Product Description

This book will be of great value to those in a first career, seeking guidence as they struggle with a call to the ordained ministry.

It should also be of assistance to those already on their way to or in theological seminary.

The author, a former Fortune 500 organization manager who "left his career to follow the Call" provides a roadmap, filled with Scripture, personal experiences and practical advice.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #137905 in Books
• Published on: 1999-01-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 152 pages

From the Publisher
A great guide for those struggling with a call to preach and for those on their way.

From the Author
I think I understand the need for this book. I personally left a "career" to follow a "call" to the ordained ministry, myself. In my own journey from being a middle manager in a Fortune 500 chemical company to seminarian to pastoral intern to church planter, pastor, and later to becoming the administrator of a seminary which works closely with ministerial candidates, I have learned a few things that can, I pray, be shared with others—for their benefit, and for the benefit of the Church. My goals in writing this book were three-fold:

First, I seek to add a contemporary reflection on the whole issue of vocation from a Biblical and practical perspective.

Second, it is my hope that this book would encourage that certain man and his wife (and children) who are coming face to face with the possible reality that God might be calling him to the ordained ministry.

Third, Leaving a Career to Follow a Call is intended to be a practical guide for those committed to following a track that culminates in the ordained ministry of their Church (whatever your denomination or affiliation might be). I have made this book as a guide for you.

—Michael A. Milton April 5, 2000

About the Author
The author, Michael A. Milton, earned the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Theology and Religious Studies from the University of Wales, Lampeter. His dissertation advisers were The Reverends Dr. Noel Gibbard and Canon William Price. The research centered on theological and political controversies in 17th century Puritanism. His Master of Divinity degree was received cum laude from Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and he holds the BA from Mid America Nazarene University, Olathe, Kansas. Following a career that included training as an Albanian interpreter in the United States Navy, and sixteen years of service for two FORTUNE 500 companies, the author surrendered to the call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in America, his ministerial record includes the founding of two churches and a Christian school, and administering a graduate school of theology. He presently pastors one of the churches he planted, Kirk ! O’ the Isles Presbyterian Church, in Savannah, Georgia, and is the speaker on The Living Word radio ministry. Serving at various levels in his denomination and on the boards of several Christian organizations, the author is also Adjunct Professor at Knox Theological Seminary, Erskine Theological Seminary, and is a US Army Reserve Chaplain. Dr. Milton, active in the Evangelical Theological Society, is a regular writer for The Christian Observer magazine and has published articles for or has articles forthcoming in World Magazine, Preaching Magazine, PCANEWS.COM, and The Journal of The Evangelical Theological Society. This is his first book. The author resides with his wife, Mae, and son, John Michael, at their home on Skidaway Island, Georgia.

Customer Reviews

"Sales to Seminary"
What has God been doing in the 20th, and now early 21st, centuries concerning filling the pulpits of churches with faithful men? It seems amazing that the average age of seminarians today is 37. Did these men miss or reject their calling to the ministry that long? I believe that the work God is doing is simply sending men to the marketplaces before He calls them to the ministry. There is tremendous benefit for the pastor and his parish if he has spent time in the marketplace. His understanding and empathy for the struggles and strains of everyday life as a Christian in the "real world" comes through in his sermons and pastoral relations. This helps the parishoner relate to their pastor, knowing that he is not speaking from some ivory tower but rather from practical experience. There is great precedent for midlife callings from the Bible as seen in the callings of Abraham, Moses, Elisha, Amos, Peter, John, Matthew, and many more. In fact Jesus Christ spent time learning the trade of a carpenter before embarking on His ministry at the age of 30. There are many complications and issues that arise from leaving a career to follow a holy calling. I should know; I left an eleven year sales career to humbly follow God's call to ministry. I truly wish that I had had a book from someone who had traveled the journey from sales to seminary to guide me in the transition. Now there is such a guidebook! Dr. Michael Milton has written, Leaving a Career to Follow a Call, to give practical advice to assist in walking that path. The transition can be very hard depending on whether or not you are married, have children, own a home, have elderly parents that rely on you, financial concerns, and many more things to consider. Dr. Milton walks you through the labyrinth of decisions, both theological and practical, as you prayerfully seek to be obedient to God's call to ministry. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering leaving their career to follow a holy call to ministry. Also, I would encourage pastors, teachers, family,and friends to place this guidebook in the hands of a person they know that is wrestling with this very decision. I pray that God will use Dr. Milton's book to solidify the call of many men to the ministry and that they would be better prepared for the transition from the secular world to seminary. May God richly bless His Church with faithful men. Soli Deo Gloria!

Author's Comments
I wrote this book for those struggling with a call to the ordained ministry as well as those on their way into seminary. Moreover, the book is aimed at providing a pathway from a first career to seminary and from there to service in the Kingdom of God.

If you've been praying for help with this dilemma in your own life, this little book may be the answer. I trust the Lord uses it in your life to bring honor and glory to Jesus Christ.