Since 1925, The Minister"s Manual has been a resource for preaching and worship for lay leaders, choir directors, Sunday school teachers, and, of course, pastors. James W. Cox, editor since 1984 and senior professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, understands that "even the most original preachers ... have often needed the flame of someone else"s thought to light their own candle." This exhaustive, nondenominational resource not only contains prayers for every occasion but also uses quotations, questions to prompt unbelievers, biblical benedictions, and blessings, along with messages ranging from communion services to children"s sermons. Sermons for every Sunday of the year are also included, aimed not at constituting a yearlong worship program but at addressing topics specific to Sunday and seasons throughout the year. In this section, a lectionary message is followed by numerous illustrations, scripture references, sermon suggestions, congregational music selections, worship aids (call to worship, invocation), and an entire sermon to prompt individual thinking. Cox insists that this tool is not meant as a substitute for one"s own study but merely serves as the starter fluid for the fire that will reflect one"s own signature teaching. Quickly becoming known as the standard by which all other preaching annuals are measured, the 2001 edition"s original material makes it a useful addition to even the busiest bookshelf. --Jill Heatherly