacher's choice. Subject series can cover doctrinal issues or ethical, moral, and social concerns; they can also address emotional and spiritual needs and problems.
To develop a thematic series, first choose a theme that meets a need in the congregation. Next, identify biblical passages that address different aspects of the theme. Read these passages thoroughly,and develop working titles for sermons on each preaching text' Create a series title that encompasses all of the messages in the series. Thematic series have been preached with titles such as "The Bible's Big Questions," "Attitudes that Can Change Your Life," "Seven Keys to Success," "Learning to Love," and "Secrets to Answered Prayer."
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Completing the Preaching Calendar
After you have plotted the sermon series that you will be preaching, you are ready to begin filling out your preaching calendar. This calendar will be your preaching plan for the coming year. Creating a preaching calendar involves the following steps.
1. Make a chart for each month of the year.
2. Coordinate the various calendars that will affect your preaching. 3. Schedule holidays and other special days. 4. Schedule the church ordinances. 5. Schedule book series and thematic series. 6. Scheduling other individual sermons.
Make a chart for each month of the year. This chart should have the name of the month printed at the top and a grid underneath with four columns: one column for dates and calendar events, one for the Sunday morning service, one for the Sunday evening service, and one for the midweek service. The chart should have a different row for each week of the month. Even incomplete weeks at the beginning and the end of the month should be represented by a whole row on the chart. With the increasing number of calendar software programs available, you might find using your computer preferable to creating a calendar on paper.
Each preaching service will have three entry fields: sermon title, sermon text, and notes. The sermon titles will all be working titles, not necessarily the final names that you will give your messages. The space for notes will allow you to record any special details that will help you in preparing your sermons or that will help other church leaders in planning the worship service.
Coordinate your calendars. You should take five calendars with you on the planning retreat: the civic calendar, the church calendar, the denominational calendar, the Christian calendar, and your personal calendar. Once you have prepared charts for each month, you can compile all of the pertinent dates in chronological order in the Calendar Events column.