John Pritchard (3) (1948–)

A very helpful book for those thinking about Priesthood or Ordination, or (I would think) for those reviewing their Priestly ministry. Pritchard mulls over different aspects of ministry in each of 17 fairly short chapters. He deliberately avoids lots of detail or how-to material, but does give a bibliography to take any aspect further. It's very readable, and occasionally humorous.

The is a useful little book of 17 short chapters aranged in three sections - "The Glory of God", "The Pain of the World", "The Renewal of the Church". Pritchard is bishop of Oxford and draws fairly candidly on his own experience. Some of it is explicitly Anglican, but the majority of it is relevant to anyone in Christian ministry. I myself am a RC piest involved in formation and would be happy to recommend it to my students.

I only have a couple of criticisms. At times the chapters are a bit show more too short, finishing almost before they have got going, and so it does not always reach the depths it could. Secondly, Pritchard's bad run in with a choir and the press some years ago is aluded to in such a way that makes one think "I wonder what happened". Either tell us or leave the allusions out! show less

This 128 page book covers a broad range of topic regarding the Christian faith with suggested responses to specific ideas or expressions observed in culture that would deny, denounce or minimize the Christian faith It's really a handbook on how to respond thoughtfully and kindly to those who offer reasons for rejecting the Christian faith.

Rt Rev Pitchard is an English bishop who frequently conducts spiritual retreats and seminars. Clear concise reading material.