Ann Morisy 2004
Morehouse     
ISBN 0-8192-8101-8
Paperback, 250 pages, £14.99

Subtitled ‘A New Approach to Christian Mission’ this is a refreshing in-depth look at community ministry from an author with extensive experience of social action, neighbourhood renewal and mission. There are insights from biology and economics as well as the idea of social capital, and a refreshing look at an oblique approach to mission. The style of the book is as accessible and practical as it is academically sound. Topics covered include:

• the power of story and the story-rich life
• apt liturgy (providing specific liturgy which aims to include non-churchgoers, often focussing on a particular distress)
• the suburban challenge ‘The shift from preoccupation with consumer goods to engaging experiences really does make church-going an activity whose time has come.’
• the principle of obliquity (an indirect approach to complex situations).
• A model of holistic ministry (the explicit, vocational and foundational domains).

I think this is an important book for our day. Anyone with a heart for mission needs to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of reading it and being inspired and excited by its content. In parts analytic, always inspiring, the ideas in this book can turn an introspective church into a warm and living model of God’s love.

I would highly recommend this book.

Diane Coleman