Diverse Gifts: varieties of lay and ordained ministries in the church and community. Edited by Malcolm Torry Canterbury Press 2006, £14.99 ISBN 1853116963
A worthwhile book for those who are considering some form of accredited ministry within the churches’ orbit, but a slap in the face for those who see their Christian vocation in their workplace. The editor’s experience in industrial mission should have alerted him in his own introduction and the blurb on the back cover not to neglect the vast majority of Christians who do not seek authorised ministry, but who may equally well seek to serve their Lord as teachers, health workers, parents, civil servants, counsellors, bus drivers, retailers etc. etc.. Ann Atkins does something of a rescue job for these hidden and unappreciated disciples, for the tenor of the book falls into the familiar trap of seeing ministry as done by those with a label and a Bishop’s licence.
Yes, the church is experiencing a growth in the numbers of those engaged in a variety of ministries – the diocese of Lincoln, for example, has as many authorised ministers in 2006 as it did when the same number were all ordained, over 100 years ago. The move to shared ministry and reduction in financial resources available to the Church is leading to some exciting experiments. Some of these new ministries are revealed well by writers who know about it from the inside.
Malcolm’s own chapter on workplace chaplaincy, by emphasising the difficulties and opportunities facing the visiting minister, misses the point that God’s people in that same workplace are struggling with how to be faithful to Christ within what can be an alien culture. It really is time for the Church to recognise, celebrate and support the ministry of all God’s people in the everyday life they live. The task of the labelled ministers is to lead that support, and be somewhat less bogged down in managing the thing called “church”.
Jeremy Martineau
Regenerating Local Churches: mission-based strategies for transformation and growth Maggie Durran Canterbury Press, 2006 £14.99 ISBN: 1-8531-1695-5
This new offering by Maggie Durran builds on two previous books (also published by Canterbury Press), The UK Church Fundraising Handbook and Making Church Buildings Work (reviewed in Country Way issues 36 and 40, respectively). It also overlaps with them substantially and one questions whether, given the price of the new book, there is sufficient additional material to warrant its purchase.
In addition, I believe that both title and sub-title are potentially misleading. Both imply something more than is provided: a holistic assessment of church
growth & transformation, looking at the mission of the church.
What is offered focuses almost exclusively on “plant” in the context of the physical and financial resources and requirements of the church and the wider community.
Finally, although the book makes no pretence of being directed at rural churches, the examples and models are drawn very largely from suburban or urban settings. There is little recognition of the particular circumstances and difficulties facing many rural churches, particularly those found within larger teams or multi-parish benefices (from the Anglican perspective for which the book appears largely designed). It can be helpful for rural churches, but not as the only resource.
Nevertheless, Regenerating Local Churches is a helpful compendium and guide for the processes required for any church proposing the physical regeneration of its building(s) and structure(s). If you don’t possess either of the previous two books, and you are looking for clear guidance through the process of planning for building regeneration, this is a good place to start.
Simon Martin
Key Rural Ministry
Resources from the
Arthur Rank Centre
You can now purchase many books and other resources for rural ministry direct from the Arthur Rank Centre.
A list of titles currently available, with prices and an order form can be found at:
www.arthurrankcentr
e.org.uk/publications/ rural_ministry_ resources/
index.html
Alternatively, you can email any queries or suggested additions direct to:info @
arcresources.org.uk or 024 7685 3068
www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk
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