So You Want to Do Ministry?

John Walsh and James DiGiacomo, who have written two other books together, look at the idea of pastoral and educational ministry in this short but effective book. So many people who think about going to seminary or going into ministry do not have a realistic view of what it is like. Seminary is not an otherworldly experience; ministry is not a happy, carefree life. However, this book is not just (or even primarily) for potential seminarians and ordained persons. It is a good guide for any worker in the vineyard, looking to do ministry as it occurs. Walsh and DiGiacomo look at different models of ministry - traditional, transitional, integrative ? and look at the future directions of the church. What is needed by the church today? What will be needed tomorrow? Walsh and DiGiacomo introduce a ten-step Christian Discovery Process that involves searching, theory and practice of encounters with God, scripture study, sacramental life, and deepening spirituality on both individual and communal levels. This is an inductive ministry that can be broadly applied to people of all ages, in a variety of settings church and school based. The authors end with a chapter entitled 'Who are you?' - the answer comes almost immediately, in the first sub-heading - 'More than you ever dreamed'. Those in ministry (and this includes all people who are part of the life of the church, not just the ordained lot) are called to adopt a new way of looking at life. This book has some specific tie-ins with the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults), but is in fact useful for Christian educators and initiates in any denomination. It is brief and to the point.