This Study Guide provides an introduction to the practice of preaching. It is designed for people from various church traditions, in the early stages of ministerial formation. Preaching is a complex and challenging business requiring a demanding mixture of skills. People listening to a sermon have the right to expect that a person who stands up to preach, can interpret the Bible competently, has a grasp of core Christian beliefs, and believes what they preach. They also expect someone who has the necessary range of communication skills to put the message across in an accessible way. Such a range of expectations presents daunting challenges to the most experienced preacher. The book includes practical exercises which could be used by individuals or by groups. The book is suitable for introductory courses in preaching or for modules which consider preaching within an overall focus upon leading public worship.

"Preaching the Incarnation," a follow-up to the authors' "Preaching the Atonement," offers a theological discussion of ten important Bible passages connected with the doctrine of incarnation, bringing historical and literary questions about the text into dialogue with Christian tradition, drawing out the implications of the passage for preaching. In each chapter a sermon is presented, followed by a commentary that sets the sermon in context and highlights the rhetorical strategy of the preacher. Well-known preachers William Willimon, Thomas Long, Rowan Williams, and Anna Carter Florence each contribute sermons to the book, as do the authors.

"Preaching the Atonement" is a unique teaching tool that offers a theological discussion of ten important Bible passages connected with the sacrifice of Christ. Each chapter includes a complete sermon on the passage in question followed by a discussion from the authors that highlights the preacher's strategy in the theological interpretation of the text and its incorporation into the rhetoric of the sermon.

Sermons are provided by the authors as well as David Southall, Kent Anderson, A. Katherine Grieb, David Schlafer.