One thing this does is put the Sunday morning gathering and the sermon in particular on the table. It helps with practical things like reading the passage beforehand, getting some good rest on Saturday night, praying for light, praying for the preacher, etc.
There are some really practical items that the church member can do in their own sermon prep. As a church, we are now going through the practice of what it means to be an expository listener. We discuss this in our small groups throughout the month. The priority and the practice are gaining traction. (example of blog article)
3. Promote the sermon by providing the text and the outline in advance.
This is so easy and so good. In our context, we send out the Scripture passage and outline on a Thursday or Friday. I post it on the church website and include with it a snippet about the sermon. I have heard from numerous people of how this practice has helped them with the previous two observations.
It also encourages dads to lead by talking to their family about the sermon prior to and after it. Again, very easy and very beneficial. (example)
4. Provide an outline.
If you provide the info in advance then you might as well print it out and give it to folks.
Early on, my wife encouraged me to do this, and it has paid huge dividends. The handout not only provides a road map of where you are going on Sunday morning, but it also teaches how to break apart a passage.
