Exploring the Life and Calling (Foundations for Learning)
Overview
Author and professor Gary Black asserts that the most important aspect of training for vocational ministry is knowing and applying Christian theology. Theology must be woven throughout the entire seminary curriculum—biblical exegesis, ministerial leadership, spiritual formation, counseling, preaching, and worship.
Black honors ministers as leaders who follow in the footsteps of Christ. Jesus was an expert in the issues of his day, demonstrated authority, mentored other leaders, inspired his disciples to imitate his life, and instigated a spiritual revolution—and Black says ministers of the gospel have received the same calling. Black’s practical wisdom and theological commitments provide a firm, guiding hand for those just beginning their journey toward vocational ministry.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
For more encouragement in your pursuit of vocational ministry, check out the Studies on Vocation and Ministry (8 vols.) collection.
- Argues that understanding and applying theology is the most important part of ministry training
- Asserts that theology must be woven throughout the seminary curriculum
- Presents Jesus’ life and ministry as a model for ministers
- The Calling of a Professional Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Defining Our Praxis
- Praxis One: Our Spiritual Life
- Praxis Two: A Life of Meditation and Contemplation
- Praxis Three: An Embodied Faith
- Praxis Four: Life Together in the Flock of the Good Shepherd
- Praxis Five: Leaders as Apprentices to Jesus
- Forging Ahead
Top Highlights
“‘I am of the firm opinion that as professional ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, those of you sitting in this room represent the most important profession in the world today. And therefore, that makes you, by association, some of the most important people in the world today.’” (Page 3)
“Ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ represent the knowledge of God and ways of God’s kingdom applied in the lives of the faithful.” (Page 15)
“righteousness. Perhaps no better understanding or skill is more important to the profession of ministry” (Page 6)
“praxis offers a reflective response to why exactly we engage in certain practices or what they signify” (Page 24)
“the Christian minister often sits alone among his or her peers as one solely devoted to dikaiosune” (Page 6)
Black presents a renewed and stirring vision of theological education that is able to produce men and women who intimately know about life in the Kingdom of God. Our world is desperate for this.
—Kent Carlson, senior pastor, Oak Hills Church
Gary Black Jr. continues to plow new ground for the field of theological education.
—David Fitch, Betty R. Lidner Professor of Theology, Northern Seminary
If a new generation of leaders were animated by this compelling vision of spiritual leadership it would revolutionize the church and our world.
—Mark Scandrette, founding director, ReIMAGINE
This book needs to be in the hands of every seminary student, seminary professor, pastor, and church staff person.
—Nancy Ortberg, leadership development, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
Gary’s work offers a clear look at what it means to study the divine, but more importantly, he sets a practical course for those who long to experience the fullness of life in ministry.
—Rachel Triska, executive director, Life in Deep Ellum
- Title: Exploring the Life and Calling
- Author: Gary Black
- Series: Foundations for Learning
- Publisher: Fortress Press
- Print Publication Date: 2014
- Logos Release Date: 2015
- Pages: 80
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Pastoral theology; Clergy › Appointment, call, and election; Clergy › Religious life
- ISBNs: 9781451488920, 9781451489637, 1451488920, 1451489633
- Resource ID: LLS:XPLRNGLFCLLNG
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T04:31:08Z