how to make great appointments in the church - book review

i get sent a ton of books. i always intend to review them but this last year has been busier than most and lots are still waiting - apologies to those who have sent them. anyway one i was offered to review was claire pedrick and su blanch's how to make great appointments in the church: calling, competency and chemistry

so rather than leaving it in the pile i suggested to bex, a friend who is both gifted and passionate about helping people discern calling/vocation that she could review it which she kindly has. i have seen far too many churches where something really good has been going on and the following appointment has really not been good so i'm sure this book could be helpful. the book is launched this thursday and here is bex thomlinson's review

For most the delicate balance and responsibility of being involved with a discernment/selection process is a daunting prospect, but Claire and Su’s book takes your hand and gently guides you through, explaining, unpicking jargon and encouraging a well thought-through process that will lead to a new church leader. In fact why should it only be for church leaders? - this book opens up comprehensively the issues for anyone tasked with a selection/discernment process and is equally helpful for those about to be candidates in these processes.

The book combines a good balance of the spiritual discernment of vocation, tempered with realism and pragmatic evidence based selection. It helpfully considers the different scenarios churches find themselves in and the different ways that church leaders approach or are approached for a new position. The book seeks successfully to bring order to the complexity and competing agendas in vocational selection, giving real life examples and suggestions along the way.

There’s a natural flow to the book; an easy and clear format allowing readers to work through chronologically or to pick up the sections that are relevant - although the suggestion is to underpin all of it with the theory. The style carefully introduces selection theory to provide understanding of the natural influences on a process and roots the theory in practical examples. Thinking is informed by cases from the writers’ own experiences, other practitioners and the Bible and is beautifully interspersed with spiritual reflection to encourage God’s breath throughout any process.

The endorsements are stronger than the uninspiring cover; but as the adage goes “don’t judge this book by its cover”; the content of the book has much to offer those who are setting out on the road of vocational discernment - a toolbox that will take you a long way.

Comments

[Lee__Barnes]

Thanks- this book will be helpful for the future- will def dig put a copy.