The effects of mid-life transition on a man's call to the ministry

Foley I Beach

Etd

The effects of mid-life transition on a man's call to the ministry

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Foley I Beach. The Effects of Mid-life Transition On a Man's Call to the Ministry. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/da41611b-de53-471b-8864-5001e9af7632.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

F. I. Beach. The effects of mid-life transition on a man's call to the ministry. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/da41611b-de53-471b-8864-5001e9af7632

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Foley I Beach. The Effects of Mid-Life Transition On a Man's Call to the Ministry. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/da41611b-de53-471b-8864-5001e9af7632.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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Foley I Beach

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Abstract

The Christian Church has entered a new millennium with a need for godly, visionary leadership to reach the current and next generation for Jesus Christ. With record numbers of men entering their mid-life years, the Church is facing a new challenge as a large number of its ministers are facing mid-life transition. This paper, 'The Effects of Mid-life Transition on a Man's Call to the Ministry,' examined the relationship between a man's mid-life transition and his earlier calling from God to the vocational ministry. The following questions served as the basis of the research: 1. What is mid-life transition in men? 2. What biblical and theological perspectives on calling are relevant to understanding the developmental effects of mid-life transition on the minister? 3. What impact does mid-life transition have upon a minister's sense of calling and ministerial identity? 4. What can be done to prepare and support men in ministry during their mid-life transitions? This study reviewed the pertinent literature on men and mid-life transition from secular and Christian perspectives with a concluding focus on men in vocational ministry. The theological framework of the relationship between one's calling and mid-life transition and the biblical, theological, and historical aspects of calling, ministry, and mid-life were examined. The methodology used for the exploratory study in interviewing ministers revealed several important themes which emerged: calling does not guarantee vocational clarity in mid-life, mid-life affects a man's understanding of his calling, community support affects calling, God is not necessarily an enemy during mid-life, and the important role of the spouse during mid-life. The study also revealed several mid-life transition tips for ministers entering mid-life and raises some important questions for the broader church.

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