Clarity is one of the most important aspects of effective preaching. One statement that dovetails throughout your sermon keeps your audience more engaged during your talk and more clear about their next steps following it. Even though nearly every preacher agrees about the importance of clarity, many find it hard to accomplish. That’s where the “big idea” comes into play.

The big idea is simply a one-sentence explanation about what you’re speaking on today. That’s it. Nothing fancy or intricate at all about it. If you can tell me in one sentence what you’re trying to say in your sermon, then your audience will be able to get to the point quicker and stay there longer.

You’ve been there — once you get into the heart of sermon prep, your message can tend to get off track. You find side roads or sub-points that distract you. Or you may find it hard to articulate exactly what you’re saying, even though you have a vague feeling or idea what it is. But if you can’t give your audience the big idea, there’s no way they’ll be able to find it on their own.

Based on a tried-and-true problem solving exercise, this simple trick will help you find your big idea every time. Spending just five minutes during sermon prep will ensure that each time you speak, both you and your audience will have a clear understanding of what you’re trying to say.

3 Whys
In the business world, problem solving can be difficult and overly intricate. However, a technique developed by Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda called the “5 Whys” streamlines the process and produces better results. Here’s how it works. Anytime you encounter a problem, ask “Why?” Once you’ve answered that initial question, ask it again. With the fifth “why” you’ll have gotten to the bottom of the problem and able to move forward. This technique has also been adapted for goal setting and decision making.

I have found in writing and preaching that five whys is often unnecessary. Three is a better gauge for the sake of simplicity. There is one exception to this rule, but I’ll cover that in a moment. For now, let’s look at how it works.

Spending just five minutes during sermon prep will ensure that each time you speak, both you and your audience will have a clear understanding of what you’re trying to say.

I’ve been using the “3 Whys” technique for many years now to clarify the big idea of each sermon I write. Begin with a topic or text you have in mind. Then you ask an initial “Why?” of that topic or text. “Why do you want to preach on this subject?” Ask why twice more and you should have your big idea.

So, let’s look at it in action. Say you want to preach a sermon on fasting. Why? “Because I want to show my audience the importance of fasting for their spiritual lives.” Why? “Because my members need to be more disciplined when it comes to spiritual matters.” Why? “Because practicing spiritual disciplines creates more mature Christians.” And there you have it, your big idea: By following a biblical pattern of fasting, you can grow more mature in your faith.

Here’s another example. How about preaching on tithing. Why? “Because I want to show the importance of a generous heart.” Why? “Because generosity is the key to reducing our selfish nature.” Why? “Because when people see Christians being less selfish and more giving, they are more open to receiving the Gospel." Big Idea: When we tithe, we are showing the world a picture of the selfless nature of Christ.

But What If It Doesn’t Work?
Like any good strategy, you should adapt this to your own needs. Perhaps you only need 2 Whys, or maybe it takes four or five. That’s fine. And sometimes, it doesn’t work at all. Take a look at this.

“I want to preach from Mark 4:35-41.” Why? “Because I have a really good story about being on a boat during a storm.” Why? “Because I love telling personal stories that engage my audience.” Why? “Because I’m a great storyteller!” Although it’s great to identify a strength of your preaching style, just having the opportunity to tell a good story isn’t the point of the big idea.

When you find yourself at a roadblock, simply ask the whys again. “I want to preach from Mark 4:35-41.” Why? “Because I think it is a great miracle story from the life of Jesus.” Why? “Because it shows his mastery over nature.” Why? “Because he can control the waves and wind, surely he’s able to walk us through our own storms.” Big Idea: When we read the story from Mark 4:35-41, we better understand how Jesus sees us through every storm of life.

Now you try it! What’s your next sermon topic or text? Why do you want to preach that? Why? And one more time, why? Now you’re a little closer to your big idea, and as you continue your sermon prep and onto your preaching, you’ll be laser focused on the message you have for your audience.