An Introduction to Ministry A Primer for

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 commitment to broad conversation

Ian S. Markham is Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary. He has been in ministry all his life and is active as a Priest Associate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including Truth and the Reality of God (2000); A Theology of Engagement (Wiley-Blackwell, 2003); Do Morals Matter (Wiley-Blackwell, 2006); Understanding Christian Doctrine (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007), Liturgical Life Principles (2009), and Against Atheism (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010).

Oran E. Warder is Rector of St. Paul's Church in Alexandria, Virginia. An experienced parish priest, Oran also served for seven years as the Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Delaware. Among other things, this diocesan role included the care, support, and deployment of clergy; the care, support, and development of congregations, including the mediation of conflict; as well as the oversight of an array of diocesan programs and institutions. In addition to serving as rector of St. Paul's, Oran is also an adjunct instructor of liturgics at the Virginia Theological Seminary.

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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An Introduction to Ministry A Primer for Renewed Life and Leadership in Mainline Protestant Congregations

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials