It is easy to put a lot of energy into explaining the passage, applying the message, adding interesting illustrations, and so on. But what about the transitions?

These little moments can be treated as automatic, but by neglecting them we miss a vital part of sermonic effectiveness.

What potential benefits do the transitions have as tools in our preaching arsenal?

1. Clarity of sermon structure

You may have a very clear, balanced and organised outline, but without good transitions, your listeners won’t know!

The transition is the cleared air that allows for the structure of the message to be clear. And when the structure is clear, the listeners get all the benefit of organised thought.

2. At pace: Breathing space

After a few minutes of your preaching point, especially if it has been growing in intensity or pace, the transition allows everyone to take a breath.

Some preachers may be ponderous, but others like to charge ahead at full steam. Listeners may appreciate energy and enthusiasm, but they also love to take a breath.

3. Slower? Evidence of progress

If your style is more ponderous, don’t underestimate the value of giving listeners a sense of progress.

Maybe you tell them at the start that you have three points . . . the transition and its focus on moving to the next point may be exactly what some listeners need to hang in there!

4. Re-entry points for listeners

Whatever your pace, listeners do get lost during the progression of a sermon. Someone drops something, a phone buzzes, a thought occurs, a helper from the childcare taps a shoulder, a siren passes . . . and people lose track of the message.

The transition is a great moment to mention the main idea, review progress, and invite listeners back into the message.

5. Restatement of main idea

Any opportunity to reinforce the main idea is worth considering. A handful of transitions in a message are as good a set of opportunities as you could ask for!

6. Change of pace

Sometimes you have a point that takes a fair amount of background or explanation, but the message needs to speed up.

The transition allows for a deliberate change of pace and injection of momentum.

7. Review of message

As a message progresses the transitions allow you to review what has been said so far.

This can really help the listeners to be ready for the later points and conclusion of the message.

8. The next point

Maybe this is the most obvious benefit of all, but I have saved it for last.

A transition allows you to take your listeners from your previous point into your next. It is like having a passenger behind you on a motorcycle.

Take the turn too quickly and you lose them. Slow down, transition well, and they come right along with you into the next point!

Transitions are underrated. Focus on them and your preaching will improve.

Peter Mead is mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books. This article first appeared on his blog Biblical Preaching.