Introducing Christian Ministry Leadership
Context, Calling, Character, and Practice
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
212 Pages, 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.42 in
- Paperback
- 9781666732856
- Published: October 2022
$27.00 / £24.00 / AU$43.00
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The demand for integrity--genuine spirituality, exemplary character, and competent skills--among ministry leaders has never been greater. This book introduces students and beginning practitioners to the theological and practical elements that make for healthy leadership and leaders in Christian ministry. How ministry leaders understand who God is and who they themselves are governs every aspect of their work and well-being, and how they understand the nature of the church and their role as ministry leaders forms their sense of purpose and identity.
This book is written from the perspective of ministry leadership in Christian traditions with congregational polity, but there is much that applies to ministry leadership in all Christian traditions. The text introduces terms, ideas, and skills foundational for getting started in ministry leadership and for more advanced study in each area. Most importantly, the book integrates biblical, historical, and theological reflection with the description of practical skills, demonstrating how students themselves can think theologically about ministry leadership. Thinking clearly about context, calling, and character provides the perspective from which to understand the essential practices of ministry leadership and to conduct them with integrity.
William D. M. Carrell is professor of christian studies and director of ministry guidance at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He has served as a professor and administrator at universities in Virginia and Texas and as a pastor of churches in Texas, Indiana, Virginia, and Maryland.
“I am grateful (and any number of ministerial students will be as well!) that William (‘Bill’) D. M. Carrell has written this valuable volume for men and women (who are preparing to be) Christian ministry leaders. I can but wish that a book of such practical wisdom and instruction had been available when I began my journey in ministry many years ago. Here, one finds the guidance and the resources necessary for a thoughtful, faithful, and enduring ministry in the gospel.”
—Todd D. Still, George W. Truett Theological Seminary
“This book is a thorough and insightful overview of ministry leadership, including a concise definition, full discussion of calling and character, and descriptions of key practices. An ideal textbook for students, especially beginning students considering leadership in ministry, this book is also a meaningful companion text for students in internships in church leadership and other Christian ministry settings. I highly recommend this book as a textbook for faculty members, church leaders, and students of Christian ministry leadership.”
—Jeter Basden, consultant, Association of Ministry Guidance Professors