Overview

FEW BOOKS ON episcopacy deal with the inner life or practical problems of being a bishop, but this volume gives an inside view. It describes the initial challenge of adjusting to a new role with little preparation, and indicates the main ongoing pressures. This account combines personal experience with theological reflection. Convinced that being comes before doing, David Tustin first considers vital elements in the bishop's personal way of life: inner life, outer lifestyle, home and hospitality, and careful use of time. The rationale of what bishops actually do is then examined in seven key areas, together with suggestions about translating ideals into reality: teamwork; caring for people within and beyond the church; conducting worship; spreading the Christian message; sending new ministers; building bridges in society and within the church; fostering visible Christian unity. Emphasis is laid on bishops sharing their ministry with others, and reaching out beyond the church. This book offers examples of good practice. It draws together resources useful for new bishops, including excerpts from classic writers (Gregory the Great and Bernard of Clairvaux) and pointers to an ecumenical range of contemporary material unlikely to be in the hands of most readers. It is relevant to all who share in senior church leadership. A bibliography and index are included. DAVID TUSTIN was Bishop of Grimsby from 1979 to 2000, and since retirement has been an assistant bishop in the diocese of Lincoln. He was awarded a Lambeth DD in 1998 in recognition of his contribution to Christian unity, both in this country and internationally.

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9781782221487

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Reviews

'What a brilliant publication! A unique resource for people at any stage of episcopal ministry, and also for those considering that kind of call.' Bishop Alastair Redfern 'A compendium of practical wisdom, sage advice and factual information which will prove applicable to all kinds of church leadership.' Bishop John Saxbee 'A thoroughly useful and practical companion for new bishops and those bishops already in post who may want to review their ministry and reassess their priorities. It would be difficult to improve on this combination of personal experience, practical wisdom, mature reflection and classical sources.' Prof. Paul Avis 'What a lovely book! Like a very rich cake, packed with ingredients but folded in well with the self-raising flour of a remarkable range of personal experience, to make it lighter and enjoyable to consume. Surely it must become a standard work.' Archdeacon Christopher Laurence 'Should there be any who are attracted to being a bishop by what they see as the glamour of the job, let them discover from these pages that the task is seemingly unrelenting in its demand on a person's body, mind and spirit. I wish that a copy could be given to each newly consecrated bishop as a coaching mentor's handbook of how to approach the calling.' Canon Raymond Rodger

'What a brilliant publication! A unique resource for people at any stage of episcopal ministry, and also for those considering that kind of call.' Bishop Alastair Redfern 'A compendium of practical wisdom, sage advice and factual information which will prove applicable to all kinds of church leadership.' Bishop John Saxbee 'A thoroughly useful and practical companion for new bishops and those bishops already in post who may want to review their ministry and reassess their priorities. It would be difficult to improve on this combination of personal experience, practical wisdom, mature reflection and classical sources.' Prof. Paul Avis 'What a lovely book! Like a very rich cake, packed with ingredients but folded in well with the self-raising flour of a remarkable range of personal experience, to make it lighter and enjoyable to consume. Surely it must become a standard work.' Archdeacon Christopher Laurence 'Should there be any who are attracted to being a bishop by what they see as the glamour of the job, let them discover from these pages that the task is seemingly unrelenting in its demand on a person's body, mind and spirit. I wish that a copy could be given to each newly consecrated bishop as a coaching mentor's handbook of how to approach the calling.' Canon Raymond Rodger

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