This book is written for preachers who suspect that the way they were taught to preach (and for the most part are still being taught to preach) simply does not work.

The author's objective is to bring the Bible to life in the sermon in all of its dimensions. To do that the preacher must understand his listeners as well as his message. Those who explore Shepherd's message will find themselves thinking about the sermon and preaching in an entirely new way. Shepherd presents his position with a firm grounding in biblical studies, literary criticism, and theology. The book is for those preachers who are dissatisfied with the way they were taught to preach, but are not sure why. Using practical examples from real sermons, the book uncovers many of the faults of traditional preaching styles and inspires a new approach to the sermon that unites preacher, congregation, and scripture under the powerful Word of God's grace. William H. Shepherd Jr., has been an Episcopal priest for 14 years, serving parishes in Indiana, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York. He is currently serving as an Interim Ministry Specialist. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Georgia, an M. Div. degree from Yale Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Emory University. Shepherd has taught preaching and biblical studies at a number of institutions and currently is at the George Mercer Jr., Memorial School of Theology, Garden City, New York.