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Preparing for ministry involves more than the acquisition of certain skills. The shape of a disciple's soul as he or she embarks on this journey is as important if not more so than learning how to exegete a text or engage in pastoral care. Ministry is not easy, and the preparation for this form of Christian discipleship is open to a variety of temptations, not least of which is a kind of despair over the paucity of one's own resources, or worse, the illusion that one is better off relying on one's own talents and virtues. What is needed is bread for this journey, not necessarily exhortations to work harder, but words of encouragement and grace that bear witness to the surprising reality that ministry is, in fact, a joyful gift. These notes from a dean, who sought to help his students discover that joy in their study and preparation, bear witness to the One, whose life provides bread for every journey, especially for the journey of pastoral ministry.
About the author
Dr. Thomas W. Currie is Dean of Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Charlotte, North Carolina. A pastor since 1976, Currie was pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville, Texas for 13 years. He is a graduate of Haverford College, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and the University of Edinburgh. Other books by Currie include 'Searching for Truth: Confessing Christ in an Uncertain World' (2001). In addition to serving as pastor, Currie has also taught homiletics and theology at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
