In my last post, I told you the 7 basic elements that I include in my sermon sketch notes. Today I want to start by diving in a little more in-depth.

Titles.

Do yourself a favour and write the title of the sermon.

Ok, it sounds a little obvious here, but trust me on this one. The title is a big deal. One time I forgot to write the name of the sermon and it is seriously still bugging me over a year later! Adding a title gives your notes a simple beginning.

I like simple.

Timing

The best time to draw your title is at the very beginning of the message.

Wow. That was revolutionary, innovative and world-shattering.

Mind. Blown.

Ok, I get it. That was an obvious one too, but do you know why it’s the best time?

Traditionally, the order of service begins with announcements, videos, offering and intros. This gives you a good chunk of time to lay out your title on your page.

Sometimes the preacher doesn’t say the name or says it half way through the sermon. Those are times when you can leave a dedicated space to go back in later and do your title.

Layout

There are so many ways to lay out your title. You can use a variety of lettering, scripting, doodles, frames, etc. However, if you are beginning, I encourage you to start with something simple. Try writing/printing the sermon title across the top of your page.

You can always go back in and add things to your title throughout the service.

Design

There are a few design essentials that I suggest to make your title pop.

Sizing.

Remember how I said that one time I forgot to write the title? I actually don’t know if I wrote the title because everything was written roughly the same size.

Ugh, call me punctilious or whatever, but I have been seriously considering going through the archives so I can listen to that message again and redo my notes with a title.

It really doesn’t matter where your title lands on your page, but the size does matter. Make sure that it stands out from your actual notes.

Font.

Yes, I’m going to call your handwriting font.

That’s a fun thought.

I usually like to use 2-3 types of font per page. At first, I literally just used my normal handwriting. Now, I’m trying to learn more lettering and calligraphy, so I’m starting to incorporate those into my designs.

Here are some great simple ideas for title fonts:

• Block Letters
• Handwriting
• Fancy Script
• Bubble Letters
• Caps Lock
• All Low Case
• Messy

Thickness.

A great way to make your title pop is by using thicker writing. One time I made a spelling mistake in my title and since I was using a pen, I tried to go over it again and again with the proper spelling. The result? A nice thick title.

Maybe not nice.

But definitely thick.

And one you could see.

So, I decided to keep that format and now I go over my lettering at least a few times.

Bonus, going over the letters makes them appear cleaner and neater.

Dividers.

At the very least, I mentally separate my title from the rest of my notes. I visually create a section and I fill that space with my title. Since my journal is lined, I pick a few lines that I will use for my first 3 elements (title, speaker, date). I will generally incorporate frames and other embellishments to enhance the title.

Remember, these notes are for your benefit. They don’t have to be perfect or even done any way that anyone else thinks you should do them.

Do what works for you.

Sketch your notes in ways that will entice you to go back and read them over and over.

After all, these notes are your creative inspiration from the words God gave to your pastor.

Own it.

Love it.

Do it.

Since we’re on the subject of titles, what are the most creative sermon titles that you’ve heard? Comment below.