Why do you take notes during a sermon?
If it’s just for your own personal growth or to help you remember, then you’re missing half the opportunity of the message. Notes and your Bible are tools you can use every day to teach others how to follow Christ.
When you listen and take notes knowing you are going to share the information with someone else, it changes the way you engage in the teaching time. Taking notes will help you get the most out of a sermon.
Write the reference.
Whenever you hear a Scripture reference, write it down to refer to later. Even if it is not one that you look up at that time, write it down and read it later.
Names, dates, places.
When you hear examples or background information, write down important facts like names, dates, and places. They can form a trail of “breadcrumbs” to jog your thoughts when you review later on.
Questions?
Does hearing something during a sermon sometimes raise a question for you? Well, you likely can’t interrupt the sermon to ask, but write down questions that come into your mind during a sermon so you can follow up later on to find the answers.
The power of the pen.
Underlining especially poignant thoughts, Bible verses or phrases, and application points lets you emphasize for yourself what God is teaching you. Some people do not want to write in their Bible. That is fine, however, if it helps you to remember or keep track, then by all means feel free to underline or circle certain words or phrases.
(Adapted from specific thoughts from Dr. Mike Miller)
