by Paul K. Hooker
In this essay Paul Hooker Hooker calls us to hear and respond to the questions we face in this time of intense transition — starting with one of the most basic questions: “who are we called to be?” Hooker points to resources we have at hand to help us formulate strong answers to that question.
By Dr. Darrell L. Guder, Henry Winters Luce Professor of Missional and Ecumenical Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary
This essay by Dr. Darrell L. Guder discusses Christendom within the Presbyterian Church and a possible shift towards post-Christendom.
By the Rev. Timothy Beach-Verhey, Co-Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Faison, N.C.
An essay about the John Ames's contributions to the Presbyterian Church and how the church can revitalize itself.
Dr. John R. Franke, Professor of Theology, Biblical Seminary, Hatfield, Pa.
This essay discusses training and educational formation for inclusive ministry for service with the church.
An essay by the Rev. Anne H. K. Apple that talks about the theological nature of Christ‘s church and a life of service within it, particularly with a focus upon the training.
By the Rev. Anne H. K. Apple, Pastoral Associate, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tenn.
In this paper, the Rev. Anne H. K. Apple shares her experiences around pastoral authority, the process and how to establish an authoritative teaching ministry that is not authoritarian.
By Rev. Rufus Burton, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Martinsburg, W.Va.
Ministerial authority is the authority to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments. This essay by Rufus Burton examines preaching ministry and authority.
By the Rev. Rufus Burton, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Martinsburg, W.Va.
A presentation by the Rev. Rufus Burton to the Faculty Initiative Conference of Re-Forming Ministry, dated February 16, 2009.
The Rev. Jim Gunn, Edwin B. Lindsay Chaplain to Students, University of Dubuque
A five-part essay about the Faculty Initiative Cluster within the Reforming Ministry Project from the Rev. Jim Gunn.
By Joseph D. Small, Director, Theology, Worship and Education, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
An essay by Joseph Small about the Presbyterian Church’s formal understanding of ministry and how it provides insight into the presumptive nature of authority in the church, and the authority of the church in the world. This essay originally appeared in Ordination and Authority, Theology and Worship Church Issues Series, No. 8.