Developing Theme Around a Teaching Series

I recently led a few conference labs surrounding the idea of developing teaching series and incorporating a theme to support the series as a whole. The idea of centering your teaching series around a common theme has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Done well it can be extremely effective. Done poorly it can be nearly disastrous.

Here are my notes from those sessions. Feel free to post a comment or a question and I’ll be happy to expand on any of this material.

As a general rule, creativity does not have to cost big money, but it does take a big commitment. You need to commit to it at the get go, or don’t go any further. Also remember to spread the love by pulling others together to help you create the theme.

Getting Started

• Plan in advance
• “Imaginate” about the topic and name
• Avoid names that demand needs more than you can fulfill
• Use series to teach needed topics, not just as a draw to attract people
• Let scripture and spiritual needs guide your series, not your ideas
• Plan out weekly sub-topics and texts far in advance
• Be cautious in replicating culture, but do keep in touch
• Let your series build in interest and end with a call for action

Promotion

• Attempt to gain some momentum before the series
• Schedule wisely (consider holidays, travel weekends, etc.)
• Utilize every possible avenue for promotion
• Mix up various approaches for different series
• Avoid over-commitment
• Promote the theme and spiritual emphasis of the series

Atmosphere Development

• Expand beyond the stage and fixtures—appeal to all the senses
• If possible, remove non-series items in the environment
• Imagination is your friend
• Think temporary and portable if necessary, but also think upkeep
• Utilize all possible resources—left-overs, yard sales, nature, etc.
• Involve a broad spectrum of people - laypeople, artists, local business, etc.
• Bigger is not always better. Sometimes small and simple is more effective.

The Series Has Begun. Now What?

• Introduce and reiterate series at the beginning of each message
• Reach beyond the atmosphere and your sermon—include related music, visuals, etc.
• Use a video, sound, or constant signal—a series trademark
• Include other talents on stage—speakers, artists, musicians
• Engage listeners as much as possible
• Focus your message and method on spiritual growth

It’s Over. Now What?

• Take a small break before the next series.
• Create a connection back to this in future series
• Evaluate, Observe, and Listen