Introducing the Practice of Ministry

by Kathleen A. Cahalan

Ministry is often examined in terms of who the minister is, not what the minister does. But the vocation to ministry must be understood as a call to identity as well as to practice, one that is rooted in Jesus' life and ministry as well as the Spirit's charisms. InIntroducing the Practice of Ministry Kathleen A.Cahalan defines ministerial leadership as carried out through the practices of teaching, preaching, pastoral care, worship, social ministry, and administration for the sake of nurturing the life of discipleship in the community of believers. In her examination of charisms for each of the practices of ministry, Cahalan presents readers with a Trinitarian foundation, noting that the practices of discipleship and ministry have their origin in the very practices of God."

Kathleen A. Cahalan is associate professor of theology at Saint John's University School of Theology, Seminary in Collegeville, Minnesota. She is author of Formed in the Image of Christ: The Sacramental-Moral Theology of Bernard Häring (Liturgical Press, 2004) and Projects That Matter: Successful Planning and Evaluation for Religious Organizations (Alban Institute, 2003). She is the past-president of the Association of Practical Theology.

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Genres: Theology

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely helpful exploration of the theology and practice of ministry. Kathleen Cahalan is Roman Catholic, but her words are as appropriate for Protestants as Catholics. She speaks of disciples (the entire body of Christ that responds to the call of God to grow in faith and service) and those called to ministry. The latter are called and affirmed and equipped to guide and equip those who respond to the call of discipleship. Key is her definition of ministry being expressed in six practices -- teaching, preaching, worship leadership, pastoral care, social justice, and administration.

If you're either discerning a call to ministry or seeking to think anew about the call to ministry -- this is an excellent book. In fact, the Licensed Ministry Class that I used this book with, really enjoyed it and found it extremely helpful!

[Robert Turnage · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the content of much of the book is solid, but I don’t really understand the structural organization. I think a brief outline at the beginning would help the reader to understand better throughout. But a lot of good ideas and helpful theological perspective.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read it. The book makes the clearest case I’ve come across for Christian people to see their lives, their vocations, as their callings. She is is much more explicit than any I know of the way in which Christian “ministry” is the calling of those who are clergy - and should NOT be put on a higher plane (by calling everyone’s work “ministry”) than the vocations of any other person. Her insights are true and important. I would want to sharpen up some of her argument - particularly about the social ministry of the Church. I look forward to talking with her about it. Wonderful, important book!

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This job does a great job of defining and explaining the role of minister and disciple. It will help anyone understand if they are discerning a call to ministers or service. Wish I had been given this book when I was discerning my call. It also doesn't directly call it out, but it really does define Word and Sacrament versus Word and Service.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable and engaging, this book is very helpful for those discerning their call to ministry or other forms of leadership in the Church.

[Terri Milstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Required reading for a fifth year class in course of study which is interesting in that so much of this book talks about being new to or exploring entering ministry.