A user-friendly handbook for all embarking on a course of training for Christian ministry, lay or ordained. It is designed to reduce the fear factor and help students make the most of their study and training.

As the world changes, so do people's expectations of their faith community and clergy. This book uses three case studies to speak to religious professionals about the challenges they face, to provide readers with specific, user-friendly techniques to become more aware of how they function, and to learn new ways to lead. Clergy will find real-life examples of how more effective leadership enhances the life of the community and promotes the deepening of members' faith.

‘A brilliant introduction to prayer’ Richard Rohr, Author of Everything Belongs

Focusing on pastoral leadership within local churches or groups of churches, Derek Tidball provides a comprehensive survey of the variety of ministry models and patterns found in the New Testament with applications for today's ministry.

This book explores models for youth ministry from the life and ministry of Christ. This area of study has become fossilised because youth workers rely too heavily on the notion of 'incarnational' or 'relational' youth ministry. This leads them to believe that they must spend huge amounts of time with young people in order to 'earn the right' to share the gospel with them. The author argues that this foundation for youth ministry is inadequate and impractical and that it is not how Jesus himself operated. He proposes a broader Christology as a foundation for youth ministry today. Each chapter includes study questions for individuals or groups.

Fortress Presss Foundations for Learning series prepares students for academic success through compelling resources that kick-start their educational journey into professional Christian ministry. In Exploring Practices of Ministry, Pamela Cooper-White and Michael Cooper-White share insights from their extensive experience as parish ministers, church agency executives, and seminary educators in diverse multicultural and international contexts. Pamela, an Episcopal priest who teaches pastoral theology, care, and counseling, is also a pastoral psychotherapist with an extensive clinical background. Michael, a Lutheran pastor and seminary president, is also a pilot and flight instructor and has served as a chaplain with the Civil Air Patrol. The authors share their wisdom with seminarians and other readers seeking to deepen theological reflection and expand skills as ministry practitioners. While not all readers are preparing to be ordained ministers, most will engage in many of the practices described in the book: preaching and public speaking, teaching, leading liturgies, conducting ceremonies, counseling and offering pastoral support for persons undergoing life transitions, and serving as organizational leaders in congregations, chaplaincies, social ministries, and in the public arena. This book is a companion journal for pilgrims on the way to becoming confident practitioners of ministry.