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Study 24 of 25

Satisfying Conclusions

Ending a sermon so it reaches the will, not just the mind

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Kent Edwards compares a sermon's conclusion to the final chapter of a mystery novel or the last two minutes of a big game: it must bring the message to a satisfying finale, not simply stop. Effective conclusions accomplish two objectives. First, they reinforce the main idea by avoiding new concepts, briefly reviewing (not re-preaching) the main points, and building appropriate emotional intensity so the sermon 'ends with a bang, not a whimper.' Second, they emphasize application, since it is in the conclusion that the question 'so what?' receives its clearest and most specific answer; Edwards notes that biblical sermons — Peter's call to 'repent and be baptized,' Joshua's 'choose this day whom you will serve,' Jesus's call to build on the rock — conclude with concrete calls for behavioral change. Edwards then lists several methods for concluding: giving practical suggestions for carrying out the truth, painting a vivid picture that engages the senses, giving an illustration that embodies the sermon's big idea, using a poem or hymn, employing a contrasting positive truth for a negative command, and being audience-specific by tailoring application to the particular hearers' age, education, work, and background.

Key points

  • A conclusion must bring the sermon to a satisfying finale, not merely stop talking.
  • Effective conclusions reinforce the main idea without introducing new concepts, using brief review rather than exhaustive re-preaching.
  • Good conclusions build appropriate emotion so the sermon 'ends with a bang, not a whimper.'
  • The conclusion is where application reaches its clearest and most specific point, answering 'so what?'
  • Methods for concluding include practical suggestions, vivid picture-painting, illustration, poem or hymn, contrasting truth, and audience-specific application.

Key texts

  • Acts 2
  • Matthew 7

From the course book

Appendix J — Satisfying Conclusions · pp. 139-140 (reader pages 139-140) · Open the reader

  • “Conclusions do more than simply end a sermon; they bring a message to a satisfying finale.” (p. 139)
  • “Good sermons crescendo as they conclude. They end with a bang, not a whimper.” (p. 139)
  • “The preachers of Scripture conclude their sermons with a call for concrete behavioural change. We need to do the same.” (p. 140)

Put it into practice

  • Cut any new concept that appears for the first time in your conclusion.
  • Write a specific, concrete answer to 'so what?' rather than a vague appeal.
  • Choose one of Edwards's six methods (suggestion, picture, illustration, poem/hymn, contrasting truth, audience-specific) deliberately for your next conclusion.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What two objectives does Edwards say effective conclusions accomplish?

  2. Comprehension

    2. What four practices help a conclusion reinforce the main idea?

  3. Scripture

    3. Read Acts 2 and Joshua's farewell challenge (referenced by Edwards). How do biblical sermons typically conclude?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. Why does Edwards say the conclusion, more than the body, answers 'so what?'

  5. Contrast

    5. Contrast 'reviewing the main points' with 're-preaching the sermon' in a conclusion.

  6. Comprehension

    6. Describe Edwards's 'paint a picture' method of concluding.

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What does Edwards mean by 'employing a contrasting truth' as a conclusion method?

  8. Comprehension

    8. What does it mean to 'be audience specific' in a conclusion, according to Edwards?

  9. Application

    9. Which of Edwards's six concluding methods do you use least, and why might it strengthen your next sermon?

  10. Application

    10. Rewrite the conclusion of a recent sermon so it ends with a specific, concrete call for action rather than a general summary.