Description

Book Synopsis
An Introduction to Ministry is a comprehensive and ecumenical introduction to the craft of ministry for ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States. Ecumenically-focused, It offers a grounded account of ministry, covering areas such as vocation, congregational leadership, and cultivation of skills for an effective ministry.
  • Covers the key components of the M.Div. curriculum, offering a map and guide to the central skills and issues in training
  • Explores the areas of vocation, skills for ministry, and issues around congregational leadership
  • Each topic ends with an annotated bibliography providing an indispensable gateway to further study
  • Helps students understand both the distinctive approach of their denomination and the relationship of that approach to other mainline denominations
  • Advocates and defends a generous understanding of the Christian tradition in its openness and commitm

    Table of Contents
    Acknowledgments ix

    Introduction 1

    Section One Exploring the World of Ministry 5

    1 Sensing the Call 7

    2 The Imperative of Training 19

    3 Church Dynamics: Exploring Congregational Culture 30

    Section Two Cultivating the Skills for Effective Ministry 45

    4 Worship and Mainline Ritual 47

    5 Reading Scripture Thoughtfully 58

    6 Connecting the Theological Dots 68

    7 Church History 81

    8 Preaching the Word 92

    9 Ethics in the Mainline 110

    10 Pastoral Presence 122

    11 Christian Education and Formation 135

    12 Music and Hymnody 150

    Section Three Leading the People of God 167

    13 Prophetic Leadership and Social Justice 169

    14 Evangelism and Church Growth 182

    15 Leading through Change and Conflict 198

    16 The Business of the Church 210

    17 Stewardship 225

    18 Christian Apologetics 237

    19 Ministerial Integrity 253

    Glossary 263

    Index 277

An Introduction to Ministry

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Ian S. Markham, Oran E. Warder

    £26.95

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 19 Oct 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
      Published 25 December 2015
      ISBN-13 9780470673294
      978-0470673294
      ISBN-10 047067329X

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      An Introduction to Ministry is a comprehensive and ecumenical introduction to the craft of ministry for ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States. Ecumenically-focused, It offers a grounded account of ministry, covering areas such as vocation, congregational leadership, and cultivation of skills for an effective ministry.
      • Covers the key components of the M.Div. curriculum, offering a map and guide to the central skills and issues in training
      • Explores the areas of vocation, skills for ministry, and issues around congregational leadership
      • Each topic ends with an annotated bibliography providing an indispensable gateway to further study
      • Helps students understand both the distinctive approach of their denomination and the relationship of that approach to other mainline denominations
      • Advocates and defends a generous understanding of the Christian tradition in its openness and commitm

        Table of Contents
        Acknowledgments ix

        Introduction 1

        Section One Exploring the World of Ministry 5

        1 Sensing the Call 7

        2 The Imperative of Training 19

        3 Church Dynamics: Exploring Congregational Culture 30

        Section Two Cultivating the Skills for Effective Ministry 45

        4 Worship and Mainline Ritual 47

        5 Reading Scripture Thoughtfully 58

        6 Connecting the Theological Dots 68

        7 Church History 81

        8 Preaching the Word 92

        9 Ethics in the Mainline 110

        10 Pastoral Presence 122

        11 Christian Education and Formation 135

        12 Music and Hymnody 150

        Section Three Leading the People of God 167

        13 Prophetic Leadership and Social Justice 169

        14 Evangelism and Church Growth 182

        15 Leading through Change and Conflict 198

        16 The Business of the Church 210

        17 Stewardship 225

        18 Christian Apologetics 237

        19 Ministerial Integrity 253

        Glossary 263

        Index 277

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