- SPCK Library of Ministry

by Keith Lamdin

This is a robust, rigorous and rich sweep of metaphors for Christian ministry. Lamdin speaks from a pool of trans-denominational ministry and leadership. This tracks wisdom from contrasting sources and comes as part of the growing reservoir of SPCK ministry specialisms, particularly nurturing leadership shape. Although a slim 115 page overview of different kinds of leadership styles, this is a useful aid for the curious and growing soul in resourcing the discernment of what specific emphasis of leadership is most fitting for them. There is a great platform of leadership introductions, with six modes of leadership explored, concluding with a chapter on the weightiness of leadership.
An unusual sweep of types of leadership such as monarch, warrior, servant, elder, contemplative and prophet are explored. These are useful if not altogether apt metaphors for inviting personal formation. Lamdin gives emphasis to the British churches tendency towards monarch warrior types with an expiration concern. A breadth and diversity of Ephesians Ch 5 types are surely needed in pastoral leadership roles and this title offers godly wisdom, experienced insight and scholarly research. Worthy of meaningful study time and thoughtful application.

Review by Johnny Douglas (24/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £12.99
Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Published: April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-281-06478-6

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Unlocking the Growth

- You'll Be Amazed at Your Church’s Potential

by Michael Harvey

A Back to Church Sunday survey shows that after six months attenders do not become regulars. Harvey writes an inspiring, clear and compelling guide to renewing our church’s capacity to engage and win people for Jesus in our communities. Each chapter is proactive or responsive to struggles, possibilities, blockages and more! This will undoubtedly become the go-to manual for church welcome and invitation ministries. It does feel American and pushy at times but subject to plenty of contextual application, and it offers so much for the flourishing and growth of all our church communities. It will require courage in application, but is entirely needful in every place across our nation. Helpful, outward-focussed & utterly action-orientated!

Review by Johnny Douglas (24/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £8.99
Publisher: Monarch imprint of Lion Hudson
Published: 23 March 2012
ISBN: 978-0-857-21198-9

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Letters To a Young Pastor

by Calvin Miller

Calvin Miller, the well-known pastor and author, has written this book to help young men starting out on their pastoral ministry. It consists of 35 letters covering a wide variety of subjects but directed solely to the American evangelical church scene. Do not expect to find a great deal of scripture quoted and do not expect to find theological precision. It is not that kind of book.
Mr. Miller never hides the difficulties of the ministry. He keeps coming back to the fact that in America within 20 years of starting 80% of pastors have left the ministry. He wisely warns against looking to the mega churches as models for church growth and frankly discusses the sexual temptations a pastor will face. Mr Miller is candid in revealing his own mistakes and is also honest in saying that some problems just don’t go away. In fact, this is the strength of this book.
However many will struggle with Mr. Miller’s offbeat and humorous style. Quite often Mr Miller steps over the line in his effort to write in a down to earth way. Sometimes it is not clear whether he is serious in the advice he is giving. I found his negative attitude to difficult church officers and meetings unedifying.
However there is some wise advice hidden away in these letters. In spite of its imperfections I found the book fascinating to read and took away some helpful lessons.

Review by Alan Hill (19/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £8.99
Publisher: David C Cook/Kingsway
Published: October 2011
ISBN: 978-0-781-40577-5

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All-Sorts Prayer 2

- Interactive prayers for All Ages: Free CD-ROM included

by Claire Benton-Evans

Interactive prayers and creative resources here are served up with the potential for significant blessing for all of God’s people. An imaginative, faithful and surprising work that covers core, seasonal and occasional resources. There are top class reference resources included in the appendices. There could have been more quantity in this text, because most users will have to ‘pad’ out the resources. The additional resources and CD-inclusion offer additional value and helpfulness in all-age worship. Great starter resources.... An amber light for those potentially difficult all-age worship services!

Review by Johnny Douglas (14/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £16.99
Publisher: Kevin Mayhew Publishers
Published: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-848-67432-5

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Ministry Without Madness

by Gordon Oliver

The ministry in the title is ordained ministry and the madness refers to the down side of being ordained in a time when Christianity and the Church are under pressure – depression, doubt, role confusion, overload, anxiety, stress, and burnout. These are the things that clergy are often reluctant to acknowledge – especially to those in authority over them - until it has all gone too far. The burden seems greater because in the past, ordained ministry has often brought high job satisfaction.
Gordon Oliver explores a number of themes in chapters that have titles such as: Called to be holy, Called to be human, Called to serve, Called to lead, Called to rest and wait, Called to be fools. He does this in large part by telling stories or anecdotes drawn from his own experience as both a theological educator – principally at St John's College, Nottingham - and a parish priest in urban and rural settings. He is currently a Rector of two parishes in Kent.
As he writes from an evangelical perspective, I was surprised there was not a little more on the particular pressures that evangelicals bring upon themselves if they place such an emphasis on church growth – and there is none, or little. All clergy need a theology of ordained ministry that enables them to find joy even if this is their lot.
But clergy – and laity – of whatever persuasion will find a great deal of wisdom here in a book that is a delight to read.

Review by Alan Billings (10/04/12)

Paperback
Price: £9.99
Publisher: SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Published: March 2012
ISBN: 978-0-281-06364-2

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Spiritual Care at the End of Life

- The Chaplain as a ‘Hopeful Presence’

by Steve Nolan

Steve Nolan’s focus is the challenge of caring for people who know they are dying; specifically, how can a chaplain sustain the dying person so that they face the inevitable in a spirit of hope and peace? Given the current financial pressures on chaplaincy provision within the NHS and the creeping emphasis upon the measurability of outcomes this is far from being a question of aloof academic interest.
Using stories drawn from his own experience as well as research, Nolan begins to develop a new theology of spiritual care, which he dubs as ‘hopeful presence’. He identifies four stages in the relationship between the chaplain and the ‘dying other’ (one of several terms Nolan adopts in preference to patient). First is ‘evocative presence’ through which the chaplain absorbs the negative projected feelings of the patient. Successfully managed this leads on to ‘accompanying presence’ through which the chaplain simply dwells alongside the patient. This opens up the possibility of a ‘comforting presence’ through which the patient may discover a strength that sustains. Finally this leads to the chaplain providing a ‘hopeful presence’ through which the patient might come to a position of reconciliation and peace.
Just occasionally one reads a book whose value extends far beyond its intended audience. This is one such book for the theology that Nolan espouses has potential application in many other chaplaincy fields including education, prison and military environments. His principles deserve wide study and reflection.

Review by David Ford (27/03/12)

Paperback
Price: £17.99
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers from Gardners Books
Published: January 2012
ISBN: 978-1-849-05199-6

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A Man Like No Other Bk 2 - Themed Meditations, Reflective Services and Quiet Day Outlines on the Person of Jesus by Nick Fawcett
ISBN: 978-1-848-67317-5 Price: £29.99	Published: 09 September 2011
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Children First - Worshipping with the Family of God - Engaging Services for Elementary Children and their Families by Mark Burrows
ISBN: 978-1-426-70775-9 Price: £12.99	Published: September 2010
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Creative Ideas for Sacramental Worship with Children by Simon Rundell
ISBN: 978-1-848-25092-5 Price: £19.99	Published: 30 September 2011
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Hymns for Prayer and Praise - Revised Edition Words and Melodies Published for the Panel of Monastic Musicians
ISBN: 978-1-848-25062-8 Price: £20.00	Published: 30 November 2011
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Serving God's Words - Windows on Preaching and Ministry Edited by Paul A. Barker, Richard J. Condie and Andrew S Malone
ISBN: 978-1-844-74547-0 Price: £11.99	Published: November 2011
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And Now For My 43rd Point - Giving the Kiss of Life to Your Sermon or Talk by Nick & Claire Page
ISBN: 978-1-850-78998-7 Price: £7.99	Published: 14 October 2011
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The Splendour of the Preachers by Duncan Macpherson
ISBN: 978-0-854-39781-5 Price: £8.95	Published: June 2011
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The Church’s Healing Ministry - Practical and Pastoral Reflections by David Atkinson
ISBN: 978-1-848-25077-2 Price: £14.99	Published: 29 April 2011
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Healing Groups - A practical Guide for Christian Leaders by Len Kofler
ISBN: 978-0-854-39799-0 Price: £11.95	Published: April 2011
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Preaching Christ by Edgar Andrews
ISBN: 978-0-950-01291-9 Price: £4.95	Published: July 2005
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Ministry Rediscovered - Shaping a Unique and Creative Church by Mike Starkey
ISBN: 978-1-841-01616-0 Price: £7.99	Published: 2011
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The Journey of Christian Initiation - Theological and Pastoral Perspectives Editor Paul Avis
ISBN: 978-0-715-14237-0 Price: £16.99	Published: 2011
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Everyday Church - Mission by Being Good Neighbours by Tim Chester & Steve Timmis
ISBN: 978-1-844-74520-3 Price: £9.99	Published: June 2011
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Being a Chaplain - SPCK Library of Ministry by Miranda Threlfall-Holmes & Mark Newitt
ISBN: 978-0-281-06385-7 Price: £10.99	Published: June 2011
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