4 Easy Steps to an Engaging Message Outline

When you are teaching the Bible to students, there is an age-old method (made famous by Lawrence Richards) that is quick and easy to use in a pinch. It is known by the name: Hook, Book, Look, Took (HBLT).

HOOK

Use an opening illustration or story to draw the students into the text of Scripture. It can be funny, serious, exciting or even dramatic in nature.

BOOK

Have the students open the Bible and examine what the text actually says. This is when you would share other historical or commentary-based information as well as any supplemental scriptures.

LOOK

Ask the students what the text spoke to those to whom it was written? What was the Holy Spirit's intent when the scripture what written? Also, as you look at your life, what does the text speak to you?

TOOK

Finally, summarize (or have the students summarize) what practical application this scripture has on their life for today. What can they "take away" from this study of this text in particular?

These four steps work great for small group leaders, Sunday School teachers and one-on-one mentoring. If you find yourself teaching up in front of a large group of students (because the scheduled youth speaker is home sick), use HBLT to put together a quick study of the scriptures.

If you need to remember the acronym, just think "I'll Have- a- BLT"

If you have more time to prepare a message, try using these 10 Steps to Developing and Delivering Solid Messages.