Contents -- Introduction -- Part 1. Preparation for preaching -- preach the word -- theological training -- finding time to study -- developing a sermon calendar -- why i pray before i reach -- what i pray before i preach -- Part 2. The practice of preaching -- using scripture in preaching -- selecting a text to preach -- consecutive exposition -- becoming a better expositor -- sermon outlines -- choosing sermon titles -- sermon introductions -- sermon transitions -- sermon illustrations -- sermon conclusions -- writing sermon manuscripts -- preaching without notes -- Part 3. Points of wisdom for preaching -- being yourself in the pulpit -- developing your style of preaching -- pulpit consistency -- indecent exposure in the pulpit -- pulpit plagiarism -- protecting your voice for preaching -- being a guest preacher -- being an associate minister -- when you lose your cutting edge -- do you want to be somebody? -- the bottom line of Christian ministry.