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Encounters on the Edge, No 44: Hidden Treasures Local church, local school by Margaret Withers Reader Ministry Explored, by Cathy Rowling and Paula Gooder For the Reader Candidates / trainees for whom this is designed this will be encouraging and useful. It is very good on the value and implications of having a public representative ministry. It is readable - using story to highlight possibilities and issues without necessarily pronouncing judgment, and so raises issues without papering over all the cracks. It doesn't get hung up or rules and regulations. It presents a positive context for Reader development, presenting training as a learning experience (not just accumulating information!) and encouraging reflective practice - posing some helpful questions. There is a section on developing practical skills, though with more prods to reflection in some bits than others, and where some 'helpful hints' left me wondering why that particular hint had been chosen out of the many that could have been mentioned. But this isn't a manual - I don't think it is trying to be: there is no index (unlike other books in the series), so is presumably intended as introductory stimulus rather than comprehensive reference. My biggest disappointment with this book is the lack of emphasis or help around the issue of working collaboratively and the importance of working creatively to develop this. (Both authors have been extremely gracious in their acceptance of my critique on this point!!) Yes - it is stated that Reader ministry is essentially collaborative, and the recommended selection criteria are quoted, including the need for "willingness to co-operate with other ministers and to work as team members". And yes, some collaborative practice is implicit in some of the stories. But one of the problems I endlessly encounter is that many people seem to assume that (to caricature) "Christians are nice people so work together well" etc - as a result there is a serious need to consciously develop a "culture of intentionality" around team work / working together. Readers as well as clergy need to realise this and put effort into developing healthy working relationships, as otherwise it is all too easy for situations to develop where there is dependency or a 'blame mentality' when there are tensions. In this one respect there is a bit more comment in last year's 'Reader Upbeat' report. (Relevant sections on collaboration from this report can be found on the C of E 'Shared Ministry' pages at http://www.cofe.anglican.org/info/education/lifelong/sharedresources/) Take Heart – expand your vision of God by Timothy J. Buckley Every so often a little book comes your way which turns out to be a gem. This one is such. It is part biographical and part reflective. It is a book for Christians about how we can find hope for the Church today, through Scripture, understanding salvation and prayer. It is deceptively simple and easy to read but what shines through is a depth of humanity as the author reflects on his own experience and shares what sustains him. Buckley is a Roman Catholic priest writing consciously from a Catholic perspective but with ecumenical sensitivity. He stands firmly in the Vatican Two tradition of being outward looking and inclusive; his instincts are liberal rather than dogmatic. The book resonates with the wisdom of what Jane Williams, in the review copy letter, describes as a “story of lived faith”. It is a book that has the power to revive faith at a time when many in our Churches are tempted to lose faith. Helping Teenagers to Pray by Mark Yaconelli This book gives very clear guidance on helping to teenagers to pray – but it does so much more than that. It is about youth ministry in its broadest sense, and it is about how to ‘be’ church with young people. It has enriched my own prayer life and given me insights on how contemporary culture infiltrates every aspect of church life. We are reminded that ‘every young person is a mystery’ and that we must slow down into ‘holy leisure.’ Short chapters cover topics such as eating, resting, reading and receiving, and a range of prayer exercises are sprinkled through the text. Read this book even if you don’t work with teenagers as you will be blessed. The style is easy to read and gently encouraging. It made me smile. Reviews should be sent to liz.holdsworth@peterborough-diocese.org.uk
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