While struggling with cancer and his own need for a breakthrough, Dr. Pelt was inspired to write "Messages of Hope for a Breakthrough". In this book are messages Dr. Pelt selected for publication that he preached over the years.

While struggling with cancer and his own need for a breakthrough, Dr. Pelt was inspired to write "Messages of Hope for a Breakthrough". In this book are seven inspirational sermons Dr. Pelt selected for publication that he preached over the years. They include: A Dinner Invitation from Four Homeless Men; Cast Down Your Bucket Where You Are; It's Time to Bury the Hatchet; In Pursuit of Just One Thing; The Just Shall Live by Faith; Regaining the Cutting Edge; and Waiting for a Breakthrough.

The Rev. Dr. J. Sherman Pelt was a person who knew, without a doubt, his purpose. He dedicated and committed his entire adult life to ministry and received joy unspeakable from doing the Lord's work. Dr. Pelt earned degrees from Selma University, Livingston University (presently the University of West Alabama), The Interdenominational Theological Center-Morehouse School of Religion and Emory University-Candler School of Theology. He has served the church and theological education in several capacities. Some examples include: President of the Metropolitan Baptist Ministers Union for two years; Moderator of the Atlanta Baptist Missionary Association for four years; President of the Congress of Christian Education for the New Era Missionary Baptist State Convention for four years; Instructor in the Congress of Christian Education of the Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC) for six years; Professor and Mentor at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio for five years and Instructor of Baptist History and Polity at the Interdenominational Theological Center-Morehouse School of Religion for 20 years. He has also served on numerous boards and committees in the community and partnered with other religious groups both locally and nationally. From 1975 to 1979, Dr. Pelt served as the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Boligee, Alabama. Dr. Pelt pastored the Hill First Baptist Church of Athens, Georgia from 1985 to 1991. From 1991 to 2013, he served as the Senior Pastor of Liberty Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. J. Sherman Pelt passed from labor to reward on October 31, 2013. His writings are being finalized and published by his family.