Self-supporting Ministry
A Practical Guide
Published on 19. April 2018
Book
Paperback/Softback
160 pages
978-0-281-07845-5 (ISBN)
Description
The distinctive contribution of volunteer clergy has never been more important to the church than it is today.
SSMs are wonderfully non-standard. They have a range of motivations, working patterns and training needs, and are deployed in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes under-used, sometimes overworked, they are often offered few opportunities for role development after their ministry begins. They may feel unrecognized and under-supported, with church leaders making wrong assumptions about their ability and willingness to be involved.
But as the church turns increasingly to its volunteer minsters, there are encouraging signs of more creative deployment of this great resource. John Lees' lively, authoritative guide - featuring many stories and case studies - will be welcomed by those already involved in, and those considering, this ministry. Celebrating the gradual reinvention of SSM, it offers strategies to greatly improve working practice for those in an associate role.
SSMs are wonderfully non-standard. They have a range of motivations, working patterns and training needs, and are deployed in a wide variety of ways. Sometimes under-used, sometimes overworked, they are often offered few opportunities for role development after their ministry begins. They may feel unrecognized and under-supported, with church leaders making wrong assumptions about their ability and willingness to be involved.
But as the church turns increasingly to its volunteer minsters, there are encouraging signs of more creative deployment of this great resource. John Lees' lively, authoritative guide - featuring many stories and case studies - will be welcomed by those already involved in, and those considering, this ministry. Celebrating the gradual reinvention of SSM, it offers strategies to greatly improve working practice for those in an associate role.
Reviews / Votes
"This handbook is full of sound common sense . . . [it] is both an encouragement and a challenge in the task of re-imagining ministry today.', Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter;'John Lees looks to cover the territory well, to have walked the talk, to have been trusted by bishops and dioceses, and he can obviously produce a best seller.', John Pritchard, former Bishop of Oxford;'When I read John's writing, two things happen. First, I feel as if he's standing right there, personally advising me. And second, I always come away thinking over the issue in a new way. It's a rare, but very useful, gift.', Sarah Green, Associate Editor, Harvard Business Review;For years, John Lees has been the smartest voice in career coaching. His insight and advice are a must-read for anyone entering today's competitive job market.', Rebecca Alexander, Dossier Editor, Psychologies Magazine;John Lees' advice on careers is always useful and interesting and often surprising and even fascinating. From getting ahead to changing your career completely, this book is great guide to navigating the treacherous waters of the modern workplace.', Rhymer Rigby, writer of the FT's Careerist column and author of 28 Business Thinkers Who Changed The World and The Careerist.;'John Lees is the Career Professional's professional - the doyen of careers experts. His books and advice have helped countless numbers of people to enjoy better, more fulfilling careers.', Dr Harry Freedman, Career and Business Strategist, Hanover Executive"More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Edition type
New edition
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 213 mm
Width: 135 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
204 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-281-07845-5 (9780281078455)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
04/2018
1st Edition
SPCK Publishing
€15.49
Available for download
Person
John Lees is Associate Priest in Holyford Mission Community in East Devon and Bishop's Officer for Self-Supporting Ministry for the Diocese of Exeter. He has served for 12 years as an SSM, working as a parish priest but also as Assistant DDO for Chester, where he was co-leader of the Headway leadership programme. He was previously a Pastoral Tutor on the Northern Ordination Course.
John's day job is working as a career coach. He writes, speaks and broadcasts extensively about work and careers. He is the author of 12 books on work and careers, including Secrets of Resilient People and the best-selling How to Get a Job You Love.
John's day job is working as a career coach. He writes, speaks and broadcasts extensively about work and careers. He is the author of 12 books on work and careers, including Secrets of Resilient People and the best-selling How to Get a Job You Love.
Content
Acknowledgements ix
1 Are you a vicar or what? 1
2 A question of identity 11
3 A brief history 22
4 At the turning point? 33
5 Called to the margins 44
6 Some theological resonances 54
7 SSM conversations 64
8 Ministers in secular employment 74
9 Making it work 85
10 Developing your ministry 96
11 The future shape of SSM 107
12 Discussion guidelines - SSMs and MSEs 118
1 Are you a vicar or what? 1
2 A question of identity 11
3 A brief history 22
4 At the turning point? 33
5 Called to the margins 44
6 Some theological resonances 54
7 SSM conversations 64
8 Ministers in secular employment 74
9 Making it work 85
10 Developing your ministry 96
11 The future shape of SSM 107
12 Discussion guidelines - SSMs and MSEs 118