How to Take Sermon Notes: A Simple 5-Section Template
Short answer: give every sermon note the same five sections — Key points, Quotes, Scripture, Application and Prayer — and fill each with only a line or two. A fixed shape keeps you listening instead of writing, and makes last month's notes as easy to reread as today's.
Why a fixed template works
Most people stop taking sermon notes because the pages turn into a wall of text nobody rereads. When every note has the same sections in the same order, you know where to look: the verses are always under Scripture, the thing to do this week is always under Application.
The five sections
- Key points. The main points of the message, one short line each. Most sermons have three to five.
- Quotes. One or two sentences that stopped you, in the preacher's words.
- Scripture. The main text and any verses read aloud, with the reference (for example John 15:5).
- Application. One concrete thing you will do this week. "Call my brother on Tuesday" beats "be more loving".
- Prayer. What you want to pray about because of this message, for you or for someone else.
Before, during and after
- Before: write the date, preacher and church at the top. Later you can group notes by pastor.
- During: short phrases, not sentences. If you miss something, leave a mark and keep listening.
- After: take two minutes on the way home to fill in Application and Prayer while it is fresh.
- Midweek: reread the Application line once. That is where the notes start to change something.
Doing it on your phone
In Pewlio every new note already has these five sections, bullets appear on their own and each word saves as you type. Tap Add scripture to pick a book, chapter and verses from the built-in KJV, WEB or BSB and insert the text without leaving the note. Your Application line stays at the top of your notes with a check circle during the week, and a short midweek reminder asks how it is going.
Frequently asked questions
Should I write down everything the pastor says?
No. Aim for three to five key points, one or two quotes that hit you and the verses read aloud. Trying to write every sentence makes you miss the message.
Is it better to take sermon notes on paper or on a phone?
Paper is fine if you keep it. A phone app helps when you want every note in one place, searchable, with the Bible built in so you do not have to switch apps to look up a verse.
What is the most important part of sermon notes?
The application: one concrete thing you will do this week. It is the part people skip and the part that makes the notes worth rereading.