Bread for the Journey

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Preparing for ministry involves more than the acquisition of certain skills. The shape of a disciple's soul as he or she embarks on this journey is as important if not more so than learning how to exegete a text or engage in pastoral care. Ministry is not easy, and the preparation for this form of Christian discipleship is open to a variety of temptations, not least of which is a kind of despair over the paucity of one's own resources, or worse, the illusion that one is better off relying on one's own talents and virtues. What is needed is bread for this journey, not necessarily exhortations to work harder, but words of encouragement and grace that bear witness to the surprising reality that ministry is, in fact, a joyful gift. These notes from a dean, who sought to help his students discover that joy in their study and preparation, bear witness to the One, whose life provides bread for every journey, especially for the journey of pastoral ministry. "In thinking about ministry, Currie combines honesty with hope, sound theology with practical advice, joy with lament. Though he offers his great insights as guidance and encouragement for new pastors, reading this book toward the end of my ministry can testify there is sustaining nourishment here for the seasoned (fatigued? despondent?) pastor too. Nobody does a better job encouraging us pastors in our vocation and giving us what we need for this demanding, joyful journey that is the pastoral ministry." --Will Willimon, United Methodist bishop, retired, and Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry, Duke Divinity School "Bread for the Journey is a doxology sung in theological, pastoral, and ecclesiological language. Currie gives glimpses of Barth and Bonhoeffer, contemporary theologians and medieval poetry, Bible stories and living saints, all lifted up to help shape God's covenant people for service. This is indeed a nourishing book, each short reflection worthy of careful reading, and the whole a powerful testimony to Jesus Christ." --Jill Duffield, editor, The Presbyterian Outlook "This collection of Tom Currie's weekly reflections, addressed to one particular seminary community across his thirteen-year deanship there, is now offered as a primer in faithful living and thinking. Tom's scholarly mind and pastor's heart reach deeply throughout the accumulated memory of the Church to mine and make relevant the treasure of its wisdom in the face of the challenges of these days. Read it devotionally, or in community. It will bless and encourage you." --Theodore J. Wardlaw, President, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary A Presbyterian minister, Tom Currie was called in 2001 to serve as the organizing dean of Union Presbyterian Seminary's campus in Charlotte, N. Carolina. During his thirteen years as dean, Currie wrote weekly notes to his students, many of which dealt with the joys and challenges of preparing for ministry. Included in this book is a selection of those notes that offer hope and inspiration to all who walk along this path.