The Ministry in Transition

The ministry, like many other professions, is in crisis. Uncertainty about its functions in this age of rapid social and technological change is due largely to conflicts between its traditionally dominant institutional form and its newer role as an agent for social reform. This uncertainty afflicts not only practicing and potential ministers, many of whom wish to combine their religious vocation with other careers, but also the laity who hold differing views on the purposes and functions of the church.

This study is an empirical investigation of a major Protestant denomination's recruitment and training of its ministers and of the ministers' perception of their professional role. In analyzing some of the roots of the uncertainty that many ministers feel about their vocation, Dr. Fukuyama suggests a theoretical model of the ministry based on its institutional, individualistic, and social forms and examines the corresponding styles of theological education. On the basis of his findings, Dr. Fukuyama argues that if the church is to preserve its leadership, it must develop alternative institutional forms in which those committed to social reform can pursue their ministry.