Mastering the Sermon Conclusion: A Guide for Effective Preaching

Question 1

The common structure for a homiletical conclusion is:

Accepted Answer

Summary - Call to Action - Benediction

Answer

Call to Action - Summary - Benediction

Answer

Benediction - Summary - Call to Action

Answer

Summary - Benediction - Call to Action

Question 2

In a homiletical conclusion, the role of a summary is to:

Accepted Answer

Remind the audience of key sermon points.

Answer

Introduce new material.

Answer

Provide an emotional climax.

Answer

Prepare the audience for the call to action.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of using a summary in the conclusion of a homily?

Accepted Answer

To restate the main points of the sermon.

Answer

To present new information not previously covered.

Answer

To make a specific request or appeal to the audience.

Answer

To end the sermon with a blessing.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Introducing new theological concepts

Answer

Summarizing the main points of the sermon

Answer

Providing a call to action

Answer

Leaving a lasting impact on the audience

Question 5

What is the best way to transition into a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Use a signal phrase to indicate the conclusion, such as 'Now, let us conclude',

Answer

Abruptly end the sermon

Answer

Restate the thesis statement verbatim

Answer

Summarize the entire sermon

Question 6

Which type of conclusion is most suitable for a persuasive sermon?

Accepted Answer

Call to action conclusion, which encourages the audience to respond to the message

Answer

Exegetical conclusion, which focuses on the detailed analysis of a biblical text

Answer

Narrative conclusion, which tells a story to illustrate the main points

Answer

Benediction conclusion, which offers a blessing to the congregation

Question 7

What is the role of a benediction in a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To bless the congregation and offer a sense of closure

Answer

To summarize the main points

Answer

To provide a call to action

Answer

To transition to the closing hymn

Question 8

Which of the following is a characteristic of a strong sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Clarity and conciseness, ensuring that the message is easily understood

Answer

Repetition of the thesis statement verbatim, emphasizing its importance

Answer

Use of technical jargon, demonstrating the preacher's theological knowledge

Answer

Excessive length, allowing ample time for the message to sink in

Question 9

How does a benediction contribute to the conclusion of a sermon? Identify a common type of benediction used in homiletics.

Accepted Answer

A benediction provides closure and leaves the audience with a sense of peace.

Accepted Answer

The Aaronic benediction, found in Numbers 6:24-26, is a widely used type of benediction in homiletics.

Answer

The primary purpose of a benediction is to summarize the sermon's main points.

Question 10

Which type of summary is generally considered to be the most effective in a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

A thematic summary

Answer

A chronological summary

Answer

A detailed summary

Answer

An anecdotal summary

Question 11

What is the primary objective of a call to action in a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To inspire the congregation to take action in response to the message

Answer

To provide opportunities for further spiritual growth

Answer

To restate the key points of the sermon

Answer

To offer a benediction

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To summarize the main points and reinforce the sermon's message.

Accepted Answer

To inspire the audience and leave a lasting impact.

Answer

To introduce new information not covered in the sermon.

Answer

To provide a long pause for reflection.

Question 13

What is the main objective of a call to action in the conclusion of a sermon?

Accepted Answer

Motivate listeners to take specific actions or make commitments

Answer

Summarize the sermon's key points

Answer

Conclude the sermon with a blessing or benediction

Answer

Introduce the sermon's central theme

Question 14

The primary purpose of a sermon conclusion is to:

Accepted Answer

Summarize the main points and reinforce the central message

Answer

Give a personal anecdote or story

Answer

Cover new material that was not discussed in the sermon

Answer

Leave the audience with an unanswered question

Question 15

An effective use of a summary in a sermon conclusion involves:

Accepted Answer

Reiterating the main points in a concise and engaging manner

Answer

Reciting the main points verbatim from the introduction

Answer

Adding new information or perspectives that were not covered in the sermon

Answer

Apologizing to the audience for any shortcomings in the sermon

Question 16

The purpose of a benediction in a sermon conclusion is to:

Accepted Answer

Bless the audience and send them out with a sense of peace and purpose

Answer

Apologize for any errors or shortcomings in the sermon

Answer

Thank the audience for their attention

Question 17

To avoid a lengthy or ineffective conclusion, a preacher can:

Accepted Answer

Rehearse the conclusion beforehand and time it

Answer

Abruptly end the sermon without a proper conclusion

Answer

Add additional material to the conclusion to make it more impactful

Answer

Apologize to the audience for the length of the conclusion

Question 18

Which of the following is the primary purpose of a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To summarize the main points, provide a call to action, and leave a lasting impact on the audience

Answer

To repeat the same points as the introduction

Answer

To introduce a new topic or idea

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a common element of a sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Introduction of a new biblical passage

Answer

Call to action

Answer

Summary of main points

Answer

Benediction

Question 20

Which of the following is a key consideration when writing a summary for the sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

It should be concise, highlight the main arguments, and connect to the introduction

Answer

It should include every detail from the sermon

Answer

It can be delivered in any order

Question 21

Which of the following is an effective technique for delivering a call to action in the sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Using specific, actionable language and a compelling tone

Answer

Rushing through the call to action

Answer

Speaking in a monotonous tone

Answer

Avoiding eye contact with the audience

Question 22

What is the purpose of a benediction in the sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To provide a blessing or prayer for the audience, offering a sense of closure and connection

Answer

To make a call to action

Answer

To summarize the sermon

Answer

To introduce the next topic

Question 23

Which of the following is a common mistake to avoid when concluding a sermon?

Accepted Answer

Ending abruptly without providing a sense of closure and connection to the audience

Answer

Including too much detail

Answer

Using too many transitions

Question 24

How can the use of rhetorical questions in the conclusion enhance the effectiveness of the sermon?

Accepted Answer

By encouraging audience engagement, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the message

Answer

By providing definitive answers to complex questions

Answer

By distracting the audience from the main points

Answer

By introducing new information not covered in the sermon

Question 25

What is the importance of using transitions effectively in the sermon conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To guide the audience smoothly from one point to the next, creating a coherent and impactful conclusion

Answer

To repeat the same ideas multiple times

Answer

To create a sense of mystery and suspense

Question 26

Which of the following aspects should be considered when tailoring the conclusion to the specific audience?

Accepted Answer

The audience's needs, beliefs, cultural background, and level of understanding

Answer

The time of day and weather conditions

Answer

The personal preferences of the speaker

Question 27

How can the use of personal anecdotes or stories in the conclusion make a lasting impact on the audience?

Accepted Answer

By connecting with the audience on an emotional level, providing relatable examples, and reinforcing the message

Answer

By using statistics and research findings

Answer

By providing historical or scientific evidence