(02 Sermon Notes) The Tools and Methods of Sermon Note-Taking

Ezra 7:10 ESV

10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

Goal:

To equip believers with practical skills for capturing sermons clearly and efficiently, so they can better engage with God’s Word, remember it, and live it out.

Purpose: Learning practical tools and methods of note taking helps us listen actively, think clearly, and retain truth deeply.

This series may seem simple in some ways but I want it to by hyper practical.

1. Choosing Your Tools

Different tools fit different people.

Encourage students to pick what works best for their learning style and lifestyle.

What do you use and why?

Paper notebooks

Pros:

No distractions

physically writing helps memory

No battery issues

No wifi issues

There is flexibility for doodles, graphs, arrows, or other things.

Cons:

Harder to organize or search later.

Might forget them.

Could lose them.

Take up a lot of space.

Not easy to share.

Not easy to edit.

Digital devices (tablets, laptops, phones)

Pros:

Easy to edit.

Easy access.

Easy to organize,

Easy to search,

Easy to share

Media integration.

Can import PDFs

sync across devices.

Backup to the cloud.

always have them

easy to customize the notes (one “pen” or can change font)

Typing is faster

Note taking apps allow for customization.

Cons:

Potential distractions

less memory retention for some learners.

Battery life.

More to go wrong.

Price.

Writing instruments

Pens with different colors: emphasize main points, scripture, and applications.

Highlighters: draw attention to keywords.

Tip: Choose a consistent format (same notebook or app) so your notes become a long-term resource, not scattered fragments.

I use:

Notability app. (Only on apple and web)

Paper-like screen protector

Apple pencil

This gives me the best of both worlds - digital but hand written.

2. Common Note-Taking Methods

Not everyone thinks the same way. Expose students to several approaches so they can discover what fits them best.

Outline Method

Best for structured sermons with clear points.

Keyword or Phrase Method

Jot down powerful words, short phrases, or scripture references instead of full sentences.

Useful for fast-moving preachers.

Mind Maps

Visual approach.

Place the main theme in the center, branch out with sub-points, verses, and illustrations.

Super simple.

A little more.

Super elaborate

Great for creative thinkers who connect ideas visually.

There are mind map applications and many note taking apps have the ability to mind map.

My Noteability app has templates you can use.

YouTube it if you want to learn more.

Cornell Method

(SLIDE) Divide page into two columns:

Left (Cue Column): keywords, questions, themes.

Right (Notes Column): main sermon content.

Bottom: summary/application.

Helps review and retention.

(SLIDE) Note-Taking Area: Record lecture as fully and as meaningfully as possible.

Cue Column: As you’re taking notes, keep cue column empty. Soon after the lecture, reduce your notes to concise jottings as clues for Reciting, Reviewing, and Reflecting.

Summaries: Sum up each page of your notes in a sentence or two.

This format provides the perfect opportunity for following through with the 5 R’s of note-taking:

During the lecture, record in the main column as many meaningful facts and ideas as you can. Write legibly.Record

As soon after as possible, summarize these facts and ideas concisely in the Cue Column. Summarizing clarifies meanings and relationships, reinforces continuity, and strengthens memory.Reduce

Cover the Note Taking Area, using only your jottings in the Cue Column, say over the facts and ideas of the lecture as fully as you can, not mechanically, but in your own words. Then, verify what you have said.Recite

3. Abbreviations and Symbols

Speed matters in note taking. Teach them how to create a personal shorthand.

Common Abbreviations

“w/” = with

“w/o” = without

“b/c” = because

“&” = and

“ex.” = example

“app.” = application

“imp.” = important

Symbols

★ = Key point

→ = leads to / results in

= = equals

? = question to study later

! = convicting truth or action step

How could these symbols be used in a sermon?

Encourage students to build their own shorthand system and keep it consistent.

4. Filtering Main Points vs. Supporting Details

Not everything the preacher says belongs in your notes.

Listen for Cues:

Repeated statements

Transitional phrases (“My second point is…”)

Emphasis (“Now don’t miss this…”)

What are some things I say?

Main Points are:

Big ideas,

sermon outline,

Scripture truths.

Write these clearly and boldly.

Supporting Details:

Illustrations,

quotes,

ross-references.

Note briefly, but don’t let them bury the main point.

How do you determine the difference and decide what makes it in your notes?

Pro Tip: If you miss something, leave space and fill it in later. Don’t get stuck on every word.

Rewatch on YouTube.

How many have rewatched because you missed something?

6. Putting It All Together

Pick one tool and one method to practice this week.

Stick with it long enough to see if it works for you.

Experiment with abbreviations and symbols during the sermon.

Review your notes afterward: underline the big truths, add a 1–2 sentence summary, and write one application.

Talk to someone about it.

Compare note - for learning AND style.

Conclusion and Challenge

Sermon note taking is more than recording—it’s about remembering and applying God’s Word.

Challenge: “This week, don’t just hear the Word—capture it, meditate on it, live it and talk to someone about it

Ezra 7:10 ESV

10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.