Description
Book SynopsisTheological field education, in which a ministry student steps out of the classroom and begins practicing with the supervision of a mentor, is a critical part of accredited ministry programs. Engage equips both students and their supervisor-mentors to engage in this important opportunity with energy and imagination, and it prepares students for the challenging work of integrating theory into real-world practice.Engage provides coaching from recognized experts in the arts of ministry: preaching, administration, evangelism, pastoral care, public ministry, leadership, faith formation, liturgical arts and more. Other chapters address themes such as race, gender, and ministry across faith traditions (or no faith tradition). The book addresses field education in a range of contextsfrom churches to non-profits.Engage offers a valuable resource for students making the most of their transition from the classroom into real world ministry with all its joys and many challenges.
Trade ReviewAcademic instruction, identity formation, skill building, contextual analysis and intervention intersect with the questions of what is God doing today - among the people and in my growth toward ministry. Engage provides a compass for individual and congregational development in these areas and multiple maps for navigating the bumps, twists, and smoother places where learning, service, and reflection intersect. During the nineteen years that I served as a seminary director of field education I wish I had this book to help guide students and supervisors as they navigated congregations and other ministry settings.... Overall, Matthew Floding has chosen experienced practitioners and skilled reflectors to assemble his toolkit. The editing intentionally allows the multiple voices to complement each other.... It would be my choice today for a solid introduction to students and supervisors beginning the adventure of supervised ministry. * Anglican Theological Review *
Once again, Floding shows us why he is a national expert in the area of theological field education. He has assembled an all-star cast of authors across denominational lines to equip both those preparing for ministry and those shepherding future ministers. Theological field education takes the classroom and integrates it into the real world of ministry, making education truly come alive. Engage is one of the most well-rounded, complete resources I have seen for ministry preparation. -- George M. Hillman, Jr., Dallas Theological Seminary
Research has shown that the lecture is out, and hands-on experiential learning is in. This fantastic book not only offers a wide range of angles on formation for faith leaders, but it also pushes them to engage in making their learning as dynamic and creative as possible. No student should prepare for ministry leadership without this outstanding toolbox of a book in their pocket. -- Christian Scharen, Auburn Theological Seminary
Engage is a valuable advice manual and resource guide for seminary students learning to live and serve in actual, real-life congregations and other ministry settings for the first time. Experienced pastors and thoughtful theological educators offer helpful guidance on many important aspects of learning and doing ministry. Dive in wherever your interests and concerns take you. You'll find thoughtful, practical advice as well as helpful suggestions for further reading. -- Craig Dykstra, Duke Divinity School
It's like we have an extra instructor in the classroom. Students really appreciate Engage. -- Daniel Corpening, Director of Field Education, Duke Divinity School
Table of ContentsForeword, Lucinda Huffaker Acknowledgments Introduction, Matthew Floding 1 Engaging Theological Field Education, Matthew Floding 2 Engaging with Your Supervisor-Mentor, Matthew Floding 3 Engaging with Your Field Education Student, Matthew Floding 4 Engaging Your Context for Ministry, William B. Kincaid 5 Engaging in Ministry Ethically, Barbara J. Blodgett 6 Engaging in Theological Reflection, Matthew Floding 7 Engaging in Sustaining Spiritual Practices, Deborah K. Davis 8 Engaging in Personal Self-Care, James Marshall 9 Engaging in Preaching, Jason Byassee 10 Engaging the Liturgical Arts, Josie Hoover 11 Engaging in Pastoral Care, Willard Walden Christopher Ashley, Sr. 12 Engaging in Evangelism, John G. Stackhouse, Jr. 13 Engaging in Faith Formation, Sung Hee Chang 14 Engaging in Church Administration, W. Joseph Mann 15 Engaging for Faithful Leadership, Kyle J. A. Small 16 Engaging in Public Ministry, David W. Watkins, III 17 Engaging Learning Across Generations, Nathan E. Kirkpatrick 18 Engaging as a Gendered Person, Kimberly L. Clayton 19 Engaging Race, Grace Ji-Sun Kim 20 Engaging in a Nonprofit Context, John E. Senior 21 Engaging in Clinical Pastoral Education, Jim Rawlings, Jr. 22 Engaging Technology in Field Education, Susan E. Fox 23 Engaging Ministry in Secular Settings, Laura S. Tuach 24 Engaging in an International Field Education, Chester Polk Notes About the Contributors
