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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n
The half-letter size (5.5\u201d x 8.5\u201d) is ideal for those who prefer a compact, easy-to-handle format. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Begin by opening a new document in Microsoft Word. Navigate to the \u201cLayout\u201d tab, then select \u201cMargins\u201d and click on \u201cCustom Margins.\u201d 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\u201d x 8.5\u201d) pages<\/p>\n
In the \u201cPages\u201d section, select \u201cBook fold\u201d from the pull-down menu next to \u201cMultiple pages.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
For margins, set the top, bottom, left, and right margins to the minimum your printer will allow\u2014typically around 0.1\u201d. Additionally, leave a small space at the bottom margin (around 0.2\u201d) to accommodate the footer, which can contain the page number and date.<\/p>\n
Ensure that the \u201cPaper\u201d 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 \u201cLayout\u201d tab, set the header size to 0\u201d and the footer to the minimum dimension your printer supports, usually around 0.17\u201d.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cPage X of Y\u201d format. The right column will contain the date, which can be added via the \u201cDate & Time\u201d button on the ribbon. In the center column, type \u201cSermon Title\u201d for this template. When you use the template, you will have to change this from \u201cSermon Title\u201d to the title of your sermon. Other wise it will stay \u201cSermon Title.\u201d<\/p>\n
For clarity, I recommend using the \u201cBook Antiqua\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n
To print your sermon notes, you\u2019ll need a duplex printer capable of printing on both sides of the paper. Select the option \u201cPrint on Both Sides \u2013 Flip pages on short edge\u201d from the print menu. If you don\u2019t have a duplex printer, manual printing may be an option, though it may take some trial and error to get it right.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019ll have a consistent, organized, and effective format for your sermon notes, allowing you to focus more on delivering God\u2019s Word with clarity and conviction.<\/p>\n