Mercyhurst is constantly revered for the diligence and high marks of excellence instilled upon its faculty. 

This past summer, our very own Vice President for Mission Integration, Greg Baker Ph.D., published his very first textbook, “Disaffiliating Ministry.”

Baker was inspired to produce this novel because of the “lack of ministry of males in this century.” 

Growing up Catholic, Baker has experienced this indifference all his life, and has produced this publication to prove this inquiry. Born and raised in Erie, Baker has been involved in ministry since his youth. Starting off as a youth minister, Baker kept faith the cornerstone of his life. 

He attended Fordham University in New York where he received a doctorate in Ministry. Baker then returned to his roots in Erie where he worked alongside the Diocese of Erie. 

Today, Baker works here at Mercyhurst and resides in the area with his family.

Published on Aug. 15, Baker’s textbook hopes to inspire the young men of this generation to take part in their faith lives and accept that it is a manly quality to take an active role in the life of ministry. 

Baker’s inspiration to write this publication is rooted from a concern for a lack of male participation in the church. 

Throughout his publication, Baker hints at a number of strategies to aid young men towards faith ministry in a positive light. Baker started constructing this publication in January 2017, at a time when he felt strongly about “breaking the chains” for young men in a society that focuses heavily on male dominance.

 Over the last two years, Baker wavered heavily on a theme of what is difficult for men in society when it comes to faith and ministry. 

Another facet of this novel focuses heavily on individual stories from young men of all walks of life, sexualities and religious beliefs. 

“Ministry is not about helping people fit into a certain box in life” Baker said.

When asked about how this publication can benefit Mercyhurst, Baker said, “my only hope is to keep the faith alive in the light that the Sisters of Mercy instilled when they founded this University.” 

Greg plans to publish more works in the future. However, he hopes to write more toward a broader audience in hopes of inspiring ministry in the twenty first century setting.