Pastoral ministry is an occupation in flux. In this comprehensive study Jackson Carroll considers the many factors -- changing roles among clergy and laypeople, the opening of ordination to women, an increasing shortage of clergy, and more -- that are shaping congregations and ministers today. Building on Paul's image of Christians as -clay jars, - Carroll paints a portrait of -God's potters- -- pastors whose calling is to form their congregational jars so that they reveal rather than hide God's treasure.
A veteran clergy watcher, Carroll uses data from what is likely the most...