Like most approaches to life, the church has become compartmentalized. Turf wins out over community. This book, in very helpful ways, brings together preaching and pastoral care as the shared gifts that they have always been.

Many see preaching as a task, entertainment or, as one pastor said, "Working the room." Many listeners await words of inspiration and often shield themselves from the pastoral care contained in the words preached as well as the process of the preacher.

A good skills book.

The Rev. Dr. Richard B. Gilbert, The World Pastoral Care Center