Fortress Press’s Foundations for Learning series
prepares students for academic success through compelling resources that
kick-start their educational journey into professional Christian ministry.

In this introductory volume for the series, Black asserts
that while the primary subjects of seminary and professional church work
training may dominate the interests of students, students must engage in the
principal pursuit of understanding, then applying, Christian theology. Black
argues that the thread of theology must be distinctly woven through each of the
other disciplines of biblical exegesis, ministerial leadership, spiritual
formation, counseling, preaching, and worship.

The following books in this series provide insight into
these other key components of the minister’s duties. Black, however, leads off
by honoring ministers as leaders who follow in the footsteps of Christ. Just as
Jesus was an expert in the issues of his day, demonstrated authority to speak
on the matters he engaged, mentored other leaders in like manner, was emulated
by his followers who witnessed the life he lead, and, therefore, initiated a
revolution that has changed the course of human history, Black is convinced
that ministers of the gospel have no less a calling on their lives today.