From Midterms to Ministry

Practical Theologians on Pastoral Beginnings

Edited by Allan Hugh Cole ISBN 9780802840028 Binding Trade Paper Publisher WM B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Publication Date July 02, 2008 Size 152 x 229 mm

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The distinguished contributors to this volume -- ministers, scholars, and theological educators -- share personal reflections on the sometimes-difficult transition from being a seminarian to becoming

David Lose
— Luther Seminary
"It would be hard to imagine a finer assembly of authors to comment on the fragile and vital transition from seminary to congregation. These essays are, without exception, theologically sound, contextually relevant and, above all, both candid and hopeful. This volume deserves a place on the bookshelf of all new leaders in ministry. It is a gem."

Fred R. Anderson
— Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York City
"Allan Cole's From Midterms to Ministry is the perfect gift for the graduating seminarian about to be ordained to pastoral ministry. Twenty-five women and men, from a broad range of experiences, theological perspectives, and Protestant traditions, write honestly about what they experienced and learned making their own transitions from midterms to ministry. Here is wisdom essential for every beginning pastor, and a refresher that will be helpful to even the most experienced minister about to take up a new call. There is something here for everyone concerned about pastoral ministry in America today. For those interested in the challenges in theological education for parish ministry, Will Willimon's contribution alone is worth the purchase of the book!"

David A. Davis
— Nassau Presbyterian Church, Princeton, New Jersey
"A fine reader for the newly ordained pastor! A rich diversity of authors invites new pastors to find a space for reflection within these pages. The depth of theological insight and autobiographical hindsight on crossing the boundary from seminary life to parish life is long overdue. The essays paint an honest picture of theological education that continues into the first year of ministry and beyond. Helpful questions and perspectives are raised without simply making a long list of ‘all the things I should have learned in seminary.' Any new pastor reading this book will be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses."

Teaching Theology & Religion
"The best essays in the collection make explicit connections between personal stories and concrete practical wisdom or rules of thumb that new ministers need to learn and theological teachers need to teach. The outstanding essays go one step further and make the additional connection between what was learned in the moment and the lasting character of excellent ministry. . . Midterms to Ministry raises excellent questions, ideas, and wisdom for sustaining ministry as a pastor or scholar."

Expository Times
“A rich and varied collection. . . . Commended for drawing together a rich spectrum of essayists.”

Religious Studies Review
“[A rewarding book. . . . Highly recommended for all seminarians.”

Christian Century
“A wonderful collection of essays from a variety of distinguished practitioners chronicles the sometimes jolting and always challenging transition from seminary to pastoral ministry.”

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