Through the years, the mechanics of my sermon preparation have evolved from small college ruled notebook paper where I hand wrote the text for my sermon, to a hybrid mix of hand written notes with printed pages interspersed between, to color coded backgrounds on my computer document based upon the format of my outline (it’s a long story). But consistently I have had a preference for the half-letter size pages for my sermon manuscript. Not long after I started preaching, I found these smaller binders for 5.5″ X 8.5″ size pages (basically a letter size piece of paper folded in half). It just worked well with space in the places where I was preaching at the time (nursing homes, jails, and rescue missions). It was also about the same size as the Bible I was carrying at the time. So it was what I got used to.
Through the years I have learned little by little how to format electronic documents to get the results I wanted. I want to pass this on to any young preacher that might be trying to figure out how to print out their notes in this half-letter size page, and save them a lot of the trial and error I went through. So in this guide, I’ll walk you through how to create a sermon template tailored for half-letter size pages using Microsoft Word. Now I am using Microsoft for this, but a lot of the same principals are found on other word processor programs.
Why Use Half Letter Size Pages?
The half-letter size (5.5” x 8.5”) is ideal for those who prefer a compact, easy-to-handle format. It’s perfect for fitting into small binders, making it easy to carry your notes to the pulpit. Additionally, it provides a clean and organized look to your sermon notes, allowing for better focus on the message.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating the Template
1. Set Up the Document
Begin by opening a new document in Microsoft Word. Navigate to the “Layout” tab, then select “Margins” and click on “Custom Margins.” This will allow you to set up the page layout specifically for booklet printing, which is vital for printing out the half-letter size (5.5” x 8.5”) pages
2. Adjust the Page Setup
In the “Pages” section, select “Book fold” from the pull-down menu next to “Multiple pages.” This setting is crucial as it prepares your document for printing two pages on one side of the paper, effectively turning your notes into a booklet.
For margins, set the top, bottom, left, and right margins to the minimum your printer will allow—typically around 0.1”. Additionally, leave a small space at the bottom margin (around 0.2”) to accommodate the footer, which can contain the page number and date.
3. Paper and Layout Settings
Ensure that the “Paper” tab has the default size of 8.5″ X 11″ size. With the width being 11″ and the height being 8.5″. This should be set up that way by default, but make adjustments if necessary. Under the “Layout” tab, set the header size to 0” and the footer to the minimum dimension your printer supports, usually around 0.17”.
4. Customizing the Footer
Your footer will include three key elements: the page number, the date, and the sermon title. Start by inserting a footer with three columns. In the left column, place the page number using the “Page X of Y” format. The right column will contain the date, which can be added via the “Date & Time” button on the ribbon. In the center column, type “Sermon Title” for this template. When you use the template, you will have to change this from “Sermon Title” to the title of your sermon. Other wise it will stay “Sermon Title.”
5. Formatting Your Text
For clarity, I recommend using the “Book Antiqua” font, sized at 16pt. This font is clear and professional, making it easy to read during your sermon delivery. To ensure consistency, save the document as a Word Template file (*.dotx). This way, you can quickly generate a new document each time you prepare a sermon.
6. Utilize the Styles Panel
The Styles Panel in Word allows you to quickly format different parts of your sermon, such as the title, main points, subpoints, and quotations. I’ve customized my styles to differentiate sections through font size, italics, and underlining rather than color, as I typically print in black and white. This ensures that each part of the sermon stands out, making it easier to follow along during preaching.
7. Printing and Assembly
To print your sermon notes, you’ll need a duplex printer capable of printing on both sides of the paper. Select the option “Print on Both Sides – Flip pages on short edge” from the print menu. If you don’t have a duplex printer, manual printing may be an option, though it may take some trial and error to get it right.
Once printed, cut the pages in half, and punch holes to fit into a half-letter size three-ring binder. This format is not only practical but also gives a professional look to your sermon notes.
Final Thoughts
I have created a “How To” .pdf with screen shots that can take you step-by-step through this process. Or you can use my Word template (*.dotx) document. Both are linked below. Creating a sermon template tailored to your needs can enhance your preparation and delivery. By following these steps, you’ll have a consistent, organized, and effective format for your sermon notes, allowing you to focus more on delivering God’s Word with clarity and conviction.
