Rachel Triska

Exploring the Life and Calling

Church Leadership & Ministry

“Gary Black Jr. continues to plough new ground for the field of theological education. In his Exploring the Life and Calling, he challenges both those of us who teach theology and those of us who are learning theology to be changed in the doing of theology, that we might become people uniquely blessed to be ministers of God in the world." —David Fitch Northern Seminary “The vocation of minister has fallen on hard times. Seminaries struggle to attract qualified applicants. Students wonder how they can afford a professional degree in a field with little financial incentive and decreasing respectability. Has there ever been a time when the vocation of ‘minister’ has been under more scrutiny? In this clear and incisive book, Gary Black Jr. places the profession of ministry in the larger context of what God desires for human flourishing, recovering the important role leaders play in guiding us towards the whole life transformation promised by the gospel. If a new generation of leaders were animated by this compelling vision of spiritual leadership it would revolutionize the church and our world.” Mark Scandrette Founding Director of ReIMAGINE “This book needs to be in the hands of every seminary student, seminary professor, pastor, and church staff person. In one of the most thoughtful books I’ve read in a long time, Gary skillfully reminds us of the primacy of our profession. The work of integrating the relationship between the natural and spiritual realms has never been more painfully necessary. Gary helps us take seriously the critical work of helping people and cultures thrive as a result of God’s relational engagement with both. I fully expect my copy of this book to be dog-eared and ragged over the next year.” —Nancy Ortberg Menlo Park Presbyterian Church "In a time when the title 'pastor' elicits more prejudice than goodwill, many wonder why God would ask them to give their lives to vocational ministry. Exploring The Life and Calling serves as an encouraging primer for those who want to understand this calling. Gary's work offers a clear look at what it means to study the divine, but more importantly, he sets a practical course for those who long to experience the fullness of life in ministry.”