This comprehensive guide focuses on much more than the practicalities of preaching and will be welcomed by clergy, ordinands and lay preachers in all denominations. Part One considers the spiritual formation of preachers - by the Bible, by life's experience and by the Christian tradition, and outlines the many resources for study that may be tapped. Part Two explores the effects of the context in which preaching takes place - a congregation with known and unknown individuals, a given geographical and cultural setting, the wider world and current events, the type of service, the physical aspects of the building. Part Three examines various theologies of preaching and Part Four outlines different methodologies including using stories, preaching the lectionary and finding one's own voice. This resource complements two bestselling Canterbury Press titles - "Being a Priest Today" and "Being a Deacon Today"