Includes bibliographical references.

Foreword / Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. -- Ch. 1. Be prepared to preach -- Ch. 2. Celebrate the centrality of Christ -- Ch. 3. Preach God's word, not your words -- Ch. 4. Be a shepherd, not a showman -- Ch. 5. Do the vision thing -- Ch. 6. Expose the pastor in you -- Ch. 7. Connect the head and the heart -- Ch. 8. Stand on the shoulders of the saints -- Ch. 9. View yourself from the pew -- Ch. 10. Be satisfied.

"Church members are more than just an audience for preachers. They are partners in a process of mutual learning that prepares their hearts, minds, and spirits for service to Christ. Based on in-depth conversations with church members, this book offers strategies to help preachers respond to the needs, concerns, and observations of those with a view from the pew. Lora-Ellen McKinney advocates balance in such areas as preaching on Sunday mornings versus pastoring throughout the week, and between emotionalism versus sound theology. She contends that the preacher's vision must go beyond performing in the pulpit to include designing opportunities for meaningful worship. Her unique insights and recommendations will help preachers organize their pulpits for excellence and transformation with the goal of encouraging worship experiences that inspire, teach, honor, praise, and move people to action."--BOOK JACKET.