A compelling preacher shares her unique method for creating memorable sermons in this practical, down-to-earth manual that's chock-full of excellent ideas for homiletical preparation. It's an engaging look at what characterizes outstanding preaching as well as a humorous catalog of the hazards facing those who enter the pulpit. Schmitz relates numerous amusing and instructive anecdotes from her own preaching experience and offers valuable advice on how to write and deliver messages with maximum impact. For example, Schmitz notes that compelling stories which resonate with hearers are a crucial ingredient of great sermons -- and Preaching To Myself illustrates how to tap into this endlessly renewable resource. Simple, funny, field-tested in the trenches with real people -- if you want to enjoy a chuckle while learning what makes top-notch sermons that change lives, then this is the book for you. Schmitz has written an entertaining and engaging book full of helpful ideas and sermon examples that will challenge and inspire. This is a very good tool, especially for the newer preacher. Rev. Kevin E. Martin Canon for Congregational Development, Episcopal Diocese of Texas Preaching To Myself will be very useful, particularly for people who feel unorganized about the whole project of preaching. It's written with humor and lots of helpful hints about how to get and stay organized for this crucial ministry. Rt. Rev. Catherine M. Waynick Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis Barbara G. Schmitz is an Episcopal priest who loves to preach. She has served several Episcopal and Lutheran churches in Michigan, as well as at the diocesan and synodical level. She is currently the Assistant to the Bishop of the North/West Lower Michigan Synod (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). A graduate of Houghton College and Cornell University, Schmitz is the author of The Life Of Christ And The Death Of A Loved One: Crafting The Funeral Homily (CSS).

Effective Preaching: Bringing People into an Encounter with God is a practical collection of essays, featuring leading preachers, homilists and homily instructors. Compiled by Michael E. Connors, CSC, the Director of the John Marten Program in Homiletics and Liturgics at the University of Notre Dame, this imaginative book focuses entirely on the practical side of Catholic preaching. It will provide imaginative, hands-on, tested advice to help homilists develop preaching effectiveness, using techniques that will turn satisfactory preaching into exceptional preaching. This practical resource will be essential for priests, permanent deacons, seminarians in homiletics classes; retreat leaders, RCIA catechists; all who preach.

An overseer…must be above reproach. 1 Timothy 3:2 Scripture holds leaders and teachers of the Word to an incredibly high standard. And for good reason. Shepherding God’s people into salvation and spiritual growth is an enormous responsibility. Even more now than ever, today’s church needs leaders who faithfully proclaim the Word of God and equip believers to live it out. But great leaders need great role models. Bestselling author John MacArthur has compiled, from the internationally renowned Shepherd’s Conference, the best-ever messages for Christian leaders—now available in a single volume. Alongside MacArthur’s candid, instructive writings you’ll find the works of other proven ministry leaders, including John Piper, Steven Lawson, RC Sproul, Ligon Duncan, and Al Mohler. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or leader in your church, or you desire to be more effective in your spiritual leadership, this book will help you learn how to . . . guide others with integrity and conviction deliver God’s Word with passion and power accurately interpret and apply God’s Word When you accept the challenge to be a leader who follows God’s standard both in ministry and personally, you will become better equipped to fulfill your calling to lead with excellence.

In 'The Greatest Works of G. K. Chesterton,' readers are treated to a collection of some of the most profound and thought-provoking essays, fiction, and poetry by the renowned author. Chesterton's literary style is characterized by his wit, humor, and keen observations on society, religion, and philosophy. His works are known for their paradoxical and witty nature, which challenges readers to think beyond the surface. The collection includes masterpieces such as 'Orthodoxy,' 'The Man Who Was Thursday,' and 'The Ballad of the White Horse,' showcasing Chesterton's versatility as a writer. This compilation provides an in-depth look into the mind of one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Gilbert Keith Chesterton, known as G. K. Chesterton, was a prolific writer and thinker whose works continue to inspire readers to this day. His unique perspective on various topics such as religion, morality, and society set him apart as a leading intellectual of his time. Chesterton's ability to blend humor with profound insights makes his works both engaging and enlightening. I highly recommend 'The Greatest Works of G. K. Chesterton' to anyone interested in delving into the brilliant mind of this literary giant. This collection offers a comprehensive overview of Chesterton's body of work and is sure to leave readers with a newfound appreciation for his contributions to literature.

Paul's first letter to the Corinthians is one of the most important epistles in the New Testament. David Garland's thoughtful new commentary draws on extensive research and engages the best of contemporary scholarship while providing a readable study that will be accessible to thoughtful readers as well as students, pastors, and scholars. After considering the context of the letter and the social and cultural setting of Corinth, Garland turns to his exegetical work. An introduction to each major unit of thought is followed by the author's own translation of the Greek text. In the course of his verse-by-verse commentary, he incorporates references to other ancient writings that help explain particular aspects of Paul's meaning or provide information on the social and cultural context. He also refers to the work of other commentators and provides extensive notes for further reading and research.