Schlafer looks at the preacher's task at the "high times" of the church and the secular year, those occasions on which expectations run high and emotions can be intense. He explores the temptations and pitfalls of preaching at weddings and funerals; baptisms and ordinations; civic holidays like Memorial Day and Thanksgiving; and the high holy days of Christmas and Easter. He also discusses preaching at times of tension and conflict in the church, the responsibilities of a guest preacher, and how to handle preaching missions and retreats.

Included in each chapter are helpful summaries of what to include and avoid in sermon preparation, as well as excerpts of sermons illustrating the principles he outlines.