This week pastors.com offers some practical help on making sermon conclusions more effective. For instance:
Use an argument. Anticipate the objections the audience might have and logically refute them.
Use a warning. Warn them of the consequences of disobedience.
Use indirect conviction. A good example is the story of Nathan and David (2 Samuel 12).
Use compassion. Express God’s love and concern for them and others.
Use vision. Paint a picture of what is possible if they obey God. Help them to have faith.
Use encouragement. Tell them they can do this with God’s power.
Make it personal. The person listening should feel like you are only talking to him or her.
Restate your major points forcefully. You reinforce the truth by summarizing it.
Use a compelling illustration. This helps to make the message memorable.
Use a piercing question. This engages people in processing and applying the message.
Use surprise. The best conclusions sneak up on congregations rather than being obvious and expected.
Read the whole article here.