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

The Ministry Textbook is a comprehensive guide to ministry for seminarians, ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States.  Written by two highly experienced authors, the book provides a grounded account of ministry, aimed at a renewal of leadership and congregational life, and drawing particularly on the Methodist, Episcopalian, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, and Presbyterian traditions.

Touching on all the main components of the Master of Divinity curriculum, this inclusive guide is divided into three sections. The first unit explores the world of vocation and the challenge of serving in a leadership role in a congregation. The second discusses the skills necessary for an effective ministry, and the final section examines the issues of congregational leadership. Drawing on the growing consensus in Congregational Studies literature, this section looks at church growth, church administration, and congregational vitality. Each chapter provides a helpful overview of the topic and ends with an annotated bibliography offering an indispensable gateway to further study.

This invaluable text provides seminarians, individuals considering ministry, and those with limited access to formal training with an ecumenical introduction to ministry and church leadership. It also supports the work of those responsible for teaching in the various denominations throughout the United States.