Religious ministry and clergy Books

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Book SynopsisThere is a growing realisation across mainstream churches that age-segregated models of connecting with children, young people and families are not working. Drawing on their extensive experience, Suzi Farrant and Darren Philip set out a vision for bringing the generations back together to become the intergenerational church we are designed to be. In conversation with the writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, they develop a theological rationale for intentional intergenerational relationships of mutuality lived out within the core activities of the church. Through an exploration of the Christian practices of humility, hospitality, participation, discipleship, joy, worship, discernment and testimony, they call the church to re-discover its DNA as an all-age community of transformation.Trade ReviewThere has been much discussion about the need for intergenerational forms of ministry and ecclesiology. But amongst all the discussion there have been few books that have given this task the practical and theological depth it deserves. Until now. Being an Intergenerational Church provides pastors, parents, children’s ministers, and youth workers with rich discussions and many practical handles on what it means, and even looks like, to be intergenerational. This book is timely and needed. -- Andrew Root, PhDResisting the current narrative heralding the demise of the church, Farrant and Philip winningly invite their readers into a new story, into a world of intergenerational church-communities where adults, youth, and children are not only with one another again, but now are able to be for one another again. Farrant and Philip support their intergenerational message with poignant stories, biblical insights, and powerful connections with Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s work. In the end, we come back to a basic truth: that God has designed us to be together as we mutually influence each other on our spiritual journeys. This beautiful book adds new weight to the growing library of books on intergenerational ministry. -- Holly Catterton Allen, PhD * Founder of the InterGenerate Conference, USA *Casting a compelling vision for a truly intergenerational church, Being an Intergenerational Church is an exciting addition to the growing canon of foundational intergenerational texts. With its call to be led by the Spirit into becoming more fully the church we theologically understand ourselves to be, with the counter-cultural challenge to pay more attention to our being the church rather than our doing of church and with its confidence in the centrality of intergenerational relationships to our life together in ministry and mission, Being an Intergenerational Church has the potential to radically transform the experience of church for all ages. -- Chris Barnett * Executive General Manager, Intergen, Australia *This splendid book provides a compelling hope-filled vision of becoming an intergenerational church established upon divine action and our becoming the people we have been called to be in Christ. Darren and Suzi invite us to dialogue with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, to accept an invitation to participate in God’s story of church, and be disciples bound to one another by the love of Jesus Christ and led by the Holy Spirit to practice ministry and mission. We are encouraged to enter into a new narrative informed by the grace and power of God that is filled by faith, hope and love. I commend it wholeheartedly. -- Rev Dr Ken Jeffrey * Senior Lecturer Modern Church History, Aberdeen University, Scotland *Australian theologian Alison Sampson said, “Our children and youth rarely leave the church because we never actually let them become part of the church. What they leave are the groups we corral them into.” Church was never meant to separate the generations, but it feels as though we no longer know how to be a community of all ages. Farrant and Philip help us explore how the church can have a new story bringing generations together in life and worship, drawing on the work already ongoing in this area. Rooted in theology, grounded in reality and lived out in hospitality and welcome, Being an Intergenerational Church will help those starting the journey as well as those who are already travelling along the way. -- Revd Mary Hawes * Children and Youth Ministry Specialist, England *

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Book SynopsisNo longer seen as an exclusively artistic or religious calling, or simply referring to the caring professions, vocational living with its risk, creativity and rich rewards is open to all - individuals and organizations alike. In this practical guide, the internationally renowned, best-selling author John Adair shows how you can find the place where you will flourish best, as an individual or as part of a team. In How to Find Your Vocation he: • examines the key characteristics of vocational people • explores the possibility of vocational living in all walks of life • creates a healthy balance between the demands of work and family • enables you to discern where your 'inner compass' is leading you. This ground-breaking book also explores the concept of corporate vocation, demonstrating how organizations that cultivate vocational qualities can gain a clear competitive advantage.

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Book SynopsisAn essential handbook for churchwardens, PCC's and all with responsibility during this crucial time in the life of a church. This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on preparing for an interregnum, arranging for continuing worship and pastoral care, keeping church administration going, meeting legal responsibilities, finding a new priest and laying a good foundation for future ministry between priest and people.

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Book SynopsisThis practical volume explores every aspect of serving as a eucharistic minister in the Catholic church. It offers in-depth teaching on the meaning of the Eucharist; personal preparation for the rite of commissioning; an explanation of the practical skills required; pastoral advice on giving communion at home or in hospital as well as help for those unexpected moments when something may go wrong. A warm and encouraging companion for all who serve in this ministry.Trade Review"This very readable and userfriendly volume provides an essential resource for all lay eucharistic ministers (...) It is a welcome addition to the materials available to those responsible for the initial and ongoing formation of lay liturgical ministers at both parish and diocesan level." -- Liz Clarke * Schools of Prayer *"This book is surely a "must" for Eucharistic ministers, both in training, and for those already practising this ministry. It is informative, inspirational, and an unusually easy and interesting read for this type of book. More than that, a priest responsible for the selecting and training of lay people would gain understanding of the fears and worries that cause so much uncertainty and nervousness among people considering their suitability for serving in this way. (...) While recommending this book for those serving, and for those in training, I do feel that it would be a very useful exercise for all Catholics to read, with open hearts and minds, especially those who have reservations about lay people doing 'things' usually only performed by priest." -- Margaret Butler * Northern Cross *

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Book SynopsisEvery priest serves as a deacon for a year - this guide aims to enrich that experience. It focuses on the theory and practice of one of the three biblical orders of ministry.Trade Review'...the book is to be recommended for the way it teases out the diaconal base for priestly (presbyteral) and episcopal ministries.' -- The Revd Dr Sister Teresa Joan White * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisYou've tried it all before. You’ve done the Bible reading plans until you reached the book of Numbers. You have prayer journals that are half full. You hunger for a deep, meaningful spiritual life, but are so weary of your own personal inconsistencies and life interruptions that it almost feels hypocritical to try again. It often feels like spiritual disciplines are for the privileged few theologians who contemplate God’s word while sitting in their studies. But God doesn’t ask for your performance in exchange for his love. It’s time to release the feeling of failure from your spiritual life and redeem the promised peace in the midst of a life full of exhaustion and interruptions. It’s time to recognize its all about dependence on God. Ragged will give you a paradigm shifting approach to daily devotions. God intends to grow us in his love through all of of life’s disruptions. Using scripture, you’ll see how your relationship with God from start to finish is not dependent on your works but on the works of Christ.

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Book SynopsisShows how eschatology, God's kingdom breaking into this world through Jesus Christ, must shape pastoral leadership and the life and ministry of the church.Table of ContentsContentsPart 1: Theological Foundation: Grasping the Already-Not Yet1. The End Starts at the Beginning, by G. K. Beale2. The Nature of the End-Time Church3. Life in the Overlap of the AgesPart 2: Pastoral Leadership: Leading God's End-Time Flock in the Already-Not Yet4. Feeding the Flock5. Guarding the Flock6. Guiding the FlockPart 3: End-Time Ministry: Service in the Latter-Day Temple of God7. Worship: Celebrating the Inaugurated New Covenant8. Prayer: Pleading for the Consummation of the New-Creational Kingdom9. Missions: Extending God's Eschatological Presence to the Ends of the EarthConclusionIndexes

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisThis textbook untangles the complicated ethical dilemmas that arise during the day-to-day work of healthcare chaplaincy, and offers a sturdy but flexible framework which chaplains can use to reflect on their own practice.Tackling essential issues such as consent, life support, abortion, beginning and end of life and human dignity, it enables chaplains to tease out the ethical implications of situations they encounter, to educate themselves on relevant legal matters and to engage with different ethical viewpoints. The book combines case studies of familiar scenarios with thorough information on legal matters, while providing ample opportunity for workplace reflection and offering guidance as to how chaplains can best support patients and their families while preserving their own integrity and well-being. Clear, sensitive and user-friendly, this will be an indispensable resource for healthcare chaplains and all healthcare professionals interested in spiritual care.Trade ReviewA wonderfully clear example of applied ethics, very much written with the working Chaplain in mind. I expect we will see a copy on the shelves of most acute Chaplaincy Departments, and I would specifically commend to those from a Christian tradition considering Chaplaincy as a vocation to read cover to cover. Packed with useful guidance on tricky issues, it also engages the reader on a self-reflective journey through the gamut of ethical challenges we may encounter in acute hospitals. All in all, a real contribution to our Chaplaincy toolkit. -- Dr Simon Harrison (President, CHCC)Ethical Questions in Healthcare Chaplaincy is a an invaluable tool with which to think about the many challenging pastoral situations a chaplain may encounter. Its use of different scenarios and related questions helps the chaplain reflect on what he sees, to think critically about his response and thereby improve his care and support of those to whom he ministers.Having previously worked full time as a hospital chaplain for 11 years I only wish this book had been available then. -- Bishop Paul MasonPia Matthews has written a timely and informative book that speaks directly to its readers.This book is to be commended for its breadth and the straightforwardness of its discussion. It could valuably be shared with all chaplaincy volunteers and is essential reading for anyone who finds themselves working for the first time as a healthcare chaplain. -- Caroline Worsfold * The Way, a Journal of Christian Spirituality published by the British Jesuits *Table of ContentsIntroduction. 1. The Basics. 2. The Dignity of the Human Person. 3. Autonomy, Consent, Refusing Treatment and Boundaries. 4. Ethics and Non-autonomous Patients. 5. Confidentiality, Privacy, Data Protection, Truth Telling and Trust. 6. Ethical Issues at the Beginning of Life. 7. Ethical Issues about Babies, Children and Young Adults. 8. Ethical Issues at the End of Life. 9. Dying and Death: Ethical Issues. 10. Loss, Grief and Bereavement, Burn-out and the Wounded Healer. 11. Conscientious Objection and Loyalties. Resources.

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Book SynopsisHow stillness, mindfulness and other contemplative practices can be used with children in worship. Looking at the benefits this can offer for a child's wellbeing, and ability to reflect on their own beliefs, this guide is full of ideas and practical examples on how to introduce a more reflective approach to children's work in Christian settings.Trade ReviewIn Using Christian Contemplative Practice with Children, Sonia Mainstone-Cotton opens up the possibility of enabling children to discover what is actually most natural to them - a contemplative way of being, rooted in the love of God.In this vital quest to open up the gifts of stillness and meditation she places children's insights, experience and wellbeing at the heart of her work, and emphasises the natural world as their preferred place of learning.Drawing on a rich mixture of historical context, practitioner interviews and personal experience this book is both practical and inspiring. It might just transform your work with children and young people, and on the way, you may find yourself coming home. -- Ian Adams, chaplain, poet, writer on spirituality and author of 'Cave Refectory Road', 'Running Over Rocks' and 'Unfurling'I'm so excited about this book! Sonia has done a fantastic job of weaving together a historical and theological view of contemplative practice with the real-world experiences of many respected practitioners and thinkers from the world of church youth and children's work, including her own.This book will be essential reading for anyone wanting to integrate contemplative practices into their work with children, particularly those who need some practical examples and suggestions of what this could look like. There isn't anything like this out there - it's a timely and important publication and I recommend it wholeheartedly. -- Jo Dolby, Hub Leader at Oasis Hub Bath and a former lecturer for the Institute for Children, Youth and MissionWhat a fantastic book! Sonia breathes fresh air into a world of noise and action as she makes a compelling and deeply practical case for cultivating quiet and stillness in work with and among children. Christian contemplative practice as a spiritual discipline with and among children will help leaders create new spaces in which children can come close to God. -- Mary Hawes, National Children & Youth Adviser, Going For GrowthI found myself saying 'of course' because Sonia makes such a compelling case for developing a spiritual approach to working with children rather than one based on entertainment or craft. But actually what she has written is innovative and insightful and far from obvious. It is a lovely mix of theory and practical examples. -- Jonny Baker, Director for Mission Education, Church Mission Society

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Book SynopsisThe meaning of pastoral care in modern multicultural societies is challenged and re-examined from a pluralistic, global perspective in this book. Emmanuel Lartey stresses the importance of recognizing different cultural influences on individuals in order to effectively counsel, guide and empower them. He provides a clear and concise history of pastoral care and considers its relationship to different models of counseling and spirituality.This new edition has been updated to reflect postmodern and postcolonial studies and provides illustrations of how an intercultural approach can work in practice. Theological teachers and students will welcome its return as an indispensable introduction to the field of pastoral care. In Living Color is an essential source of inspiration to leaders from any religious stream who wish to provide pastoral care in a way that reflects their community's cultural diversity. This book is also a useful resource for practitioners in a wider range of caring contexts who work in multicultural environments.Trade ReviewReviews of the first edition:'...a wonderful balance of the major themes, as well as the developing trends, within pastoral theology.' -- Lee H. Butler, Chicago Theological Seminary... moves beyond established paradigms of pastoral care as something which is done by ordained, white, middle-class males, and seeks to radically challenge contemporary understandings of what pastoral care is and who should be doing it. -- Contact: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Pastoral CareHis work provides a cognitive framework for engaging persons from a variety of backgrounds in creating community. My students found his book readable, challenging and engaging. -- Alice McNair, Hood Theological Seminary, SalisburyA lucid and succinct overview of pastoral foundations is applied to the intercultural realities of social life with clarity and penetrating insight. The ideal text for teaching pastoral care to health sciences students. -- Bruce Rumbold, La Trobe University, Victoria, AustraliaDr Lartey's book is an important one in that it approaches pastoral care from a global perspective. In contemporary society and ministry, pastoral care providers need to be prepared for the pluralism and multiculturalism found in communities and congregations. Dr Lartey's work provides a framework for understanding the pastoral role and caring function from that vantage point. There are few resources that provide the intercultural perspective. -- Teresa Snorton, Executive Director, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, DecaturReview of 2nd Edition'This second and updated edition of Emmnuel Lartey's influential book will be welcomed by pastoral care providers, teachers, and students alike. Lartey further develops his intercultural approach to pastoral care out-lined in the first edition and also considers the impact of post-modernism and post-colonialism on the complex, pluralistic global context in which pastoral care is provided. In doing so, his creative challenge to prevalent Western "norms" about who provides pastoral care and how is further enhanced.' -- Studies in World Christianity: The Edinburgh Review of Theology and ReligionAn interesting broad overview of pastoral care. At a time when we are seeing great interest in the development of spiritual care in the healthcare setting this book challenges us to be aware of the diversity of tradition and development throughout the world and to reflect on our own pracice as we work in a pluralist setting. -- Scottish Journal of Healthcare ChaplaincyIt is not only an excellent exposition of the current state of pastoral care and counseling and of the relationship of the one to the other but it also offers a global perspective and, in itself, is an intercultural text of some significance. This book is a minefield of information and, like a minefield it will take courage for some to step into it. If you can cope with the challenges that it poses the effort is wellworth it and will bring rewards that may even result in a significant development of understanding as well as a change in behaviour. -- HCPJIn this second edition of In Living Color Emmanuel Lartey offers a critical introduction to the practice and study of pastoral care and counseling in a pluristic, postcolonial and postmodern world context. Writing from a global perspective, he is aware that in contemporary society and ministry offering pastoral care of any kind needs to take account of the multi-culturalism found in communities and in congregations. Consequently the discussion and examples throughout the book are informed at every point by experiences, thoughts and perspectives from different cultures and with particular emphasis, reflecting his own knowledge and experience, on continental Africa, diasporan-African, British and American societies. It is an eminently readable book in which there is a masterly balance of the major themes. These include a comprehensive yet succinct overview of history of pastoral care, an exploration of the functions and resources of pastoral care, and a discussion concerning counselling as pastoral care. Lartey's new perspectives on pastoral care are compelling and challenging and need to be taken seriously. -- Epworth Review (Methodist Publishing House)Table of ContentsAcknowledgements. Foreword. Preface. Part I: History, Theory and Practice 1. Introduction to Pastoral Care. 2. Historical Developments in Pastoral Care. 3. Models of Pastoral Care. 4. Pastoral Care: Functions and resources. Part II: Private Care and Public Struggle. 5. Counseling as Pastoral Care and Pastoral Counseling. 6. Liberation as Pastoral Praxis. 7. Spirituality in Pastoral Care. 8.Case Studies in Intercultural Pastoral Care. 9. Approaches to Pastoral Care in Pluralistic Settings. References. Index.

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Book SynopsisA sequel to Word of Mouth by Janet Lees The purpose of the gospel is to change things and the change it offers is from death to life. Many people will be familiar with the gospel in written form but not everyone uses written versions of the gospel all of the time. Alongside the written Bible, ordinary people often use oral or remembered versions. This book is about the why, how, when, where and what of remembering the gospel. Altogether it presents a companion to remembering the One - Jesus, the Life Giver - whose gospel it is. Tell Me the Stories of Jesus is based on work done with many groups of different sizes and ages and cultures. The examples are set out here to encourage other groups to 'just go for it': remember and by remembering share life and build community. This companion to the remembered gospel aims to encourage and support those who want to work with this process with ordinary people in any place. Janet Lees, a speech therapist and an ordained minister of the United Reformed Church, has been developing the remembered Bible method for over 15 years, with ordinary people of all ages and abilities in Yorkshire and around the UK.

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Book SynopsisHave we replaced the glory of God with our church programs. If so, is there anything we can do to get the glory of God back into our gatherings and individual lives? While we have good music, well-written songs and history to learn from, we can still miss having the presence of God in our meetings the way it was in Bible times. In this challenging and often provocative book, Jarrod Cooper deals with these important questions. Providing plenty of biblical illustrations to support his concerns, Jarrod shakes up more of our conventional thinking on the subject or worship. Can we for example only worship in the presence of the microphone, worship leader and powerpoint. What if all these were stripped away and it was just God and us? What would our worship be like then?

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"An important contribution to ongoing scholarly discussions in religious studies, American history, politics, and legal studies. . . . Sullivan has contributed much to our understanding of the many ways religion continues to influence 'secular' legal trajectories, and vice versa."--Religion Bulletin "One of the most important voices in the contemporary study of law and religion, Sullivan shows how the chaplain has come to occupy a key role in the negotiation of law, politics, and religion in contemporary America. With subtlety and erudition, Sullivan brings her reader to the illuminating realization that the chaplain is a figure that sits at the complicated confluence of church and state, an emblem not only of contemporary constitutionalism, but also of modern economic and political life in the United States."--Benjamin L. Berger, Osgoode Hall Law School, York University "Winnifred Sullivan's study is an important read, one not to be missed by anyone who wishes to understand the reality of chaplaincy in the modern world."--Calvin Theological Journal "In this elegantly written and closely argued work, Sullivan shows that chaplains of all faiths in prisons, hospitals, and the military today find themselves at the nexus of forces that aim to make them into 'priests of the secular, ' whose role it is to insure spiritually healthy and well adjusted prisoners, patients, and soldiers--as spiritual well-being is determined by the state and circumscribed by the courts. A Ministry of Presence is essential for understanding what has become--and what is becoming--of 'religion' in the United States today."--Robert Orsi, author of Between Heaven and Earth: The Religious Worlds People Make and the Scholars Who Study Them "Fantastic and provocative. Sullivan takes readers into new territory where we can consider American religion and social life from a new angle. Her strong authorial voice keeps the many moving parts together and makes A Ministry of Presence a pleasure to read."--Courtney Bender, Columbia University "Excellent. . . . Highly recommended." --Catholic Library World "Thought-provoking. . . . Contemporary chaplaincy programs demonstrate that practices termed 'spiritual' are not unique to the political left or right, and chaplains from a wide variety of institutional backgrounds are grappling with how to provide this 'spiritual care.' A Ministry of Presence makes clear that this grappling has a particular history, and in so doing makes a valuable contribution to the study of American religion."--Michael Graziano "Religion in American History " "[A] cogent, well-researched volume. . . . Recommended." --Choice "A dazzling, meticulous study of the interdependence of law and religion. . . . This book is an analytical feat of rare and beautiful complexity. No other scholarship on the topic of chaplaincies explores their legal significance with the intensity or range that Sullivan's 'legal anthropology of religion' exhibits." --Journal of the American Academy of Religion

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Book SynopsisFocusing on real-life situations, including many case studies, this handbook offers guidance to: the responsibilities of a churchwarden; how to become a churchwarden; working with the minister; the duties of a churchwarden through the year; what a churchwarden should know; what a churchwarden should ask; and, what to do when problems arise.Trade ReviewA very clear, pastoral guide to survival for both churchwarden and minister. * Ministry Today *Packed full of useful facts and presented in a very readable way. * thegoodbookstall *

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Book SynopsisA book for all who feel called to a life of Christian ministry, and who want to ensure their calling is firmly based on the teaching and model of JesusTrade ReviewThis is Richard Burridge at his best: combining practical wisdom, deep spirituality and inspiring scholarship. * Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury *Presenting Jesus as the exemplar for ministry, this welcome book blends a scholar’s attention to gospel texts with a priest’s insight into ordained life. * Rosalind Brown, Canon Librarian, Durham Cathedral *A wise and rich resource for those exploring vocation, deeply rooted in the realities of ministry and in the depths of the biblical tradition. * Ian McIntosh, Ministry Division, The Archbishops’ Council *One of the very best books on Jesus, the gospels and ministry today . . . packed with treasure and wisdom. * Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford *What makes the book special is that it is grounded in four different "sources"…. It is the integration of all these factors which makes the book so good . . . The key question on my mind while reading the book to review it was this: "Do I wish that I had read this before?" The answer was a definite "Yes." -- The Revd Dr Stephen Cherry * Church Times *

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Book SynopsisA practical handbook and personal account of depression and suicidal thoughts, written to raise awareness of mental illness and advise those in pastoral roles.Trade Review'Learning to Breathe is a companion I would recommend for any Christian who is struggling with the desolation of mental illness. Woven with the threads of her tears and God's love for her, this is a truly precious read.' - Rev Will Van Der Hart, Director, The Mind and Soul Foundation and Pastoral Chaplain, HTB

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Book SynopsisPractical guide to self-supporting ministryTrade Review"This handbook is full of sound common sense . . . [it] is both an encouragement and a challenge in the task of re-imagining ministry today.', Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter;'John Lees looks to cover the territory well, to have walked the talk, to have been trusted by bishops and dioceses, and he can obviously produce a best seller.', John Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford;'When I read John's writing, two things happen. First, I feel as if he's standing right there, personally advising me. And second, I always come away thinking over the issue in a new way. It's a rare, but very useful, gift.', Sarah Green, Associate Editor, Harvard Business Review;For years, John Lees has been the smartest voice in career coaching. His insight and advice are a must-read for anyone entering today’s competitive job market.', Rebecca Alexander, Dossier Editor, Psychologies Magazine;John Lees' advice on careers is always useful and interesting and often surprising and even fascinating. From getting ahead to changing your career completely, this book is great guide to navigating the treacherous waters of the modern workplace.', Rhymer Rigby, writer of the FT's Careerist column and author of 28 Business Thinkers Who Changed The World and The Careerist.;'John Lees is the Career Professional’s professional - the doyen of careers experts. His books and advice have helped countless numbers of people to enjoy better, more fulfilling careers.', Dr Harry Freedman, Career and Business Strategist, Hanover Executive"

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