The book draws on the well-known study (originating in the Diocese of Ely) by Robert Martineau with a similar title, which has been recommended by diocesan directors of ordinands and theological college staff over the last 35 years. Here is its replacement.
Bishop John orders his reflections around the three principal concerns of a priest - the glory of God; the pain of the world; and the renewal of the Church. This brings a clear shape to the multitude of topics which customarily fill handbooks on ministry (worship, mission, pastoral work, administration, stress, faithfulness in the study of scripture and in prayer, and intellectual growth), and echoes the basis on which candidates are selected for ordination training. He has a very extensive experience of priestly ministry as a parish priest, theological college Principal, Archdeacon, Suffragan Bishop, and now as Bishop of Oxford. All of this experience is brought to bear in this book.
There is nothing abstract about his analysis, and he deals with the practical issues which face ministry today; with the loneliness of leadership; with the unfulfillable expectations; and the difficulties of witnessing to the love of God in an increasingly angry and litigious world. He is uncompromising in the high standards he sets in worship, and insists on a critical engagement with scripture and the importance of continuing theological study. All that he says, however, is permeated by a recognition that the priest cannot do everything, and that family life and appropriate rest should not be ignored.
Like any good book, much of what is written may appear obvious. In many dioceses there is no shortage of courses on time management and work-life balance. But as in many areas of life, we need to be reminded more than instructed, and this book seeks to remind priests of the promises they made at their Ordination - diligence in teaching; searching out the lost; baptising; preparing the dying; faithfulness in prayer and study; and the good order of the priest's own household. How right Bishop John is to make the Ordinal the centre of any commentary on ministry.
In all this, he acknowledges that faithful ministry today is incredibly demanding. It would be wholly impossible if we did not keep the grace and blessing of Christ in the centre of our hearts and our prayers. As the Ordinal says, the Good Shepherd is held before our eyes as the pattern of our calling. This is a book that will be valued by many, and which communicates the author's passion for Christ, and his commitment to the mission of the Church, in a direct and vivid way.
The Rt Revd Anthony Russell is Bishop of Ely. He previously served in the Diocese of Oxford as the Bishop of Dorchester.
