Author Description

The most complete preaching and worship book available, The Ministers Manual continues to be the most useful book published for preachers, providing completely new material every year. Following an easy-to-use format, editor James W. Cox assembles a topical sermon and lectionary sermon for every Sunday based on the gospel readings of the Common Lectionary. With some of the world's leading preachers providing the sermons, The Ministers Manual is an excellent reference for both lectionary and nonlectionary preaching. Accompanying the sermons for every Sunday of the year are abundant homiletic and worship aids. Also included are prayers and services for special occasions, resources for communion services, for funeral services, and for Advent, Christmas, Lenten, and Easter preaching. In addition, there are fifty-two stories and sermons for children, a treasury of sermon illustrations, resources for evangelism and missions, and church calendars. Here too are topics for discussion groups, a collection of memorable quotations, benedictions, and several indexes that organize the wealth of material and -- most importantly -- make it readily available. The editor has draawn together the best of traditional and contemporary sources to assist in preparing the sermons and to ignite the minister's imagination. Combining insight and inspiration in one concise and convenient volume, this is an invaluable aid for pastors, lay preachers, Sunday school teachers, church secretaries, the church library, study groups, and personal reflection. Also, don't be put off by the age of this book! It is still a current and extremely useful resource -- and not outdated -- even now in 2015-2016!