An Introduction to Ministry: A Primer for Renewed Life and Leadership in Mainline Protestant Congregations

An Introduction to Ministry is a comprehensive and ecumenical introduction to the craft of ministry for ministers, pastors, and priests that make up the mainline denominations in the United States. Ecumenically-focused, It offers a grounded account of ministry, covering  areas such as vocation, congregational leadership, and cultivation of skills for an effective ministry.

• Covers the key components of the M.Div. curriculum, offering a map and guide to the central skills and issues in training
• Explores the areas of vocation, skills for ministry, and issues around congregational leadership
• Each topic ends with an annotated bibliography providing an indispensable gateway to further study
• Helps students understand both the distinctive approach of their denomination and the relationship of that approach to other mainline denominations
• Advocates and defends a generous understanding of the Christian tradition in its openness and commitment to broad conversation

Ian S. Markham is Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary. He has been in ministry all his life and is active as a Priest Associate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria, VA. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including Truth and the Reality of God (2000); A Theology of Engagement (Wiley-Blackwell, 2003); Do Morals Matter (Wiley-Blackwell, 2006); Understanding Christian Doctrine (Wiley-Blackwell, 2007), Liturgical Life Principles (2009), and Against Atheism (Wiley-Blackwell, 2010).

Oran E. Warder is Rector of St. Paul's Church in Alexandria, Virginia.  An experienced parish priest, Oran also served for seven years as the Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Delaware.  Among other things, this diocesan role included the care, support, and deployment of clergy; the care, support, and development of congregations, including the mediation of conflict; as well as the oversight of an array of diocesan programs and institutions.  In addition to serving as rector of St. Paul's, Oran is also an adjunct instructor of liturgics at the Virginia Theological Seminary.