I will be the first to admit that I don’t always take sermon notes, but I think it’s important, and I’m trying to get (back) into the habit of taking them.  I remember hearing a sermon many many years ago about the importance of it, but I just cannot recall the text or point that forms the basis of it.  I guess I should’ve taken notes day.

Should one take notes?

I suppose it is a matter of debate – for some, taking notes helps them focus on the sermon, and helps to reduce distraction and keep the mind from wandering about.  For others, the note taking itself is a distraction, because the act of taking notes distracts from the listening of the message.  The sermon is a proclamation of the Word, not a lecture. So should one take notes? As one writer put it (even though he dissuades it), “I would say if taking notes helps you hear, take notes.”  Try it and see what works best for you.

Why take notes?

For one, writing increases memory retention as opposed to just listening. Do not let the fact that you have to carry around a Bible and/or notebook dissuade you.  Don’t let laziness or inconvenience keep you from growing spiritually.

What to do with them?

It can provide a starting point for devotional time.  It can also provide a reminder for you throughout the week for an application or response. If you take the note in your Bible, it can orient you to the a specific point or conviction as you (re-)read that passage.

Tips and Suggestions

1. Keep it brief.  Listen for and write down key words, concepts and points.  Summarize and keep it concise. Maybe develop a shorthand. One of the reasons people don’t like taking notes is that they miss what is said while they are writing. The goal is worship and communion with the Lord, not transcribing the sermon. If your notes don’t fit perfectly into a 3-point outline with illustrations and references, it’s ok. You’re not going to be tested on this, nor will you be required to write a paper on it. (Unless you are a Bible college student or seminarian, and will be referencing it in a future paper.)
2. Note related verses.  There is usually a main passage the preacher will be speaking from, but there are often related verses that will be referenced. It may help you understand the message better when you return to it and see the connections the preacher made.
3. Return to your notes throughout the week.   For many of us, by Wednesday, we’ve forgotten most of the sermon, if not all of it.  Revisiting the notes throughout the week will help to remind you of how God spoke to you in that sermon.
4. Look at the speaker from time to time.  It is encouraging and affirming to know that your listeners are listening to you.  I can tell you that it is very difficult to make eye contact with the top of someone’s head. So when you can, look up, nod or smile at the preacher!
5. Summarize in one or two sentences the whole message. This will help you understand the main point of the sermon.  My wife works every other weekend as an RN, so she when she misses service, she will often ask me, “what was the sermon about?”  I will usually give my smart-mouth answer, “Jesus”, before giving her the real answer.  She does not find this as funny as I do.   =)
6. Write down an application for yourself.  How will you apply this message to your life this week?  Remember, an application should be:
   1. Personal – something you can do
   2. Practical – something that is do-able
   3. Provable – something that can be measured
7. Don’t forget the header!  While not critical, it can be useful to note the date, speaker name, Scripture reference, and the title. I have a very short and simple sermon outline in an old journal of mine, but I forgot to put the header in so I have no idea who spoke, when and where it’s from. It’s not a big deal, but it would be nice to know who and where it’s from.

The bottom line is that note-taking during a sermon is a matter of personal preference. I do encourage you to try it before deciding to pursue this practice. If it helps you grow in Christ, then by all means, I encourage you to take notes.  Coram Deo.