While there are a number of books on preaching, there is none quite like Saving Eutychus: How to Preach God’s Word and Keep People Awake by Gary Millar and Phil Campbell. In this brief yet extremely helpful book, Millar and Campbell blend theological foundations with practical advice that will improve anyone’s preaching.

After noting the importance of prayer (ch. 1), the authors plead for preaching that changes the heart through expository preaching (ch. 2). Preachers must strive to avoid boring people (ch. 3) and focus on developing/articulating the big idea of the passage (ch. 4). In the longest chapter of the book, Millar and Campbell provide a theological and hermeneutical model for preaching Christ from the Old Testament (ch. 5). Suggestions for delivery (ch. 6) and seeking useful feedback (ch. 7)  prepare the way for the final chapter on building a sermon (ch. 8). Two appendices round out the contents: one on sample sermon critique between the authors and another on suggested resources.

I highly recommend this book. Despite being brief, it covers the broad range of issues necessary to think through to excel in preaching. The authors not only provide theological foundations but practical advice that will benefit all preachers regardless of age or experience. While I do not agree with every detail (e.g., I do not think the ideal sermon is necessarily 23-30 minutes long, and I am not a fan of using powerpoint), this book is worth your attention if God has called you to preach.