"I finished reading your [Preaching Without Notes] book and am in the process of applying the method to my weekly preaching. I've gone completely 'note free' for the past three Sundays. I made a checklist that I use when I prepare my sermons. I've found that my memory is trustworthy, and on the occasions where I left something out it was usually for the good. Your sermon from the book is a good model. "The main comment I've been getting from people is that the sermons have more passion and energy. There's something exhilarating about standing before the congregation and just talking to them about what I've prepared. I compare it to an experience I had a few years ago. I'd been driving for years when I bought my wife a little red convertible. After driving the car I discovered that driving could be fun; it was more than getting from one place to another. I feel like preaching is exciting, even fun. "I haven't had time to listen to any of your sermons lately, but I've been reading your articles on your web site. I tried something as a result of your article on advertising the sermon. I put the opening couple of lines from my sermon on the e-mail bulletin we send out on Thursdays, followed by 'continued on Sunday.' I'm going to try it for a few weeks to see whether anyone notices. "Thanks for putting your approach in writing. I (and my congregation) appreciate it!"

'It's like driving the little red convertible . . . .

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Steve Mahoney, Newark Church of Christ

Webb lectures, preaches and Hood Theological Seminary

If you are having difficulty deciding whether to try preaching without notes yourself, read this remarkable review by a prominent United Methodist leader who did try it for herself. You will be surprised what she has to say about it.