A three-point sermon: can we preach anything else?

Some preachers seem so good at it. Not only do they shape any chapter or verse-no matter what the original configuration-into a trinity, but they also manage to give each point a catchy title that either (1) rhymes, or (2) alliterates, or (3), well, you get the point.

I began seminary with the three-point commandment well in hand. But I spent so much time breaking my first homiletical efforts neatly into three parts, I didn't have much to say within the parts.

After one particularly well-structured but uninspiring attempt (Introduction, Message, Conclusion), I sought the opinion of a friend who had served ninety years on this planet and sixty years in ordained ministry, concurrently. He said, "A man, to be seen, has to stand up; to be heard, has to speak up; to be appreciated, has to shut up."

Aha? Three points!

Inspired, I wrote in my notebook: "1. Get up there. 2. Say what you have to say. 3. Sit down." Maybe I could still get the hang of ...