Enriching Ministry

This timely volume of essays will indeed enrich the ministries of all who read it. Written by reflective practitioners for those labouring in the fields of congregational and chaplaincy leadership, it is theologically rooted and psychologically informed, as well as being full of practical wisdom. It will be an invaluable resource for all who wish to grow in vocational confidence, ministerial competence and theological understanding through the supervisory process, both as giver and receiver. A transformative read, especially valuable for clergy-in-formation as they prepare to assume oversight of ever-larger groupings of churches. -- Anne Tomlinson
“Enriching Ministry” provides pastoral supervision with a seminal work. Through its 12 contributing authors – all at the forefront of developing and delivering quality pastoral supervision – it comprehensively maps the terrain of this emerging discipline. It combines scholarly treatise with moving accounts of what pastoral supervision means to individual ministers. It establishes the subject firmly within a theological base, incorporating what psychological concepts have to offer. Risks and creativity of the process are explored and contextual issues considered. A rich yet digestible feast of a book; an essential read for all concerned with training and sustaining those in ministry. -- Gill Carding
Pastoral supervision is still a young discipline in the UK. This fresh and exciting collection of essays, rooted in a lived theology, reveals our growing confidence as pastoral supervisors. As I read I found myself inspired, challenged and encouraged in my practice. This is not just a book about how to learn more technical skills, but a book which encourages us to take risks in our supervisory work and find we are met by grace. -- Bob Whorton
This book is more than helpful. It is an inspirational reflection upon key themes in supervision that widens the focus of this work beyond traditional understandings of the supervisory process. It demonstrates how relevant theological and values based reflection can be in many differing contexts and encourages reflective practitioners to be adventurous in their thoughtful action. The ethos of this text is established through key essays by Michael Paterson but enriched by the voices of the many expert colleagues who have contributed to this work. It is certain to become a valuable resource in the workplace, in the parish and in the academy. -- Heather Walton