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{"id":2497540915300,"title":"Subscribe to Bible Reflections for Older People","handle":"bible-reflections-for-older-people-subscription","description":"\u003cp\u003eWritten by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader of the presence and love of God. In each issue are 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. 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If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-06-19T13:02:53+01:00","created_at":"2019-01-21T11:46:22+00:00","vendor":"Eley McAinsh","type":"Subscription","tags":["Bible reading notes","Bible Reflections for Older People","Prints","Subscriptions"],"price":2115,"price_min":2115,"price_max":3240,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42480062070975,"title":"UK \/ 1 year \/ Jan-25","option1":"UK","option2":"1 year","option3":"Jan-25","sku":"BROPUK1YJANSUB","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36271229206719,"product_id":2497540915300,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-18T11:14:34+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-18T11:14:35+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/4_94e51931-eb4a-47bf-a587-e7702e95cf33.png?v=1718705675","variant_ids":[42480062070975,42480062103743,42480062136511]},"available":true,"name":"Subscribe to Bible Reflections for Older People - 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In each issue are 40 Bible reflections and prayer suggestions to use and revisit as often as is needed. In the central section, Debbie Thrower of BRF’s Anna Chaplaincy ministry offers interviews and ideas to encourage and inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBible Reflections for Older People\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis commissioned and edited by Eley McAinsh and is published every four months - in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Subscribe to Bible Reflections for Older People
£21.15
Written by older people for older people, these reflections are designed to bring hope, assurance and sustenance, reminding the reader...
{"id":2497540096100,"title":"Subscribe to Day by Day with God: Rooting women's lives in the Bible","handle":"day-by-day-with-god-subscription","description":"\u003cp\u003eEach day's reading in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay by Day with God\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eprovides a suggested Bible reading, with the key verse written out in full, and a comment written by a regular team of contributors. The Bible text is explained and applied especially for women, by women who have themselves found the Bible a source of strength and inspiration for life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA suggested daily prayer or meditation is included, and that plus the further readings to explore will help you connect the daily notes with your own spiritual journey as you seek to follow Jesus more closely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay by Day with God\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis commissioned and edited by\u003cstrong\u003e Jackie Harris\u003c\/strong\u003e and is published every four months - in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-06-19T13:03:02+01:00","created_at":"2019-01-21T11:46:17+00:00","vendor":"Jackie Harris","type":"Subscription","tags":["Bible reading notes","Day by Day with God","Prints","Subscriptions"],"price":1950,"price_min":1950,"price_max":3075,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42480060367039,"title":"UK \/ 1 year \/ Jan-25","option1":"UK","option2":"1 year","option3":"Jan-25","sku":"DBDUK1YJANSUB","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36271230124223,"product_id":2497540096100,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-18T11:15:12+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-18T11:15:13+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1_f65a8c67-38fa-4244-ae79-c8c058313eff.png?v=1718705713","variant_ids":[42480060367039,42480060432575,42480060465343]},"available":true,"name":"Subscribe to Day by Day with God: Rooting women's lives in the Bible - 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The Bible text is explained and applied especially for women, by women who have themselves found the Bible a source of strength and inspiration for life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA suggested daily prayer or meditation is included, and that plus the further readings to explore will help you connect the daily notes with your own spiritual journey as you seek to follow Jesus more closely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDay by Day with God\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis commissioned and edited by\u003cstrong\u003e Jackie Harris\u003c\/strong\u003e and is published every four months - in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Subscribe to Day by Day with God: Rooting women's lives in the Bible
£19.50
Each day's reading in Day by Day with God provides a suggested Bible reading, with the key verse written out in full,...
{"id":2497538883684,"title":"Subscribe to Guidelines: Bible study for today's ministry and mission","handle":"guidelines-subscription","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuidelines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis a unique Bible reading resource that offers four months of in-depth study, drawing on insights of current scholarship. Its intention is to enable all its readers to interpret and apply biblical text with confidence in today's world, while helping to equip church leaders as they meet the challenges of mission and disciple-building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of the usual dated daily readings,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuidelines\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eprovides weekly units, broken into six sections, plus an introduction giving context for the passage, and a final section of points for thought and prayer. On any day you can read as many or as few sections as you wish. You will need to use a Bible alongside Guidelines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuidelines\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eis published every four months - in January, May and September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-06-19T13:03:11+01:00","created_at":"2019-01-21T11:46:12+00:00","vendor":"Rachel Tranter and Olivia Warburton","type":"Subscription","tags":["Bible reading notes","Guidelines","Prints","Subscriptions"],"price":1950,"price_min":1950,"price_max":3075,"available":true,"price_varies":true,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":42480057909439,"title":"UK \/ 1 year \/ Jan-25","option1":"UK","option2":"1 year","option3":"Jan-25","sku":"GLUK1YJANSUB","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":36271367422143,"product_id":2497538883684,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-06-18T11:59:27+01:00","updated_at":"2024-06-18T11:59:28+01:00","alt":null,"width":1080,"height":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/6_0b2dd892-2bae-4229-b809-030b1c40ad30.png?v=1718708368","variant_ids":[42480057909439,42480057974975,42480058007743]},"available":true,"name":"Subscribe to Guidelines: Bible study for today's ministry and mission - 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Its intention is to enable all its readers to interpret and apply biblical text with confidence in today's world, while helping to equip church leaders as they meet the challenges of mission and disciple-building.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of the usual dated daily readings,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuidelines\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eprovides weekly units, broken into six sections, plus an introduction giving context for the passage, and a final section of points for thought and prayer. On any day you can read as many or as few sections as you wish. You will need to use a Bible alongside Guidelines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuidelines\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eis published every four months - in January, May and September.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Guidelines is a unique Bible reading resource that offers four months of in-depth study, drawing on insights of current scholarship. Its...
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{"id":2497539604580,"title":"Subscribe to New Daylight Deluxe: Your daily Bible reading, comment and prayer","handle":"new-daylight-deluxe-subscription","description":"\u003cp\u003eAll the content of \u003cstrong\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/strong\u003e, but with bigger text. 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Each issue of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eprovides four months of daily Bible readings and comment, with a regular team of contributors drawn from a range of church backgrounds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNew Daylight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ecovers a varied selection of Old and New Testament, biblical themes, characters and seasonal readings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day offers a short Bible passage (text included), thought-provoking comment and a prayer or point for reflection, and aims to give a fresh, devotional approach to Bible reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is ideal for anyone wanting an accessible yet stimulating aid to spending time with God each day, deepening their faith and their knowledge of scripture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Subscribe to New Daylight Deluxe: Your daily Bible reading, comment and prayer
£24.75
All the content of New Daylight, but with bigger text. Each issue of New Daylight provides four months of daily Bible readings and...
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If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Subscribe to New Daylight: Your daily Bible reading, comment and prayer
£19.50
New Daylight offers four months of daily Bible reading and reflection for everybody who wants to go deeper with God....
{"id":2497540554852,"title":"Subscribe to The Upper Room: Where the world meets to pray","handle":"the-upper-room-subscription","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Upper Room\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ehas a worldwide readership of some three million, and is unique in that all the meditations are written by readers of The Upper Room, who seek to share the insights of their faith with others, thus providing a personal take on each passage and a different style each day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily meditation includes a recommended Bible reading and a key verse (you will need a Bible), reflection and prayer, and questions for small group study are also included for each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Upper Room\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis edited by Daniele Och, and is published three times a year in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. 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auto renewal","options":[{"name":"Deliver every","position":1,"values":["year"]}],"selling_plans":[{"id":4070801599,"name":"BRF yearly subscription for Bible Reading Notes","description":"","options":[{"name":"Deliver every","position":1,"value":"year"}],"recurring_deliveries":true,"price_adjustments":[{"order_count":null,"position":1,"value_type":"percentage","value":0}],"checkout_charge":{"value_type":"percentage","value":100}}],"app_id":"Seal Subscriptions"}],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Upper Room\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ehas a worldwide readership of some three million, and is unique in that all the meditations are written by readers of The Upper Room, who seek to share the insights of their faith with others, thus providing a personal take on each passage and a different style each day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach daily meditation includes a recommended Bible reading and a key verse (you will need a Bible), reflection and prayer, and questions for small group study are also included for each week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Upper Room\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis edited by Daniele Och, and is published three times a year in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJanuary\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMay\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeptember\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIMPORTANT INFORMATION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you would like to view your subscription plan and payment schedule you must have a BRF Online account. If you do not have a BRF Online account your subscription will still be valid but you will be unable to access your plan and payment schedule. \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/account\/login\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eClick here to create a BRF Online account\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don’t want to create a BRF Online account now you will still be able to do this in the future. By using the \u003cstrong\u003esame e-mail address\u003c\/strong\u003e used to set up your subscription you can create a BRF Online account where you will be able to view previous and current purchases and manage your current subscriptions.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14880867582332,"title":"Sunlit Cross","handle":"ea12-sunlit-cross","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pack of six Easter cards with envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll cards are blank inside for your own message\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur greetings cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostage and packaging costs for greetings cards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur greetings cards have a separate postage and packaging cost to our other books and resources, as follows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 pack of cards - £1.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 -3 packs - £1.95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4-5 packs - £3.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6-7 packs - £4.95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8-9 packs - £6.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 or more packs - £7.50\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-12-04T17:31:59+00:00","created_at":"2024-12-03T21:02:42+00:00","vendor":"BRF Ministries","type":"Greetings card","tags":["Easter","Easter cards","Greetings cards"],"price":295,"price_min":295,"price_max":295,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54835373736316,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"EASTERCARD22","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Sunlit Cross","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":295,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"EA12SunlitCross","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/42_3797c46e-da0c-4927-b5a8-f0fe5917708b.png?v=1733259699"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/42_3797c46e-da0c-4927-b5a8-f0fe5917708b.png?v=1733259699","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63507049251196,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/42_3797c46e-da0c-4927-b5a8-f0fe5917708b.png?v=1733259699"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/42_3797c46e-da0c-4927-b5a8-f0fe5917708b.png?v=1733259699","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA pack of six Easter cards with envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll cards are blank inside for your own message\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur greetings cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePostage and packaging costs for greetings cards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur greetings cards have a separate postage and packaging cost to our other books and resources, as follows.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 pack of cards - £1.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 -3 packs - £1.95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4-5 packs - £3.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6-7 packs - £4.95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8-9 packs - £6.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10 or more packs - £7.50\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2439813398628,"title":"Sustaining Leadership: You are more important than your ministry","handle":"sustaining-leadership-you-are-more-important-than-your-ministry","description":"\u003cp\u003eMany books on leadership and ministry are written from the point of view of success and strength. In Sustaining Leadership Paul Swann writes out of the raw experience of failure, getting to the heart of who we are as leaders rather than what we do. From this, he offers both hope and practical resources for sustaining effective long-term ministry, looking at self-care, balance and healthy ministry, feasting on divine love, and more. As he says, this is the best gift we can offer those we serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a story of a successfully growing ministry plunged suddenly into soul searching physical, mental and emotional depths. At times shockingly raw, these personal experiences, reflected on so honestly, drive home such hard learned spiritual insights, that I needed to re-read some sections to allow the message to sink in. And it's a profound message: learning simply to be still before God; clinging to personal worth even at the expense of ministry; loving self as well as neighbour; enjoying real Sabbath rest. This is not a book for the casual believer or religiously comfortable. Neither is it just for 'leaders'. Rather, it is essential reading for those courageous enough to accept a God given call to active and costly service. Spoiler alert! It does all work out well in the end. But that, after all, is rather down to God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClive Langmead, Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis courageous, raw and inspiring book is a 'must read' for any who long to live in the fullness God intends for us, amidst the realities and challenges of everyday life. A 'how to' walk the Truth of God's strength in our weakness. I wish I had had this treasure twenty years ago!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlina Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both wonderfully easy to read yet at the same time deeply challenging. Paul Swann's gutsy and honest story made me realise the true importance of self-care in ministry (which is ideal as I prepare for ordination). The 'Pause to Reflect' moments scattered throughout the book really help with not just reading it as someone else's story but as a guide through your own story too. This will be re-read many times in the years to come!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah Bardell (Ordinand)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthenticity is perhaps the most important value for any religion in the 21st Century Western world. Paul Swann demonstrates in this vital book how the Christian religion and its leaders can be authentic and life-giving even in the most desperate, dark and dismal of experiences that arise from becoming 'addicted' to ministry. Combining insights from the bible, contemporary film and popular culture with his own deeply vulnerable experience here is a plea for leadership which is rooted way down in the God who simply is and therefore is not trying to be anything it can't be, other than the sharing of our beautiful and flawed humanity. I hope it becomes widely used in our highly anxious and often success oriented church systems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Nigel Rooms, Leader, Partnership for Missional Church UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul, I wish you had written your book 50 years ago! But at least it was published at the end of a long hot summer, when I'm wondering if I shall ever walk the hills again... but the last chapter (as you say) belongs to hope! Your humbling honesty, coupled with wonderful biblical expositions, have brought both inspiration and clarification. I now know what I want to be when I grow up!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Michael Dunn (Spiritual Director and Retired Priest)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSO refreshing to have this deep wisdom - on being\/doing, self-care\/giving, nature of success etc - served up from the point of view of someone who has got there the hard way. This is not a happy, shiny, just-copy-me sort of read, it's more in the painful\/raw\/honest category, which adds to its value. And although this is a Christian book written out of his experience of being a vicar I'd say it's pretty clearly going to be profoundly helpful to a whole range of people. I've already bought four more to pass on!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Owen Gallacher (Vicar)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving known Paul for many years, we initially bought this book to support him. I'm not a great reader but it was such a delight that I soon finished it. Paul speaks openly of his struggles and sets out the challenges we all face in our lives and how to balance things before it gets too much. I would highly recommend this resource to people in any form of leadership.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Davenport (Computer Programmer)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann trained for ordination in the Anglican Church and served in two growing parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, Paul was forced to retire early and spent four years in the wilderness of total fatigue. Since 2012, Paul has begun to offer a new ministry from this place of weakness. He has served as diocesan adviser on spirituality, offers spiritual direction and leads retreats. The insights of this book are drawn from these experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Sustaining Leadership - Evangelicals Now, April 2019. Review by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Underwood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann served in two Anglican parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, he retired early and spent two years existing on what he describes as 'Planet Fragile'.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis his story, but much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part I, Swann describes the process of his own disintegration as he slipped into that slough of physical, mental and emotional despond we call ME.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part II, he offers us first his personal and theological reflection on reintegration and then, in Part III, a host of practical and life-enhancing measures towards beginning and nurturing that process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting for a broader constituency than mine and drawing on an impressive range of sources and resources, the basic thesis of this short book is that 'broken is best' ... that our human capabilities are often expressions of weakness rather than strength ... that Father-God is more concerned about we are in him than what we do for him. As Paul Swann rightly observes, we are 'human beings' rather than 'human doings'. What we do should flow from who we are, rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remedy for our pervasive passion for proving ourselves is to take a long hard look at the three dials on the dashboard of our humanity - our God-given physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It's time for those of us who are pastors to take control of our self care and our soul care. If we can't care for ourselves, how can we hope to care for those the Lord Jesus has entrusted to us?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don't have to do this on our own; we need both personal friends and the body of the local church to help and encourage us. Taking\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eto heart will fill us not with optimism, but with hope. As Paul Swann rightly observes: 'What we hope for is secondary to who we hope in'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho should read this book? Every pastor on sabbatical who has time to think and pray. Every member of a leadership team that has responsibility for caring for its pastoral staff. And every church member who is concerned to encourage their pastors and help them thrive in serving the Lord Jesus for the long haul. Humanly, the health of our churches and the spread of the Lord Jesus' mission depends on the well-being of our pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Richard Underwood, Elder, Christchurch, Market Harborough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by John Knowles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Jesus' disciples learnt what it meant to follow him through failed fishing trips, under-catered picnics and abortive exorcisms' sets the context for a very frank description of what happened after Paul Swann woke one morning with chronic ME. In his own words: 'I had been smashed to pieces through overwork, stress, damage to health and lack of self-care.' Out of his own experience come very practical and specific self-care strategies that recognise the specific stresses, positive and negative, that often accompany church leadership. Central to the book's thrust is its subtitle - 'You are more important that your ministry' - with the need to keep life and ministry in balance, where being is more important than doing and the rediscovery of Sabbath can be the antidote to 'hurry sickness'. Ministry can be very challenging and my experience as a diocesan Warden of Readers would suggest that it is not just stipendiary clergy who need to take care of themselves, making the advice enormously valuable to all in church leadership long before any warning lights begin to flash. Buy a copy for yourself and one for your incumbent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Knowles\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Kate Wharton. 12.01.19 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\"\u003ehttps:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wildly and hopelessly overdue blog! I read this wonderful book ages ago, and promised to review it here, but never got round to it. And be assured that the irony of not being able to find time to review a book about developing and maintaining healthy patterns of life and work is in no way lost on me...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by Paul Swann, and its subtitle is 'You are more important than your ministry'. A reasonable enough statement, you'd think, except that so many of us seem to forget this at one time or another, as we fall into the trap of believing ourselves to be indispensable, and allow our diaries, our ministries and our pressures define us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann speaks from very personal, and very difficult, experience. In 2005 he experienced a period of illness and fatigue which resulted in 4 years of trying to manage his health and ministry, before he decided completely to step back from his full time role. Out of that experience, and the ways in which he has since sought to rebuild and rebalance his life, he shares much insight and wisdom which every one of us in any sort of 'ministry' role would do well to heed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is really superb, and an absolute must read. It's easy to read in the sense of being clear and well written, with short chapters, but certainly not in the sense of being without substance. I sense that it's a book I will return to time and time again throughout the course of my ministry, when I need to be reminded of the nuggets it contains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the first page of the Introduction comes a quote that I know I need to keep front and centre of my mind (from Parker Palmer): 'Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know I have found a book enormously helpful when I highlight something on almost every page - and my copy of Sustaining Leadership is already well thumbed and with many yellow highlights! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 1, entitled 'Disintegration' Paul outlines his own story in 'Arriving on Planet Fragile'. I read it knowing it could easily have been me or any one of us. He is honest about his own personal and painful experiences, and the devastating impact they had upon him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 2, 'Reintegration', Paul describes how he began to recover, and gives a wealth of invaluable advice about self care, what healthy and unhealthy patterns of ministry might look like, and how we can find the right balance of all the competing demands and priorities within our lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI often say that the thing I find most frustrating about my job as a vicar (which I love almost all of the time), is that it is simply never finished. There is always something more which could or should be done. Paul speaks to this when he writes, 'From where will you get your permission to stop? It will not come from completing a job that has no ending, from receiving affirmation that seldom comes or from a hierarchical permission that rarely exists. Instead, it will have to come from the self-love and self-care of which we have spoken, augmented by obedience to the fourth commandment, which is our permission to rest.' I'm seriously considering getting that tattooed on my person, or at the very least stuck on the door of my study!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 is called 'Holding on to Hope'. This reminds us of why we ultimately do what we do, and in whose strength we do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really enjoyed the way this book is written. It is very practical, and actively encourages the reader to engage with the content rather than just to read the words. Throughout the book there are grey boxes where questions are asked which invite us to pause and reflect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is immensely real and honest, with just the right level of challenge - having gone through such a difficult period in his own life, Paul very much wants to make sure that others don't have to go through the same thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is wonderful and important - a definite must read for anyone involved in any kind of leadership or ministry. The future you will be glad you read this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Paul says in the Introduction: 'Sustaining Leadership is not a book about what to do as a leader. It is a book about how to be as a leader.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Kate Wharton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead On - CPAS e-newsletter, January 2019 Review by James Lawrence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the start of the year it is good to take stock, to think and pray about the pressure and pace of life and leadership and any adjustments that it might be good to make for the year ahead. If you are planning to do that in any way, may I encourage you to get hold of Sustaining Leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann writes from personal experience of having 'four years in the wilderness of total fatigue'. This is an honest book. It recounts his descent into a place of fragility, and the stripping away of many of the things he relied on to bolster his own sense of identity. He reflects that there are 'no words to describe the density of the darkness and the intensity of the isolation.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen follow chapters that helpfully explore the relationship between self-care and self-sacrifice, ways of identifying 'hurry sickness', symptoms of burn out and stress, the place of boundary keeping and Sabbath disciplines. The insights are well illustrated from a wide variety of sources, and contain short perceptive comments that make you think: for example 'margin is the vital space between your load and your limits.' The final chapters on soul food and holding onto hope introduce practical ways to self-compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership will make a good companion for a Quiet Day or a month of reflecting on yourself through January. Heed its wise insights, and we may find ourselves in a more sustainable place as leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by James Lawrence, Director CPAS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 12 October 2018. Review by Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee beyond the small size of this book to an offering of generosity and wide-ranging wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts generosity lies in Paul Swann's writing about his experience of illness without holding much back: he invites us into his experience of chronic fatigue. We are given a graphic, though not over-dramatised, account of the terrible toll that ME took on the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven more significant is the particular distress that burnout brings to a person of great talent and deep commitment, when he reaches the point when he has to say, 'I can't do this any more.' Fragility - to put it mildly - was what he encountered as he 'hit the buffers'; then fragility was what had gradually to be emerged from, and then, as its meaning became clear, to be embraced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the first third of the book is about that experience, although even as we read it we have the sense that faith, though tested, never totally lost its ability to provide perspective and meaning in his suffering. That perspective is the foundation for the wisdom in the next hundred pages: the practical necessity as well as the spiritual importance of self-care, particularly for the most energetic, creative, and committed, who find self-care hardest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many sermons, the Pauline image of the clay pot - to which Swann refers a great deal - can remain a general comment about ministerial humility rather than pointing to specific vulnerabilities that need specific remedies and responses. It is because this author gets specific that this book is lifted above well-meaning exhortation to be both challenging and of practical use to those who find it hard in practice to accept the subtitle's message that 'You are more important than your ministry.' The many examples of vulnerability and practical self-care are supported by a wide selection of biblical citation and the wider reading that was, no doubt, part of the author's self-care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside all that is worth while in the book, there remain some questions. Surely, a more artistic and nourishing front-cover design would have portrayed the book more accurately. And isn't the subtitle rather than the title the real message of this book? It is for everyone, not just, or even mainly, 'leaders'? The book is at least partly a critique of what the designation 'leader' engenders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, if this is a book for everyone, it especially challenges those who have oversight of others' ministry. I happen to have been the bishop involved in the author's call to undertake the special challenge of growing and enlivening a church in the centre of Worcester. It is hardly a decision that I can regret, given all the good that has flowed from it. But, since the disintegration and the reintegration that this book describes are also what (in part) flowed from that decision, I found the book a particular challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking at my former ministry, I ask myself, in gladly appointing some of our strongest people to the hardest tasks, are we as aware as we need to be of the particular support and resourcing needs that such colleagues have? Or do we just hope that the talented and the committed will find their own way of avoiding burnout? That goes along with a more searching question: how well are we ourselves modelling self-care?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this gentle author also knows how to use examples that challenge lightly; so if you ever catch yourself not completing the two minutes that your electric toothbrush allows, remember it's not just your teeth that you're not caring for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by t\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ehe Rt Revd Dr Peter Selby, a former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat happens when you realise that the work you love is making you sick?\u003cbr\u003eThis gem of a book traces the story of how a capable Christian leader experiences such physical and emotional disintegration that he hears himself saying to his bishop, 'I can't do this any more'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLucid and concise, Paul Swann's book is an essay in practical spirituality, one that is based on grace rather than our own attempts at self-justifying significance. The central argument is that, with a proper understanding of our belovedness as God's children, and a clear view of God's loving character, we can be freed to care for ourselves and live healthy, grateful lives. How many of us, not just Christian leaders, need to learn this lesson?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is the way the writer communicates the reality of grace in the midst his own sense of failure and weakness which distinguishes this book: 'One day, as I was struggling with low self-esteem and the battle to recover... I complained to God, 'This is too hard for me to do!' Swiftly and firmly, but with extreme gentleness, came the response: 'Is it too hard to be my son?'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInsights from films like Wonder Woman, spiritual writers like Margery Kempe, storytellers such as Lewis Carroll and theologians like Walter Breuggemann, combine with Paul Swann's own experience of reintegration to make the book a compelling read. The lesson that every Christian minister - every human being - needs to hear is brought home with elegance and power: you are more important than what you do. Get hold of this book and read it slowly. If I could, I would buy a copy for every church leader I know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by John Pellowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a real challenge to church leaders to take better care of themselves and to more intentionally build up the local church they serve. Paul Swann's story of his descent into illness, burnout, and depression is mercifully short (one chapter) but it is sufficient to help people who have not had a similar experience to understand what it is really like, and how much they are suffering something real. He gave me a real empathy for those who suffered as he did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really thought it helpful how he framed his situation - 'fragility' is such a good word! We are all fragile people and need to accept that fragility is part of our human condition. No one is impervious to what this writer experienced. The two chapters on emerging from fragility and embracing fragility are very practical and inspirational. Paul has redeemed his story of recovery in sharing it with others, and much good will come of it, I'm sure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the book is full of great ideas to build strength into the people of the Church so that we can better serve those in the world around us who are suffering, as well as protecting ourselves from suffering as Paul did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I finished the book, my thought was, 'How much more effective the Church would be if we all caught on to the principles and practices outlined in the book!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Pellowe, CEO Canadian Council of Christian Charities\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Timothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the world in which we live, everyone wants to be seen as perfect. We gloss over the failures, claim insight after the event which wasn't there at the time, even post our best selfies on social media. We long to be seen as successful, and to be liked by all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what happens when it all goes wrong? When you're made redundant? Or you're broken by the expectations placed on you? Especially if you're supposed to be in Christian ministry?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann has helpfully broken this book into small digestible chunks, with loads of practical advice. If you're in pain, or struggling in any way. Even if you're just feeling a little weary or burdened, then you can flick through it and find something which resonates before working out from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul observes that burnout doesn't suddenly happen. Rather it creeps up on us over time. We all need the advice he gives for maintaining ourselves. Buy this book, read it carefully, then keep it handy so that you can dip into it regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTimothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Steve Chase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership is written from the reality of Paul Swann's own personal journey through the difficult challenges of leadership and life. He writes with honesty, great vulnerability and deep self-awareness. Sharing lessons hard learnt in the weakness of his humanity, Paul takes the reader gently into some of the places we so often avoid. He offers proven examples from his own faith journey, along with insights from the lives of those who gone before, that our most authentic identity is found in being loved by God. Paul encourages the discovery of that authentic place of 'being', from which all can learn to love well, live well and lead well! I have already brought 3 copies and passed them on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteve Chase\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:42+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:43+00:00","vendor":"Paul Swann","type":"Paperback","tags":["Jul-18","Kindle","Leadership"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769971662948,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466518","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436952633444,"product_id":2439813398628,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:24:43+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:45:26+00:00","alt":null,"width":427,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466518-l.jpg?v=1549043126","variant_ids":[21769971662948]},"available":true,"name":"Sustaining Leadership: You are more important than your ministry - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466518","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238880805003,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466518-l.jpg?v=1549043126"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466518-l.jpg?v=1549043126"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466518-l.jpg?v=1549043126","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238880805003,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"width":427,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466518-l.jpg?v=1549043126"},"aspect_ratio":0.657,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857466518-l.jpg?v=1549043126","width":427}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eMany books on leadership and ministry are written from the point of view of success and strength. In Sustaining Leadership Paul Swann writes out of the raw experience of failure, getting to the heart of who we are as leaders rather than what we do. From this, he offers both hope and practical resources for sustaining effective long-term ministry, looking at self-care, balance and healthy ministry, feasting on divine love, and more. As he says, this is the best gift we can offer those we serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a story of a successfully growing ministry plunged suddenly into soul searching physical, mental and emotional depths. At times shockingly raw, these personal experiences, reflected on so honestly, drive home such hard learned spiritual insights, that I needed to re-read some sections to allow the message to sink in. And it's a profound message: learning simply to be still before God; clinging to personal worth even at the expense of ministry; loving self as well as neighbour; enjoying real Sabbath rest. This is not a book for the casual believer or religiously comfortable. Neither is it just for 'leaders'. Rather, it is essential reading for those courageous enough to accept a God given call to active and costly service. Spoiler alert! It does all work out well in the end. But that, after all, is rather down to God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClive Langmead, Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis courageous, raw and inspiring book is a 'must read' for any who long to live in the fullness God intends for us, amidst the realities and challenges of everyday life. A 'how to' walk the Truth of God's strength in our weakness. I wish I had had this treasure twenty years ago!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlina Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both wonderfully easy to read yet at the same time deeply challenging. Paul Swann's gutsy and honest story made me realise the true importance of self-care in ministry (which is ideal as I prepare for ordination). The 'Pause to Reflect' moments scattered throughout the book really help with not just reading it as someone else's story but as a guide through your own story too. This will be re-read many times in the years to come!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah Bardell (Ordinand)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthenticity is perhaps the most important value for any religion in the 21st Century Western world. Paul Swann demonstrates in this vital book how the Christian religion and its leaders can be authentic and life-giving even in the most desperate, dark and dismal of experiences that arise from becoming 'addicted' to ministry. Combining insights from the bible, contemporary film and popular culture with his own deeply vulnerable experience here is a plea for leadership which is rooted way down in the God who simply is and therefore is not trying to be anything it can't be, other than the sharing of our beautiful and flawed humanity. I hope it becomes widely used in our highly anxious and often success oriented church systems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Nigel Rooms, Leader, Partnership for Missional Church UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul, I wish you had written your book 50 years ago! But at least it was published at the end of a long hot summer, when I'm wondering if I shall ever walk the hills again... but the last chapter (as you say) belongs to hope! Your humbling honesty, coupled with wonderful biblical expositions, have brought both inspiration and clarification. I now know what I want to be when I grow up!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Michael Dunn (Spiritual Director and Retired Priest)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSO refreshing to have this deep wisdom - on being\/doing, self-care\/giving, nature of success etc - served up from the point of view of someone who has got there the hard way. This is not a happy, shiny, just-copy-me sort of read, it's more in the painful\/raw\/honest category, which adds to its value. And although this is a Christian book written out of his experience of being a vicar I'd say it's pretty clearly going to be profoundly helpful to a whole range of people. I've already bought four more to pass on!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Owen Gallacher (Vicar)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving known Paul for many years, we initially bought this book to support him. I'm not a great reader but it was such a delight that I soon finished it. Paul speaks openly of his struggles and sets out the challenges we all face in our lives and how to balance things before it gets too much. I would highly recommend this resource to people in any form of leadership.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Davenport (Computer Programmer)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann trained for ordination in the Anglican Church and served in two growing parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, Paul was forced to retire early and spent four years in the wilderness of total fatigue. Since 2012, Paul has begun to offer a new ministry from this place of weakness. He has served as diocesan adviser on spirituality, offers spiritual direction and leads retreats. The insights of this book are drawn from these experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Sustaining Leadership - Evangelicals Now, April 2019. Review by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Underwood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann served in two Anglican parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, he retired early and spent two years existing on what he describes as 'Planet Fragile'.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis his story, but much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part I, Swann describes the process of his own disintegration as he slipped into that slough of physical, mental and emotional despond we call ME.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part II, he offers us first his personal and theological reflection on reintegration and then, in Part III, a host of practical and life-enhancing measures towards beginning and nurturing that process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting for a broader constituency than mine and drawing on an impressive range of sources and resources, the basic thesis of this short book is that 'broken is best' ... that our human capabilities are often expressions of weakness rather than strength ... that Father-God is more concerned about we are in him than what we do for him. As Paul Swann rightly observes, we are 'human beings' rather than 'human doings'. What we do should flow from who we are, rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remedy for our pervasive passion for proving ourselves is to take a long hard look at the three dials on the dashboard of our humanity - our God-given physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It's time for those of us who are pastors to take control of our self care and our soul care. If we can't care for ourselves, how can we hope to care for those the Lord Jesus has entrusted to us?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don't have to do this on our own; we need both personal friends and the body of the local church to help and encourage us. Taking\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eto heart will fill us not with optimism, but with hope. As Paul Swann rightly observes: 'What we hope for is secondary to who we hope in'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho should read this book? Every pastor on sabbatical who has time to think and pray. Every member of a leadership team that has responsibility for caring for its pastoral staff. And every church member who is concerned to encourage their pastors and help them thrive in serving the Lord Jesus for the long haul. Humanly, the health of our churches and the spread of the Lord Jesus' mission depends on the well-being of our pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Richard Underwood, Elder, Christchurch, Market Harborough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by John Knowles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Jesus' disciples learnt what it meant to follow him through failed fishing trips, under-catered picnics and abortive exorcisms' sets the context for a very frank description of what happened after Paul Swann woke one morning with chronic ME. In his own words: 'I had been smashed to pieces through overwork, stress, damage to health and lack of self-care.' Out of his own experience come very practical and specific self-care strategies that recognise the specific stresses, positive and negative, that often accompany church leadership. Central to the book's thrust is its subtitle - 'You are more important that your ministry' - with the need to keep life and ministry in balance, where being is more important than doing and the rediscovery of Sabbath can be the antidote to 'hurry sickness'. Ministry can be very challenging and my experience as a diocesan Warden of Readers would suggest that it is not just stipendiary clergy who need to take care of themselves, making the advice enormously valuable to all in church leadership long before any warning lights begin to flash. Buy a copy for yourself and one for your incumbent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Knowles\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Kate Wharton. 12.01.19 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\"\u003ehttps:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wildly and hopelessly overdue blog! I read this wonderful book ages ago, and promised to review it here, but never got round to it. And be assured that the irony of not being able to find time to review a book about developing and maintaining healthy patterns of life and work is in no way lost on me...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by Paul Swann, and its subtitle is 'You are more important than your ministry'. A reasonable enough statement, you'd think, except that so many of us seem to forget this at one time or another, as we fall into the trap of believing ourselves to be indispensable, and allow our diaries, our ministries and our pressures define us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann speaks from very personal, and very difficult, experience. In 2005 he experienced a period of illness and fatigue which resulted in 4 years of trying to manage his health and ministry, before he decided completely to step back from his full time role. Out of that experience, and the ways in which he has since sought to rebuild and rebalance his life, he shares much insight and wisdom which every one of us in any sort of 'ministry' role would do well to heed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is really superb, and an absolute must read. It's easy to read in the sense of being clear and well written, with short chapters, but certainly not in the sense of being without substance. I sense that it's a book I will return to time and time again throughout the course of my ministry, when I need to be reminded of the nuggets it contains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the first page of the Introduction comes a quote that I know I need to keep front and centre of my mind (from Parker Palmer): 'Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know I have found a book enormously helpful when I highlight something on almost every page - and my copy of Sustaining Leadership is already well thumbed and with many yellow highlights! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 1, entitled 'Disintegration' Paul outlines his own story in 'Arriving on Planet Fragile'. I read it knowing it could easily have been me or any one of us. He is honest about his own personal and painful experiences, and the devastating impact they had upon him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 2, 'Reintegration', Paul describes how he began to recover, and gives a wealth of invaluable advice about self care, what healthy and unhealthy patterns of ministry might look like, and how we can find the right balance of all the competing demands and priorities within our lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI often say that the thing I find most frustrating about my job as a vicar (which I love almost all of the time), is that it is simply never finished. There is always something more which could or should be done. Paul speaks to this when he writes, 'From where will you get your permission to stop? It will not come from completing a job that has no ending, from receiving affirmation that seldom comes or from a hierarchical permission that rarely exists. Instead, it will have to come from the self-love and self-care of which we have spoken, augmented by obedience to the fourth commandment, which is our permission to rest.' I'm seriously considering getting that tattooed on my person, or at the very least stuck on the door of my study!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 is called 'Holding on to Hope'. This reminds us of why we ultimately do what we do, and in whose strength we do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really enjoyed the way this book is written. It is very practical, and actively encourages the reader to engage with the content rather than just to read the words. Throughout the book there are grey boxes where questions are asked which invite us to pause and reflect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is immensely real and honest, with just the right level of challenge - having gone through such a difficult period in his own life, Paul very much wants to make sure that others don't have to go through the same thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is wonderful and important - a definite must read for anyone involved in any kind of leadership or ministry. The future you will be glad you read this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Paul says in the Introduction: 'Sustaining Leadership is not a book about what to do as a leader. It is a book about how to be as a leader.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Kate Wharton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead On - CPAS e-newsletter, January 2019 Review by James Lawrence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the start of the year it is good to take stock, to think and pray about the pressure and pace of life and leadership and any adjustments that it might be good to make for the year ahead. If you are planning to do that in any way, may I encourage you to get hold of Sustaining Leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann writes from personal experience of having 'four years in the wilderness of total fatigue'. This is an honest book. It recounts his descent into a place of fragility, and the stripping away of many of the things he relied on to bolster his own sense of identity. He reflects that there are 'no words to describe the density of the darkness and the intensity of the isolation.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen follow chapters that helpfully explore the relationship between self-care and self-sacrifice, ways of identifying 'hurry sickness', symptoms of burn out and stress, the place of boundary keeping and Sabbath disciplines. The insights are well illustrated from a wide variety of sources, and contain short perceptive comments that make you think: for example 'margin is the vital space between your load and your limits.' The final chapters on soul food and holding onto hope introduce practical ways to self-compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership will make a good companion for a Quiet Day or a month of reflecting on yourself through January. Heed its wise insights, and we may find ourselves in a more sustainable place as leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by James Lawrence, Director CPAS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 12 October 2018. Review by Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee beyond the small size of this book to an offering of generosity and wide-ranging wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts generosity lies in Paul Swann's writing about his experience of illness without holding much back: he invites us into his experience of chronic fatigue. We are given a graphic, though not over-dramatised, account of the terrible toll that ME took on the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven more significant is the particular distress that burnout brings to a person of great talent and deep commitment, when he reaches the point when he has to say, 'I can't do this any more.' Fragility - to put it mildly - was what he encountered as he 'hit the buffers'; then fragility was what had gradually to be emerged from, and then, as its meaning became clear, to be embraced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the first third of the book is about that experience, although even as we read it we have the sense that faith, though tested, never totally lost its ability to provide perspective and meaning in his suffering. That perspective is the foundation for the wisdom in the next hundred pages: the practical necessity as well as the spiritual importance of self-care, particularly for the most energetic, creative, and committed, who find self-care hardest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many sermons, the Pauline image of the clay pot - to which Swann refers a great deal - can remain a general comment about ministerial humility rather than pointing to specific vulnerabilities that need specific remedies and responses. It is because this author gets specific that this book is lifted above well-meaning exhortation to be both challenging and of practical use to those who find it hard in practice to accept the subtitle's message that 'You are more important than your ministry.' The many examples of vulnerability and practical self-care are supported by a wide selection of biblical citation and the wider reading that was, no doubt, part of the author's self-care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside all that is worth while in the book, there remain some questions. Surely, a more artistic and nourishing front-cover design would have portrayed the book more accurately. And isn't the subtitle rather than the title the real message of this book? It is for everyone, not just, or even mainly, 'leaders'? The book is at least partly a critique of what the designation 'leader' engenders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, if this is a book for everyone, it especially challenges those who have oversight of others' ministry. I happen to have been the bishop involved in the author's call to undertake the special challenge of growing and enlivening a church in the centre of Worcester. It is hardly a decision that I can regret, given all the good that has flowed from it. But, since the disintegration and the reintegration that this book describes are also what (in part) flowed from that decision, I found the book a particular challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking at my former ministry, I ask myself, in gladly appointing some of our strongest people to the hardest tasks, are we as aware as we need to be of the particular support and resourcing needs that such colleagues have? Or do we just hope that the talented and the committed will find their own way of avoiding burnout? That goes along with a more searching question: how well are we ourselves modelling self-care?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this gentle author also knows how to use examples that challenge lightly; so if you ever catch yourself not completing the two minutes that your electric toothbrush allows, remember it's not just your teeth that you're not caring for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by t\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ehe Rt Revd Dr Peter Selby, a former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat happens when you realise that the work you love is making you sick?\u003cbr\u003eThis gem of a book traces the story of how a capable Christian leader experiences such physical and emotional disintegration that he hears himself saying to his bishop, 'I can't do this any more'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLucid and concise, Paul Swann's book is an essay in practical spirituality, one that is based on grace rather than our own attempts at self-justifying significance. The central argument is that, with a proper understanding of our belovedness as God's children, and a clear view of God's loving character, we can be freed to care for ourselves and live healthy, grateful lives. How many of us, not just Christian leaders, need to learn this lesson?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is the way the writer communicates the reality of grace in the midst his own sense of failure and weakness which distinguishes this book: 'One day, as I was struggling with low self-esteem and the battle to recover... I complained to God, 'This is too hard for me to do!' Swiftly and firmly, but with extreme gentleness, came the response: 'Is it too hard to be my son?'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInsights from films like Wonder Woman, spiritual writers like Margery Kempe, storytellers such as Lewis Carroll and theologians like Walter Breuggemann, combine with Paul Swann's own experience of reintegration to make the book a compelling read. The lesson that every Christian minister - every human being - needs to hear is brought home with elegance and power: you are more important than what you do. Get hold of this book and read it slowly. If I could, I would buy a copy for every church leader I know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by John Pellowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a real challenge to church leaders to take better care of themselves and to more intentionally build up the local church they serve. Paul Swann's story of his descent into illness, burnout, and depression is mercifully short (one chapter) but it is sufficient to help people who have not had a similar experience to understand what it is really like, and how much they are suffering something real. He gave me a real empathy for those who suffered as he did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really thought it helpful how he framed his situation - 'fragility' is such a good word! We are all fragile people and need to accept that fragility is part of our human condition. No one is impervious to what this writer experienced. The two chapters on emerging from fragility and embracing fragility are very practical and inspirational. Paul has redeemed his story of recovery in sharing it with others, and much good will come of it, I'm sure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the book is full of great ideas to build strength into the people of the Church so that we can better serve those in the world around us who are suffering, as well as protecting ourselves from suffering as Paul did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I finished the book, my thought was, 'How much more effective the Church would be if we all caught on to the principles and practices outlined in the book!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Pellowe, CEO Canadian Council of Christian Charities\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Timothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the world in which we live, everyone wants to be seen as perfect. We gloss over the failures, claim insight after the event which wasn't there at the time, even post our best selfies on social media. We long to be seen as successful, and to be liked by all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what happens when it all goes wrong? When you're made redundant? Or you're broken by the expectations placed on you? Especially if you're supposed to be in Christian ministry?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann has helpfully broken this book into small digestible chunks, with loads of practical advice. If you're in pain, or struggling in any way. Even if you're just feeling a little weary or burdened, then you can flick through it and find something which resonates before working out from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul observes that burnout doesn't suddenly happen. Rather it creeps up on us over time. We all need the advice he gives for maintaining ourselves. Buy this book, read it carefully, then keep it handy so that you can dip into it regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTimothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Steve Chase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership is written from the reality of Paul Swann's own personal journey through the difficult challenges of leadership and life. He writes with honesty, great vulnerability and deep self-awareness. Sharing lessons hard learnt in the weakness of his humanity, Paul takes the reader gently into some of the places we so often avoid. He offers proven examples from his own faith journey, along with insights from the lives of those who gone before, that our most authentic identity is found in being loved by God. Paul encourages the discovery of that authentic place of 'being', from which all can learn to love well, live well and lead well! I have already brought 3 copies and passed them on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteve Chase\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Sustaining Leadership: You are more important than your ministry
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Many books on leadership and ministry are written from the point of view of success and strength. In Sustaining Leadership...
{"id":14698359751036,"title":"Sustaining Leadership: You are more important than your ministry","handle":"sustaining-leadership-you-are-more-important-than-your-ministry-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMany books on leadership and ministry are written from the point of view of success and strength. In Sustaining Leadership Paul Swann writes out of the raw experience of failure, getting to the heart of who we are as leaders rather than what we do. From this, he offers both hope and practical resources for sustaining effective long-term ministry, looking at self-care, balance and healthy ministry, feasting on divine love, and more. As he says, this is the best gift we can offer those we serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a story of a successfully growing ministry plunged suddenly into soul searching physical, mental and emotional depths. At times shockingly raw, these personal experiences, reflected on so honestly, drive home such hard learned spiritual insights, that I needed to re-read some sections to allow the message to sink in. And it's a profound message: learning simply to be still before God; clinging to personal worth even at the expense of ministry; loving self as well as neighbour; enjoying real Sabbath rest. This is not a book for the casual believer or religiously comfortable. Neither is it just for 'leaders'. Rather, it is essential reading for those courageous enough to accept a God given call to active and costly service. Spoiler alert! It does all work out well in the end. But that, after all, is rather down to God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClive Langmead, Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis courageous, raw and inspiring book is a 'must read' for any who long to live in the fullness God intends for us, amidst the realities and challenges of everyday life. A 'how to' walk the Truth of God's strength in our weakness. I wish I had had this treasure twenty years ago!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlina Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both wonderfully easy to read yet at the same time deeply challenging. Paul Swann's gutsy and honest story made me realise the true importance of self-care in ministry (which is ideal as I prepare for ordination). The 'Pause to Reflect' moments scattered throughout the book really help with not just reading it as someone else's story but as a guide through your own story too. This will be re-read many times in the years to come!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah Bardell (Ordinand)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthenticity is perhaps the most important value for any religion in the 21st Century Western world. Paul Swann demonstrates in this vital book how the Christian religion and its leaders can be authentic and life-giving even in the most desperate, dark and dismal of experiences that arise from becoming 'addicted' to ministry. Combining insights from the bible, contemporary film and popular culture with his own deeply vulnerable experience here is a plea for leadership which is rooted way down in the God who simply is and therefore is not trying to be anything it can't be, other than the sharing of our beautiful and flawed humanity. I hope it becomes widely used in our highly anxious and often success oriented church systems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Nigel Rooms, Leader, Partnership for Missional Church UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul, I wish you had written your book 50 years ago! But at least it was published at the end of a long hot summer, when I'm wondering if I shall ever walk the hills again... but the last chapter (as you say) belongs to hope! Your humbling honesty, coupled with wonderful biblical expositions, have brought both inspiration and clarification. I now know what I want to be when I grow up!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Michael Dunn (Spiritual Director and Retired Priest)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSO refreshing to have this deep wisdom - on being\/doing, self-care\/giving, nature of success etc - served up from the point of view of someone who has got there the hard way. This is not a happy, shiny, just-copy-me sort of read, it's more in the painful\/raw\/honest category, which adds to its value. And although this is a Christian book written out of his experience of being a vicar I'd say it's pretty clearly going to be profoundly helpful to a whole range of people. I've already bought four more to pass on!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Owen Gallacher (Vicar)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving known Paul for many years, we initially bought this book to support him. I'm not a great reader but it was such a delight that I soon finished it. Paul speaks openly of his struggles and sets out the challenges we all face in our lives and how to balance things before it gets too much. I would highly recommend this resource to people in any form of leadership.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Davenport (Computer Programmer)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann trained for ordination in the Anglican Church and served in two growing parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, Paul was forced to retire early and spent four years in the wilderness of total fatigue. Since 2012, Paul has begun to offer a new ministry from this place of weakness. He has served as diocesan adviser on spirituality, offers spiritual direction and leads retreats. The insights of this book are drawn from these experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Sustaining Leadership - Evangelicals Now, April 2019. Review by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Underwood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann served in two Anglican parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, he retired early and spent two years existing on what he describes as 'Planet Fragile'.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis his story, but much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part I, Swann describes the process of his own disintegration as he slipped into that slough of physical, mental and emotional despond we call ME.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part II, he offers us first his personal and theological reflection on reintegration and then, in Part III, a host of practical and life-enhancing measures towards beginning and nurturing that process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting for a broader constituency than mine and drawing on an impressive range of sources and resources, the basic thesis of this short book is that 'broken is best' ... that our human capabilities are often expressions of weakness rather than strength ... that Father-God is more concerned about we are in him than what we do for him. As Paul Swann rightly observes, we are 'human beings' rather than 'human doings'. What we do should flow from who we are, rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remedy for our pervasive passion for proving ourselves is to take a long hard look at the three dials on the dashboard of our humanity - our God-given physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It's time for those of us who are pastors to take control of our self care and our soul care. If we can't care for ourselves, how can we hope to care for those the Lord Jesus has entrusted to us?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don't have to do this on our own; we need both personal friends and the body of the local church to help and encourage us. Taking\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eto heart will fill us not with optimism, but with hope. As Paul Swann rightly observes: 'What we hope for is secondary to who we hope in'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho should read this book? Every pastor on sabbatical who has time to think and pray. Every member of a leadership team that has responsibility for caring for its pastoral staff. And every church member who is concerned to encourage their pastors and help them thrive in serving the Lord Jesus for the long haul. Humanly, the health of our churches and the spread of the Lord Jesus' mission depends on the well-being of our pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Richard Underwood, Elder, Christchurch, Market Harborough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by John Knowles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Jesus' disciples learnt what it meant to follow him through failed fishing trips, under-catered picnics and abortive exorcisms' sets the context for a very frank description of what happened after Paul Swann woke one morning with chronic ME. In his own words: 'I had been smashed to pieces through overwork, stress, damage to health and lack of self-care.' Out of his own experience come very practical and specific self-care strategies that recognise the specific stresses, positive and negative, that often accompany church leadership. Central to the book's thrust is its subtitle - 'You are more important that your ministry' - with the need to keep life and ministry in balance, where being is more important than doing and the rediscovery of Sabbath can be the antidote to 'hurry sickness'. Ministry can be very challenging and my experience as a diocesan Warden of Readers would suggest that it is not just stipendiary clergy who need to take care of themselves, making the advice enormously valuable to all in church leadership long before any warning lights begin to flash. Buy a copy for yourself and one for your incumbent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Knowles\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Kate Wharton. 12.01.19 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\"\u003ehttps:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wildly and hopelessly overdue blog! I read this wonderful book ages ago, and promised to review it here, but never got round to it. And be assured that the irony of not being able to find time to review a book about developing and maintaining healthy patterns of life and work is in no way lost on me...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by Paul Swann, and its subtitle is 'You are more important than your ministry'. A reasonable enough statement, you'd think, except that so many of us seem to forget this at one time or another, as we fall into the trap of believing ourselves to be indispensable, and allow our diaries, our ministries and our pressures define us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann speaks from very personal, and very difficult, experience. In 2005 he experienced a period of illness and fatigue which resulted in 4 years of trying to manage his health and ministry, before he decided completely to step back from his full time role. Out of that experience, and the ways in which he has since sought to rebuild and rebalance his life, he shares much insight and wisdom which every one of us in any sort of 'ministry' role would do well to heed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is really superb, and an absolute must read. It's easy to read in the sense of being clear and well written, with short chapters, but certainly not in the sense of being without substance. I sense that it's a book I will return to time and time again throughout the course of my ministry, when I need to be reminded of the nuggets it contains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the first page of the Introduction comes a quote that I know I need to keep front and centre of my mind (from Parker Palmer): 'Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know I have found a book enormously helpful when I highlight something on almost every page - and my copy of Sustaining Leadership is already well thumbed and with many yellow highlights! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 1, entitled 'Disintegration' Paul outlines his own story in 'Arriving on Planet Fragile'. I read it knowing it could easily have been me or any one of us. He is honest about his own personal and painful experiences, and the devastating impact they had upon him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 2, 'Reintegration', Paul describes how he began to recover, and gives a wealth of invaluable advice about self care, what healthy and unhealthy patterns of ministry might look like, and how we can find the right balance of all the competing demands and priorities within our lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI often say that the thing I find most frustrating about my job as a vicar (which I love almost all of the time), is that it is simply never finished. There is always something more which could or should be done. Paul speaks to this when he writes, 'From where will you get your permission to stop? It will not come from completing a job that has no ending, from receiving affirmation that seldom comes or from a hierarchical permission that rarely exists. Instead, it will have to come from the self-love and self-care of which we have spoken, augmented by obedience to the fourth commandment, which is our permission to rest.' I'm seriously considering getting that tattooed on my person, or at the very least stuck on the door of my study!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 is called 'Holding on to Hope'. This reminds us of why we ultimately do what we do, and in whose strength we do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really enjoyed the way this book is written. It is very practical, and actively encourages the reader to engage with the content rather than just to read the words. Throughout the book there are grey boxes where questions are asked which invite us to pause and reflect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is immensely real and honest, with just the right level of challenge - having gone through such a difficult period in his own life, Paul very much wants to make sure that others don't have to go through the same thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is wonderful and important - a definite must read for anyone involved in any kind of leadership or ministry. The future you will be glad you read this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Paul says in the Introduction: 'Sustaining Leadership is not a book about what to do as a leader. It is a book about how to be as a leader.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Kate Wharton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead On - CPAS e-newsletter, January 2019 Review by James Lawrence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the start of the year it is good to take stock, to think and pray about the pressure and pace of life and leadership and any adjustments that it might be good to make for the year ahead. If you are planning to do that in any way, may I encourage you to get hold of Sustaining Leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann writes from personal experience of having 'four years in the wilderness of total fatigue'. This is an honest book. It recounts his descent into a place of fragility, and the stripping away of many of the things he relied on to bolster his own sense of identity. He reflects that there are 'no words to describe the density of the darkness and the intensity of the isolation.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen follow chapters that helpfully explore the relationship between self-care and self-sacrifice, ways of identifying 'hurry sickness', symptoms of burn out and stress, the place of boundary keeping and Sabbath disciplines. The insights are well illustrated from a wide variety of sources, and contain short perceptive comments that make you think: for example 'margin is the vital space between your load and your limits.' The final chapters on soul food and holding onto hope introduce practical ways to self-compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership will make a good companion for a Quiet Day or a month of reflecting on yourself through January. Heed its wise insights, and we may find ourselves in a more sustainable place as leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by James Lawrence, Director CPAS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 12 October 2018. Review by Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee beyond the small size of this book to an offering of generosity and wide-ranging wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts generosity lies in Paul Swann's writing about his experience of illness without holding much back: he invites us into his experience of chronic fatigue. We are given a graphic, though not over-dramatised, account of the terrible toll that ME took on the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven more significant is the particular distress that burnout brings to a person of great talent and deep commitment, when he reaches the point when he has to say, 'I can't do this any more.' Fragility - to put it mildly - was what he encountered as he 'hit the buffers'; then fragility was what had gradually to be emerged from, and then, as its meaning became clear, to be embraced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the first third of the book is about that experience, although even as we read it we have the sense that faith, though tested, never totally lost its ability to provide perspective and meaning in his suffering. That perspective is the foundation for the wisdom in the next hundred pages: the practical necessity as well as the spiritual importance of self-care, particularly for the most energetic, creative, and committed, who find self-care hardest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many sermons, the Pauline image of the clay pot - to which Swann refers a great deal - can remain a general comment about ministerial humility rather than pointing to specific vulnerabilities that need specific remedies and responses. It is because this author gets specific that this book is lifted above well-meaning exhortation to be both challenging and of practical use to those who find it hard in practice to accept the subtitle's message that 'You are more important than your ministry.' The many examples of vulnerability and practical self-care are supported by a wide selection of biblical citation and the wider reading that was, no doubt, part of the author's self-care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside all that is worth while in the book, there remain some questions. Surely, a more artistic and nourishing front-cover design would have portrayed the book more accurately. And isn't the subtitle rather than the title the real message of this book? It is for everyone, not just, or even mainly, 'leaders'? The book is at least partly a critique of what the designation 'leader' engenders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, if this is a book for everyone, it especially challenges those who have oversight of others' ministry. I happen to have been the bishop involved in the author's call to undertake the special challenge of growing and enlivening a church in the centre of Worcester. It is hardly a decision that I can regret, given all the good that has flowed from it. But, since the disintegration and the reintegration that this book describes are also what (in part) flowed from that decision, I found the book a particular challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking at my former ministry, I ask myself, in gladly appointing some of our strongest people to the hardest tasks, are we as aware as we need to be of the particular support and resourcing needs that such colleagues have? Or do we just hope that the talented and the committed will find their own way of avoiding burnout? That goes along with a more searching question: how well are we ourselves modelling self-care?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this gentle author also knows how to use examples that challenge lightly; so if you ever catch yourself not completing the two minutes that your electric toothbrush allows, remember it's not just your teeth that you're not caring for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by t\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ehe Rt Revd Dr Peter Selby, a former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat happens when you realise that the work you love is making you sick?\u003cbr\u003eThis gem of a book traces the story of how a capable Christian leader experiences such physical and emotional disintegration that he hears himself saying to his bishop, 'I can't do this any more'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLucid and concise, Paul Swann's book is an essay in practical spirituality, one that is based on grace rather than our own attempts at self-justifying significance. The central argument is that, with a proper understanding of our belovedness as God's children, and a clear view of God's loving character, we can be freed to care for ourselves and live healthy, grateful lives. How many of us, not just Christian leaders, need to learn this lesson?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is the way the writer communicates the reality of grace in the midst his own sense of failure and weakness which distinguishes this book: 'One day, as I was struggling with low self-esteem and the battle to recover... I complained to God, 'This is too hard for me to do!' Swiftly and firmly, but with extreme gentleness, came the response: 'Is it too hard to be my son?'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInsights from films like Wonder Woman, spiritual writers like Margery Kempe, storytellers such as Lewis Carroll and theologians like Walter Breuggemann, combine with Paul Swann's own experience of reintegration to make the book a compelling read. The lesson that every Christian minister - every human being - needs to hear is brought home with elegance and power: you are more important than what you do. Get hold of this book and read it slowly. If I could, I would buy a copy for every church leader I know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by John Pellowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a real challenge to church leaders to take better care of themselves and to more intentionally build up the local church they serve. Paul Swann's story of his descent into illness, burnout, and depression is mercifully short (one chapter) but it is sufficient to help people who have not had a similar experience to understand what it is really like, and how much they are suffering something real. He gave me a real empathy for those who suffered as he did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really thought it helpful how he framed his situation - 'fragility' is such a good word! We are all fragile people and need to accept that fragility is part of our human condition. No one is impervious to what this writer experienced. The two chapters on emerging from fragility and embracing fragility are very practical and inspirational. Paul has redeemed his story of recovery in sharing it with others, and much good will come of it, I'm sure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the book is full of great ideas to build strength into the people of the Church so that we can better serve those in the world around us who are suffering, as well as protecting ourselves from suffering as Paul did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I finished the book, my thought was, 'How much more effective the Church would be if we all caught on to the principles and practices outlined in the book!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Pellowe, CEO Canadian Council of Christian Charities\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Timothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the world in which we live, everyone wants to be seen as perfect. We gloss over the failures, claim insight after the event which wasn't there at the time, even post our best selfies on social media. We long to be seen as successful, and to be liked by all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what happens when it all goes wrong? When you're made redundant? Or you're broken by the expectations placed on you? Especially if you're supposed to be in Christian ministry?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann has helpfully broken this book into small digestible chunks, with loads of practical advice. If you're in pain, or struggling in any way. Even if you're just feeling a little weary or burdened, then you can flick through it and find something which resonates before working out from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul observes that burnout doesn't suddenly happen. Rather it creeps up on us over time. We all need the advice he gives for maintaining ourselves. Buy this book, read it carefully, then keep it handy so that you can dip into it regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTimothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Steve Chase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership is written from the reality of Paul Swann's own personal journey through the difficult challenges of leadership and life. He writes with honesty, great vulnerability and deep self-awareness. Sharing lessons hard learnt in the weakness of his humanity, Paul takes the reader gently into some of the places we so often avoid. He offers proven examples from his own faith journey, along with insights from the lives of those who gone before, that our most authentic identity is found in being loved by God. Paul encourages the discovery of that authentic place of 'being', from which all can learn to love well, live well and lead well! I have already brought 3 copies and passed them on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteve Chase\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T10:21:28+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T10:20:31+00:00","vendor":"Paul Swann","type":"eBook","tags":["Glassboxx","Jul-18","Leadership"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53602689483132,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857466525","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Sustaining Leadership: You are more important than your ministry - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":186,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857466525","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/142.png?v=1730134865","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/143.png?v=1730134952"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/142.png?v=1730134865","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923494130044,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/142.png?v=1730134865"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/142.png?v=1730134865","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923501896060,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/143.png?v=1730134952"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/143.png?v=1730134952","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eMany books on leadership and ministry are written from the point of view of success and strength. In Sustaining Leadership Paul Swann writes out of the raw experience of failure, getting to the heart of who we are as leaders rather than what we do. From this, he offers both hope and practical resources for sustaining effective long-term ministry, looking at self-care, balance and healthy ministry, feasting on divine love, and more. As he says, this is the best gift we can offer those we serve.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a story of a successfully growing ministry plunged suddenly into soul searching physical, mental and emotional depths. At times shockingly raw, these personal experiences, reflected on so honestly, drive home such hard learned spiritual insights, that I needed to re-read some sections to allow the message to sink in. And it's a profound message: learning simply to be still before God; clinging to personal worth even at the expense of ministry; loving self as well as neighbour; enjoying real Sabbath rest. This is not a book for the casual believer or religiously comfortable. Neither is it just for 'leaders'. Rather, it is essential reading for those courageous enough to accept a God given call to active and costly service. Spoiler alert! It does all work out well in the end. But that, after all, is rather down to God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClive Langmead, Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis courageous, raw and inspiring book is a 'must read' for any who long to live in the fullness God intends for us, amidst the realities and challenges of everyday life. A 'how to' walk the Truth of God's strength in our weakness. I wish I had had this treasure twenty years ago!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlina Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is both wonderfully easy to read yet at the same time deeply challenging. Paul Swann's gutsy and honest story made me realise the true importance of self-care in ministry (which is ideal as I prepare for ordination). The 'Pause to Reflect' moments scattered throughout the book really help with not just reading it as someone else's story but as a guide through your own story too. This will be re-read many times in the years to come!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarah Bardell (Ordinand)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAuthenticity is perhaps the most important value for any religion in the 21st Century Western world. Paul Swann demonstrates in this vital book how the Christian religion and its leaders can be authentic and life-giving even in the most desperate, dark and dismal of experiences that arise from becoming 'addicted' to ministry. Combining insights from the bible, contemporary film and popular culture with his own deeply vulnerable experience here is a plea for leadership which is rooted way down in the God who simply is and therefore is not trying to be anything it can't be, other than the sharing of our beautiful and flawed humanity. I hope it becomes widely used in our highly anxious and often success oriented church systems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Canon Dr Nigel Rooms, Leader, Partnership for Missional Church UK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul, I wish you had written your book 50 years ago! But at least it was published at the end of a long hot summer, when I'm wondering if I shall ever walk the hills again... but the last chapter (as you say) belongs to hope! Your humbling honesty, coupled with wonderful biblical expositions, have brought both inspiration and clarification. I now know what I want to be when I grow up!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Michael Dunn (Spiritual Director and Retired Priest)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSO refreshing to have this deep wisdom - on being\/doing, self-care\/giving, nature of success etc - served up from the point of view of someone who has got there the hard way. This is not a happy, shiny, just-copy-me sort of read, it's more in the painful\/raw\/honest category, which adds to its value. And although this is a Christian book written out of his experience of being a vicar I'd say it's pretty clearly going to be profoundly helpful to a whole range of people. I've already bought four more to pass on!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRevd Owen Gallacher (Vicar)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving known Paul for many years, we initially bought this book to support him. I'm not a great reader but it was such a delight that I soon finished it. Paul speaks openly of his struggles and sets out the challenges we all face in our lives and how to balance things before it gets too much. I would highly recommend this resource to people in any form of leadership.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndy Davenport (Computer Programmer)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann trained for ordination in the Anglican Church and served in two growing parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, Paul was forced to retire early and spent four years in the wilderness of total fatigue. Since 2012, Paul has begun to offer a new ministry from this place of weakness. He has served as diocesan adviser on spirituality, offers spiritual direction and leads retreats. The insights of this book are drawn from these experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview of Sustaining Leadership - Evangelicals Now, April 2019. Review by\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Underwood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann served in two Anglican parishes in the Diocese of Worcester. In 2008, he retired early and spent two years existing on what he describes as 'Planet Fragile'.\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eis his story, but much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part I, Swann describes the process of his own disintegration as he slipped into that slough of physical, mental and emotional despond we call ME.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Part II, he offers us first his personal and theological reflection on reintegration and then, in Part III, a host of practical and life-enhancing measures towards beginning and nurturing that process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWriting for a broader constituency than mine and drawing on an impressive range of sources and resources, the basic thesis of this short book is that 'broken is best' ... that our human capabilities are often expressions of weakness rather than strength ... that Father-God is more concerned about we are in him than what we do for him. As Paul Swann rightly observes, we are 'human beings' rather than 'human doings'. What we do should flow from who we are, rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe remedy for our pervasive passion for proving ourselves is to take a long hard look at the three dials on the dashboard of our humanity - our God-given physical, spiritual and emotional needs. It's time for those of us who are pastors to take control of our self care and our soul care. If we can't care for ourselves, how can we hope to care for those the Lord Jesus has entrusted to us?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe don't have to do this on our own; we need both personal friends and the body of the local church to help and encourage us. Taking\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSustaining Leadership\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003eto heart will fill us not with optimism, but with hope. As Paul Swann rightly observes: 'What we hope for is secondary to who we hope in'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho should read this book? Every pastor on sabbatical who has time to think and pray. Every member of a leadership team that has responsibility for caring for its pastoral staff. And every church member who is concerned to encourage their pastors and help them thrive in serving the Lord Jesus for the long haul. Humanly, the health of our churches and the spread of the Lord Jesus' mission depends on the well-being of our pastors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Richard Underwood, Elder, Christchurch, Market Harborough\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e_______________________________________________\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader, Spring 2019. Review by John Knowles\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Jesus' disciples learnt what it meant to follow him through failed fishing trips, under-catered picnics and abortive exorcisms' sets the context for a very frank description of what happened after Paul Swann woke one morning with chronic ME. In his own words: 'I had been smashed to pieces through overwork, stress, damage to health and lack of self-care.' Out of his own experience come very practical and specific self-care strategies that recognise the specific stresses, positive and negative, that often accompany church leadership. Central to the book's thrust is its subtitle - 'You are more important that your ministry' - with the need to keep life and ministry in balance, where being is more important than doing and the rediscovery of Sabbath can be the antidote to 'hurry sickness'. Ministry can be very challenging and my experience as a diocesan Warden of Readers would suggest that it is not just stipendiary clergy who need to take care of themselves, making the advice enormously valuable to all in church leadership long before any warning lights begin to flash. Buy a copy for yourself and one for your incumbent!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Knowles\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Kate Wharton. 12.01.19 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\"\u003ehttps:\/\/katewharton.blogspot.com\/2019\/01\/book-review-sustaining-leadership.html\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wildly and hopelessly overdue blog! I read this wonderful book ages ago, and promised to review it here, but never got round to it. And be assured that the irony of not being able to find time to review a book about developing and maintaining healthy patterns of life and work is in no way lost on me...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is written by Paul Swann, and its subtitle is 'You are more important than your ministry'. A reasonable enough statement, you'd think, except that so many of us seem to forget this at one time or another, as we fall into the trap of believing ourselves to be indispensable, and allow our diaries, our ministries and our pressures define us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann speaks from very personal, and very difficult, experience. In 2005 he experienced a period of illness and fatigue which resulted in 4 years of trying to manage his health and ministry, before he decided completely to step back from his full time role. Out of that experience, and the ways in which he has since sought to rebuild and rebalance his life, he shares much insight and wisdom which every one of us in any sort of 'ministry' role would do well to heed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is really superb, and an absolute must read. It's easy to read in the sense of being clear and well written, with short chapters, but certainly not in the sense of being without substance. I sense that it's a book I will return to time and time again throughout the course of my ministry, when I need to be reminded of the nuggets it contains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the first page of the Introduction comes a quote that I know I need to keep front and centre of my mind (from Parker Palmer): 'Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI know I have found a book enormously helpful when I highlight something on almost every page - and my copy of Sustaining Leadership is already well thumbed and with many yellow highlights! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 1, entitled 'Disintegration' Paul outlines his own story in 'Arriving on Planet Fragile'. I read it knowing it could easily have been me or any one of us. He is honest about his own personal and painful experiences, and the devastating impact they had upon him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn Part 2, 'Reintegration', Paul describes how he began to recover, and gives a wealth of invaluable advice about self care, what healthy and unhealthy patterns of ministry might look like, and how we can find the right balance of all the competing demands and priorities within our lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI often say that the thing I find most frustrating about my job as a vicar (which I love almost all of the time), is that it is simply never finished. There is always something more which could or should be done. Paul speaks to this when he writes, 'From where will you get your permission to stop? It will not come from completing a job that has no ending, from receiving affirmation that seldom comes or from a hierarchical permission that rarely exists. Instead, it will have to come from the self-love and self-care of which we have spoken, augmented by obedience to the fourth commandment, which is our permission to rest.' I'm seriously considering getting that tattooed on my person, or at the very least stuck on the door of my study!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 is called 'Holding on to Hope'. This reminds us of why we ultimately do what we do, and in whose strength we do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really enjoyed the way this book is written. It is very practical, and actively encourages the reader to engage with the content rather than just to read the words. Throughout the book there are grey boxes where questions are asked which invite us to pause and reflect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is immensely real and honest, with just the right level of challenge - having gone through such a difficult period in his own life, Paul very much wants to make sure that others don't have to go through the same thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is wonderful and important - a definite must read for anyone involved in any kind of leadership or ministry. The future you will be glad you read this book now!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs Paul says in the Introduction: 'Sustaining Leadership is not a book about what to do as a leader. It is a book about how to be as a leader.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Kate Wharton\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLead On - CPAS e-newsletter, January 2019 Review by James Lawrence\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the start of the year it is good to take stock, to think and pray about the pressure and pace of life and leadership and any adjustments that it might be good to make for the year ahead. If you are planning to do that in any way, may I encourage you to get hold of Sustaining Leadership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann writes from personal experience of having 'four years in the wilderness of total fatigue'. This is an honest book. It recounts his descent into a place of fragility, and the stripping away of many of the things he relied on to bolster his own sense of identity. He reflects that there are 'no words to describe the density of the darkness and the intensity of the isolation.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen follow chapters that helpfully explore the relationship between self-care and self-sacrifice, ways of identifying 'hurry sickness', symptoms of burn out and stress, the place of boundary keeping and Sabbath disciplines. The insights are well illustrated from a wide variety of sources, and contain short perceptive comments that make you think: for example 'margin is the vital space between your load and your limits.' The final chapters on soul food and holding onto hope introduce practical ways to self-compassion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership will make a good companion for a Quiet Day or a month of reflecting on yourself through January. Heed its wise insights, and we may find ourselves in a more sustainable place as leaders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by James Lawrence, Director CPAS\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times, 12 October 2018. Review by Peter Selby, former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee beyond the small size of this book to an offering of generosity and wide-ranging wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts generosity lies in Paul Swann's writing about his experience of illness without holding much back: he invites us into his experience of chronic fatigue. We are given a graphic, though not over-dramatised, account of the terrible toll that ME took on the author.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven more significant is the particular distress that burnout brings to a person of great talent and deep commitment, when he reaches the point when he has to say, 'I can't do this any more.' Fragility - to put it mildly - was what he encountered as he 'hit the buffers'; then fragility was what had gradually to be emerged from, and then, as its meaning became clear, to be embraced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, the first third of the book is about that experience, although even as we read it we have the sense that faith, though tested, never totally lost its ability to provide perspective and meaning in his suffering. That perspective is the foundation for the wisdom in the next hundred pages: the practical necessity as well as the spiritual importance of self-care, particularly for the most energetic, creative, and committed, who find self-care hardest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn many sermons, the Pauline image of the clay pot - to which Swann refers a great deal - can remain a general comment about ministerial humility rather than pointing to specific vulnerabilities that need specific remedies and responses. It is because this author gets specific that this book is lifted above well-meaning exhortation to be both challenging and of practical use to those who find it hard in practice to accept the subtitle's message that 'You are more important than your ministry.' The many examples of vulnerability and practical self-care are supported by a wide selection of biblical citation and the wider reading that was, no doubt, part of the author's self-care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside all that is worth while in the book, there remain some questions. Surely, a more artistic and nourishing front-cover design would have portrayed the book more accurately. And isn't the subtitle rather than the title the real message of this book? It is for everyone, not just, or even mainly, 'leaders'? The book is at least partly a critique of what the designation 'leader' engenders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYet, if this is a book for everyone, it especially challenges those who have oversight of others' ministry. I happen to have been the bishop involved in the author's call to undertake the special challenge of growing and enlivening a church in the centre of Worcester. It is hardly a decision that I can regret, given all the good that has flowed from it. But, since the disintegration and the reintegration that this book describes are also what (in part) flowed from that decision, I found the book a particular challenge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking at my former ministry, I ask myself, in gladly appointing some of our strongest people to the hardest tasks, are we as aware as we need to be of the particular support and resourcing needs that such colleagues have? Or do we just hope that the talented and the committed will find their own way of avoiding burnout? That goes along with a more searching question: how well are we ourselves modelling self-care?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this gentle author also knows how to use examples that challenge lightly; so if you ever catch yourself not completing the two minutes that your electric toothbrush allows, remember it's not just your teeth that you're not caring for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by t\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003ehe Rt Revd Dr Peter Selby, a former Bishop of Worcester\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat happens when you realise that the work you love is making you sick?\u003cbr\u003eThis gem of a book traces the story of how a capable Christian leader experiences such physical and emotional disintegration that he hears himself saying to his bishop, 'I can't do this any more'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLucid and concise, Paul Swann's book is an essay in practical spirituality, one that is based on grace rather than our own attempts at self-justifying significance. The central argument is that, with a proper understanding of our belovedness as God's children, and a clear view of God's loving character, we can be freed to care for ourselves and live healthy, grateful lives. How many of us, not just Christian leaders, need to learn this lesson?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is the way the writer communicates the reality of grace in the midst his own sense of failure and weakness which distinguishes this book: 'One day, as I was struggling with low self-esteem and the battle to recover... I complained to God, 'This is too hard for me to do!' Swiftly and firmly, but with extreme gentleness, came the response: 'Is it too hard to be my son?'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInsights from films like Wonder Woman, spiritual writers like Margery Kempe, storytellers such as Lewis Carroll and theologians like Walter Breuggemann, combine with Paul Swann's own experience of reintegration to make the book a compelling read. The lesson that every Christian minister - every human being - needs to hear is brought home with elegance and power: you are more important than what you do. Get hold of this book and read it slowly. If I could, I would buy a copy for every church leader I know.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRevd Canon Steve Coneys, Mission and Growth Advisor, Canterbury Diocese\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by John Pellowe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a real challenge to church leaders to take better care of themselves and to more intentionally build up the local church they serve. Paul Swann's story of his descent into illness, burnout, and depression is mercifully short (one chapter) but it is sufficient to help people who have not had a similar experience to understand what it is really like, and how much they are suffering something real. He gave me a real empathy for those who suffered as he did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI really thought it helpful how he framed his situation - 'fragility' is such a good word! We are all fragile people and need to accept that fragility is part of our human condition. No one is impervious to what this writer experienced. The two chapters on emerging from fragility and embracing fragility are very practical and inspirational. Paul has redeemed his story of recovery in sharing it with others, and much good will come of it, I'm sure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of the book is full of great ideas to build strength into the people of the Church so that we can better serve those in the world around us who are suffering, as well as protecting ourselves from suffering as Paul did.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen I finished the book, my thought was, 'How much more effective the Church would be if we all caught on to the principles and practices outlined in the book!'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by John Pellowe, CEO Canadian Council of Christian Charities\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Timothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the world in which we live, everyone wants to be seen as perfect. We gloss over the failures, claim insight after the event which wasn't there at the time, even post our best selfies on social media. We long to be seen as successful, and to be liked by all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what happens when it all goes wrong? When you're made redundant? Or you're broken by the expectations placed on you? Especially if you're supposed to be in Christian ministry?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul Swann has helpfully broken this book into small digestible chunks, with loads of practical advice. If you're in pain, or struggling in any way. Even if you're just feeling a little weary or burdened, then you can flick through it and find something which resonates before working out from there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaul observes that burnout doesn't suddenly happen. Rather it creeps up on us over time. We all need the advice he gives for maintaining ourselves. Buy this book, read it carefully, then keep it handy so that you can dip into it regularly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTimothy Marlow, Business Consultant and IT Director\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Steve Chase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSustaining Leadership is written from the reality of Paul Swann's own personal journey through the difficult challenges of leadership and life. He writes with honesty, great vulnerability and deep self-awareness. Sharing lessons hard learnt in the weakness of his humanity, Paul takes the reader gently into some of the places we so often avoid. He offers proven examples from his own faith journey, along with insights from the lives of those who gone before, that our most authentic identity is found in being loved by God. Paul encourages the discovery of that authentic place of 'being', from which all can learn to love well, live well and lead well! I have already brought 3 copies and passed them on!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSteve Chase\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":2852996513892,"title":"The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan","handle":"the-adventure-cruise-midweek-and-holiday-club-programme-a-ready-to-roll-five-day-holiday-club-or-12-week-midweek-club-plan","description":"\u003cp\u003eExciting programme suggestions for use with both holiday clubs and midweek clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of fun-filled activities for 5-11s. Cruise six 'C's and meet people along the way whose lives changed course when they met Jesus. Discover their stories through the six 'C's of choice, courage, call, change, commitment and challenge, and find out how we too can get on board with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the six themes is unpacked through an exciting mix of songs; up-front talks and theme illustrations; team challenges; daily dramas with the ever-popular Watt family; crafts; games; puppet sketches; dramatised Bible stories; quizzes and funsheets, all provided off-the-peg and ready to roll. There are also hints and tips for setting up your club, suggested programme outlines, creative prayer activities, downloadable MP3s of all the songs; templates for posters, badges, invitations and registration sheets; and ideas for an extra event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for 5-11s in midweek and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of simple, fun-to-do activities. We'll be cruising the six 'C's, meeting people along the way who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. First of all there is the 'C' of Choice, then Courage, Call, Change, Commitment and Challenge. Just like the people we meet in the Bible stories about Jesus, we have choices to make, many of which will involve a great deal of courage. As Christians, we believe that God calls us to meet with Jesus and allow him to change our lives. God is committed to us and, when we choose to follow him, we too must be committed - to God and to one another. Often our choice challenges us to make a change which is well worth making, so don't miss out: step aboard as we sail away on The Adventure Cruise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e contains all the essential ingredients for a successful, easy-to-run midweek or holiday club programme, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongs: Songs that we learn as children stay with us right through our lives. They are a wonderful way of planting biblical truths in a fun way. Children love helping with actions for songs, so why not ask for volunteers to join those who are leading the actions, to demonstrate them for the rest of the children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening talks: A short talk to introduce the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheme illustrations and challenges: A fun way of getting children involved in the upfront times, plus a creative way to illustrate the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Watt family serial drama: The Watt family find themselves battling against pirates on a modern cruise liner. Yes, pirates still exist - but they are not exciting heroes, just a bunch of crooks. The Watt family save the day on the adventure cruise of a lifetime. The daily instalments can be performed by a drama group, listened to on CD (visit www. johnhardwick.org.uk) or read as an adventure story. The Watt family serial drama helps set the scene and leaves the children on a cliff hanger each time, ensuring that they are keen to return to hear the next episode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafts: A range of simple crafts ideas that fit with the theme of the programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGames: Team games for the children to enjoy. Also good for spending excess energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuppet sketches: A fun way to introduce and reinforce the theme for the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick quiz questions: An ideal way to recap and reinforce in a fun way what the children have learnt. Also a way of earning points for the teams or tokens to spend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBible story narrations: Many children attending a holiday or midweek club know few stories from the Bible, so this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them. There are profound lessons to be learned from the amazing stories, so please never feel that we have outgrown them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayers: A quiet way to explore the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime fillers: Ideas for expanding the programme as required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemplates: Simple ideas for creating the publicity and administration items for your club.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadges, invitation cards, registration form and presentation poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotocopy permission is given on all scripts and music notation for the theme songs and memory verses, as well as the templates for the crafts, publicity, and administration forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe songs within The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme are available on a CD directly from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/johnhardwick.org.uk\/\"\u003eJohn Hardwick's website\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn works under the banner of Counties and Children Worldwide to present the Christian message in an exciting way, which will appeal to children of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is an all-age worship leader at Spring Harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e offers resources for a nautically themed holiday club or midweek programme. Unlike the other books reviewed here, it does not cater for all ages, but is entirely for children. Besides giving useful advice for those running a club for the first time, John Hardwick offers a wide range of resources, including dramas, crafts, games, and teaching. There is a good structure, but choices need to be made, demanding a significant degree of engagement with the material. The BRF has a track record of producing good holiday-club resources. \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T11:20:21+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T11:22:18+00:00","vendor":"John Hardwick","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","PDF"],"price":1199,"price_min":1199,"price_max":1199,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24423134658660,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841018409","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1199,"weight":306,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841018409","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":24423262716004,"title":"PDF Download","option1":"PDF Download","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"Down8409","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8939917115492,"product_id":2852996513892,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-20T11:29:17+00:00","updated_at":"2020-05-20T17:19:53+01:00","alt":null,"width":479,"height":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8409.jpg?v=1589991593","variant_ids":[24423262716004]},"available":true,"name":"The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan - PDF Download","public_title":"PDF Download","options":["PDF Download"],"price":1199,"weight":306,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"Down8409","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259440169099,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"width":479,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8409.jpg?v=1589991593"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8409.jpg?v=1589991593","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8409.jpg?v=1589991593","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259440169099,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"width":479,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8409.jpg?v=1589991593"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD8409.jpg?v=1589991593","width":479},{"alt":null,"id":3259439612043,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"width":479,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593","width":479}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eExciting programme suggestions for use with both holiday clubs and midweek clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of fun-filled activities for 5-11s. Cruise six 'C's and meet people along the way whose lives changed course when they met Jesus. Discover their stories through the six 'C's of choice, courage, call, change, commitment and challenge, and find out how we too can get on board with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the six themes is unpacked through an exciting mix of songs; up-front talks and theme illustrations; team challenges; daily dramas with the ever-popular Watt family; crafts; games; puppet sketches; dramatised Bible stories; quizzes and funsheets, all provided off-the-peg and ready to roll. There are also hints and tips for setting up your club, suggested programme outlines, creative prayer activities, downloadable MP3s of all the songs; templates for posters, badges, invitations and registration sheets; and ideas for an extra event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for 5-11s in midweek and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of simple, fun-to-do activities. We'll be cruising the six 'C's, meeting people along the way who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. First of all there is the 'C' of Choice, then Courage, Call, Change, Commitment and Challenge. Just like the people we meet in the Bible stories about Jesus, we have choices to make, many of which will involve a great deal of courage. As Christians, we believe that God calls us to meet with Jesus and allow him to change our lives. God is committed to us and, when we choose to follow him, we too must be committed - to God and to one another. Often our choice challenges us to make a change which is well worth making, so don't miss out: step aboard as we sail away on The Adventure Cruise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e contains all the essential ingredients for a successful, easy-to-run midweek or holiday club programme, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongs: Songs that we learn as children stay with us right through our lives. They are a wonderful way of planting biblical truths in a fun way. Children love helping with actions for songs, so why not ask for volunteers to join those who are leading the actions, to demonstrate them for the rest of the children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening talks: A short talk to introduce the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheme illustrations and challenges: A fun way of getting children involved in the upfront times, plus a creative way to illustrate the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Watt family serial drama: The Watt family find themselves battling against pirates on a modern cruise liner. Yes, pirates still exist - but they are not exciting heroes, just a bunch of crooks. The Watt family save the day on the adventure cruise of a lifetime. The daily instalments can be performed by a drama group, listened to on CD (visit www. johnhardwick.org.uk) or read as an adventure story. The Watt family serial drama helps set the scene and leaves the children on a cliff hanger each time, ensuring that they are keen to return to hear the next episode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafts: A range of simple crafts ideas that fit with the theme of the programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGames: Team games for the children to enjoy. Also good for spending excess energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuppet sketches: A fun way to introduce and reinforce the theme for the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick quiz questions: An ideal way to recap and reinforce in a fun way what the children have learnt. Also a way of earning points for the teams or tokens to spend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBible story narrations: Many children attending a holiday or midweek club know few stories from the Bible, so this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them. There are profound lessons to be learned from the amazing stories, so please never feel that we have outgrown them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayers: A quiet way to explore the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime fillers: Ideas for expanding the programme as required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemplates: Simple ideas for creating the publicity and administration items for your club.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadges, invitation cards, registration form and presentation poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotocopy permission is given on all scripts and music notation for the theme songs and memory verses, as well as the templates for the crafts, publicity, and administration forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe songs within The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme are available on a CD directly from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/johnhardwick.org.uk\/\"\u003eJohn Hardwick's website\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn works under the banner of Counties and Children Worldwide to present the Christian message in an exciting way, which will appeal to children of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is an all-age worship leader at Spring Harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e offers resources for a nautically themed holiday club or midweek programme. Unlike the other books reviewed here, it does not cater for all ages, but is entirely for children. Besides giving useful advice for those running a club for the first time, John Hardwick offers a wide range of resources, including dramas, crafts, games, and teaching. There is a good structure, but choices need to be made, demanding a significant degree of engagement with the material. The BRF has a track record of producing good holiday-club resources. \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan
£11.99
Exciting programme suggestions for use with both holiday clubs and midweek clubs. Pull up the anchor and get ready to...
{"id":6317254181055,"title":"The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics","handle":"the-art-of-peace-life-lessons-from-christian-mystics","description":"\u003cp\u003eDeep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it? More importantly, how does one maintain it in the midst of everyday life? Moving through sections on Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary, this book draws on the lived experience and learning of the author, as well as the wisdom of Christian contemplatives and mystics from the past, to help people walk the mystic path of peace through life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole (aka Brother Cassian) is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. His books include \u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCeltic Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018), \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2020).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2022. Review by Janet Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI glanced through this book and felt that perhaps I should be practising contemplative prayer rather than reading about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, I did read it and found it comprehensive, deeply thoughtful and very helpful. Cole is a leader and spiritual guide in the Community of Aidan and Hilda, which seeks to apply lessons from the Celtic Church in Britain to the church of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is arranged in four sections which discuss Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary. Much of David Cole‘s advice is practical. For example, he suggests how the reader might engage in learning to slow down: meditating momentarily ─ small moments in the day when we take a few breaths and re-centre; then creating a small period of time in the day just to sit and Be; planning to withdraw weekly for perhaps half a day; and, if it can be arranged, having a longer time once a month. He also suggests, at various points in the book, that the reader stops reading, puts the book down and is simply still for a little while. In this way it almost becomes a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI particularly valued his pertinent examples from the works of other Christian mystics, including some favourites: Julian, the author of the Cloud of Unknowing and Meister Eckhart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy reading very slowly and including the recommended pauses, this workbook could provide a home-based retreat during these days when travelling is difficult. It could enhance our own sense of peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Janet Robinson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2021-2022. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole, known as Brother Cassian in his order, uses a mix of extracts from Christian mystics and his own experiences to accomplish his aim: ‘to transition the reader from being somebody interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to being a contemplative.’ He does this by considering four different areas: stillness, silence, solitude, sanctuary. He often challenges the reader by giving the instruction to stop reading, leave the book and practise, for example being still for a time. While the book is written in a relaxed, easily comprehensible style, the reader needs to accept the author’s terminology, most notably when he uses the term ‘the Divine’ as he feels the word ‘God’ is too limiting. His biblical quotations come from the Passion Translation, which often gives a fresh understanding of scripture. With his considerable awareness of Christian mystics of all ages and their works and his personal knowledge of the dispersed Community of Aidan and Hilda, David Cole provides material here for a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24.09.21. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole brings together writings, ancient and contemporary, under the themes of Stillness, Silence, Solitude, and Sanctuary. He starts with the need for stillness, drawing on Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, and Brother Lawrence, and inviting readers to slow down and stop intentionally, in order to ‘go and be’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis invitation seems to be particularly for those who have not previously tried stillness, silence, and contemplation. The author’s style is colloquial, and he mostly uses ‘the Divine’, in case ‘God’ carries un - helpful images. Similarly, scriptural quotes are often from contemporary versions such as the Passion Translation, so that scripture can be read with fresh eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCole next describes the pursuit of silence to find the Divine presence, and the part played by listening in ‘the sound of sheer silence’ (like Elijah). He also introduces the practice of wordlessness in God’s presence; the need to move away from the limitations of language to be with the one who is indescribable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Cole goes on to focus on solitude in the cell. This is balanced with being ‘alone together’, which he illustrates with the Way of Life in his own (dispersed) community, the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, Cole acknowledges that sometimes we need refuge or sanctuary, and explores reasons for this from Meister Eckhart, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, St John of the Cross, and Anthony de Mello. He advocates finding sanctuary in the Divine presence within. Cole also recognises that many find closeness to the Divine in the natural world, describing this with writings from the Eastern Orthodox tradition and elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo me, the various writings felt like a patchwork rather than a whole, but there is good material to explore, and references are provided for anyone wishing to follow up on a particular theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs his other books demonstrate, David Cole is a thought-provoking writer and \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is no different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocussing on four key themes of stillness, silence, solitude and sanctuary, Brother Cassian (as he is known in the new monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda) explores how Celtic tradition has influenced many aspects of spirituality. Add in to that material from other strands of thought from a range of writers and this is a very rich book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who are less familiar with contemplative approaches, this book provides a very good introduction. For those of us with some experience, there are helpful reminders of what may have been lost in the passing and rushing of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike much writing on Christian mysticism some sections (some paragraphs even) require reading more than once. ‘You will have picked up that oxymorons and paradoxes are part and parcel of mysticism,’ the author acknowledges. But it is worth the extra effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, at regularly intervals, the writer encourages the reader to stop, put the book down and reflect on the content of the relevant chapter. Using this book, he writes, ‘the reader will be able to transition from being someone interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to \u003cem\u003ebeing\u003c\/em\u003e a contemplative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is of course much more to it than that but \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is a very helpful thread in the tapestry of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-02-09T14:53:51+00:00","created_at":"2021-02-09T14:52:02+00:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","For individuals","Jun-21","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":38148387111103,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469922","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":175,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469922","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":15824307585215,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469922.jpg?v=1612882413","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eDeep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it? More importantly, how does one maintain it in the midst of everyday life? Moving through sections on Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary, this book draws on the lived experience and learning of the author, as well as the wisdom of Christian contemplatives and mystics from the past, to help people walk the mystic path of peace through life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole (aka Brother Cassian) is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. His books include \u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCeltic Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018), \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2020).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2022. Review by Janet Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI glanced through this book and felt that perhaps I should be practising contemplative prayer rather than reading about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, I did read it and found it comprehensive, deeply thoughtful and very helpful. Cole is a leader and spiritual guide in the Community of Aidan and Hilda, which seeks to apply lessons from the Celtic Church in Britain to the church of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is arranged in four sections which discuss Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary. Much of David Cole‘s advice is practical. For example, he suggests how the reader might engage in learning to slow down: meditating momentarily ─ small moments in the day when we take a few breaths and re-centre; then creating a small period of time in the day just to sit and Be; planning to withdraw weekly for perhaps half a day; and, if it can be arranged, having a longer time once a month. He also suggests, at various points in the book, that the reader stops reading, puts the book down and is simply still for a little while. In this way it almost becomes a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI particularly valued his pertinent examples from the works of other Christian mystics, including some favourites: Julian, the author of the Cloud of Unknowing and Meister Eckhart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy reading very slowly and including the recommended pauses, this workbook could provide a home-based retreat during these days when travelling is difficult. It could enhance our own sense of peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Janet Robinson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2021-2022. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole, known as Brother Cassian in his order, uses a mix of extracts from Christian mystics and his own experiences to accomplish his aim: ‘to transition the reader from being somebody interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to being a contemplative.’ He does this by considering four different areas: stillness, silence, solitude, sanctuary. He often challenges the reader by giving the instruction to stop reading, leave the book and practise, for example being still for a time. While the book is written in a relaxed, easily comprehensible style, the reader needs to accept the author’s terminology, most notably when he uses the term ‘the Divine’ as he feels the word ‘God’ is too limiting. His biblical quotations come from the Passion Translation, which often gives a fresh understanding of scripture. With his considerable awareness of Christian mystics of all ages and their works and his personal knowledge of the dispersed Community of Aidan and Hilda, David Cole provides material here for a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24.09.21. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole brings together writings, ancient and contemporary, under the themes of Stillness, Silence, Solitude, and Sanctuary. He starts with the need for stillness, drawing on Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, and Brother Lawrence, and inviting readers to slow down and stop intentionally, in order to ‘go and be’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis invitation seems to be particularly for those who have not previously tried stillness, silence, and contemplation. The author’s style is colloquial, and he mostly uses ‘the Divine’, in case ‘God’ carries un - helpful images. Similarly, scriptural quotes are often from contemporary versions such as the Passion Translation, so that scripture can be read with fresh eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCole next describes the pursuit of silence to find the Divine presence, and the part played by listening in ‘the sound of sheer silence’ (like Elijah). He also introduces the practice of wordlessness in God’s presence; the need to move away from the limitations of language to be with the one who is indescribable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Cole goes on to focus on solitude in the cell. This is balanced with being ‘alone together’, which he illustrates with the Way of Life in his own (dispersed) community, the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, Cole acknowledges that sometimes we need refuge or sanctuary, and explores reasons for this from Meister Eckhart, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, St John of the Cross, and Anthony de Mello. He advocates finding sanctuary in the Divine presence within. Cole also recognises that many find closeness to the Divine in the natural world, describing this with writings from the Eastern Orthodox tradition and elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo me, the various writings felt like a patchwork rather than a whole, but there is good material to explore, and references are provided for anyone wishing to follow up on a particular theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs his other books demonstrate, David Cole is a thought-provoking writer and \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is no different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocussing on four key themes of stillness, silence, solitude and sanctuary, Brother Cassian (as he is known in the new monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda) explores how Celtic tradition has influenced many aspects of spirituality. Add in to that material from other strands of thought from a range of writers and this is a very rich book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who are less familiar with contemplative approaches, this book provides a very good introduction. For those of us with some experience, there are helpful reminders of what may have been lost in the passing and rushing of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike much writing on Christian mysticism some sections (some paragraphs even) require reading more than once. ‘You will have picked up that oxymorons and paradoxes are part and parcel of mysticism,’ the author acknowledges. But it is worth the extra effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, at regularly intervals, the writer encourages the reader to stop, put the book down and reflect on the content of the relevant chapter. Using this book, he writes, ‘the reader will be able to transition from being someone interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to \u003cem\u003ebeing\u003c\/em\u003e a contemplative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is of course much more to it than that but \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is a very helpful thread in the tapestry of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics
£8.99
Deep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it?...
{"id":14683945894268,"title":"The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics","handle":"the-art-of-peace-life-lessons-from-christian-mystics-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDeep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it? More importantly, how does one maintain it in the midst of everyday life? Moving through sections on Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary, this book draws on the lived experience and learning of the author, as well as the wisdom of Christian contemplatives and mystics from the past, to help people walk the mystic path of peace through life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole (aka Brother Cassian) is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. His books include \u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCeltic Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018), \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2020).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2022. Review by Janet Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI glanced through this book and felt that perhaps I should be practising contemplative prayer rather than reading about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, I did read it and found it comprehensive, deeply thoughtful and very helpful. Cole is a leader and spiritual guide in the Community of Aidan and Hilda, which seeks to apply lessons from the Celtic Church in Britain to the church of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is arranged in four sections which discuss Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary. Much of David Cole‘s advice is practical. For example, he suggests how the reader might engage in learning to slow down: meditating momentarily ─ small moments in the day when we take a few breaths and re-centre; then creating a small period of time in the day just to sit and Be; planning to withdraw weekly for perhaps half a day; and, if it can be arranged, having a longer time once a month. He also suggests, at various points in the book, that the reader stops reading, puts the book down and is simply still for a little while. In this way it almost becomes a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI particularly valued his pertinent examples from the works of other Christian mystics, including some favourites: Julian, the author of the Cloud of Unknowing and Meister Eckhart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy reading very slowly and including the recommended pauses, this workbook could provide a home-based retreat during these days when travelling is difficult. It could enhance our own sense of peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Janet Robinson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2021-2022. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole, known as Brother Cassian in his order, uses a mix of extracts from Christian mystics and his own experiences to accomplish his aim: ‘to transition the reader from being somebody interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to being a contemplative.’ He does this by considering four different areas: stillness, silence, solitude, sanctuary. He often challenges the reader by giving the instruction to stop reading, leave the book and practise, for example being still for a time. While the book is written in a relaxed, easily comprehensible style, the reader needs to accept the author’s terminology, most notably when he uses the term ‘the Divine’ as he feels the word ‘God’ is too limiting. His biblical quotations come from the Passion Translation, which often gives a fresh understanding of scripture. With his considerable awareness of Christian mystics of all ages and their works and his personal knowledge of the dispersed Community of Aidan and Hilda, David Cole provides material here for a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24.09.21. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole brings together writings, ancient and contemporary, under the themes of Stillness, Silence, Solitude, and Sanctuary. He starts with the need for stillness, drawing on Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, and Brother Lawrence, and inviting readers to slow down and stop intentionally, in order to ‘go and be’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis invitation seems to be particularly for those who have not previously tried stillness, silence, and contemplation. The author’s style is colloquial, and he mostly uses ‘the Divine’, in case ‘God’ carries un - helpful images. Similarly, scriptural quotes are often from contemporary versions such as the Passion Translation, so that scripture can be read with fresh eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCole next describes the pursuit of silence to find the Divine presence, and the part played by listening in ‘the sound of sheer silence’ (like Elijah). He also introduces the practice of wordlessness in God’s presence; the need to move away from the limitations of language to be with the one who is indescribable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Cole goes on to focus on solitude in the cell. This is balanced with being ‘alone together’, which he illustrates with the Way of Life in his own (dispersed) community, the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, Cole acknowledges that sometimes we need refuge or sanctuary, and explores reasons for this from Meister Eckhart, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, St John of the Cross, and Anthony de Mello. He advocates finding sanctuary in the Divine presence within. Cole also recognises that many find closeness to the Divine in the natural world, describing this with writings from the Eastern Orthodox tradition and elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo me, the various writings felt like a patchwork rather than a whole, but there is good material to explore, and references are provided for anyone wishing to follow up on a particular theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs his other books demonstrate, David Cole is a thought-provoking writer and \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is no different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocussing on four key themes of stillness, silence, solitude and sanctuary, Brother Cassian (as he is known in the new monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda) explores how Celtic tradition has influenced many aspects of spirituality. Add in to that material from other strands of thought from a range of writers and this is a very rich book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who are less familiar with contemplative approaches, this book provides a very good introduction. For those of us with some experience, there are helpful reminders of what may have been lost in the passing and rushing of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike much writing on Christian mysticism some sections (some paragraphs even) require reading more than once. ‘You will have picked up that oxymorons and paradoxes are part and parcel of mysticism,’ the author acknowledges. But it is worth the extra effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, at regularly intervals, the writer encourages the reader to stop, put the book down and reflect on the content of the relevant chapter. Using this book, he writes, ‘the reader will be able to transition from being someone interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to \u003cem\u003ebeing\u003c\/em\u003e a contemplative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is of course much more to it than that but \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is a very helpful thread in the tapestry of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-21T14:14:44+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-21T14:12:48+01:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"eBook","tags":["Anna Chaplaincy books","For individuals","Glassboxx","Jun-21","Prayer","Spirituality"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53597999661436,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469939","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":175,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469939","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/47.png?v=1729787138","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/48.png?v=1729787137"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/47.png?v=1729787138","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62917502828924,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/47.png?v=1729787138"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/47.png?v=1729787138","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62917502796156,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/48.png?v=1729787137"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/48.png?v=1729787137","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDeep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how does one attain it? More importantly, how does one maintain it in the midst of everyday life? Moving through sections on Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary, this book draws on the lived experience and learning of the author, as well as the wisdom of Christian contemplatives and mystics from the past, to help people walk the mystic path of peace through life.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole (aka Brother Cassian) is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. His books include \u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eCeltic Lent\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2018), \u003cem\u003eCeltic Saints\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Celtic Year\u003c\/em\u003e (BRF, 2020).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Julian Meetings Magazine, April 2022. Review by Janet Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI glanced through this book and felt that perhaps I should be practising contemplative prayer rather than reading about it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, I did read it and found it comprehensive, deeply thoughtful and very helpful. Cole is a leader and spiritual guide in the Community of Aidan and Hilda, which seeks to apply lessons from the Celtic Church in Britain to the church of today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book is arranged in four sections which discuss Stillness, Silence, Solitude and Sanctuary. Much of David Cole‘s advice is practical. For example, he suggests how the reader might engage in learning to slow down: meditating momentarily ─ small moments in the day when we take a few breaths and re-centre; then creating a small period of time in the day just to sit and Be; planning to withdraw weekly for perhaps half a day; and, if it can be arranged, having a longer time once a month. He also suggests, at various points in the book, that the reader stops reading, puts the book down and is simply still for a little while. In this way it almost becomes a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI particularly valued his pertinent examples from the works of other Christian mystics, including some favourites: Julian, the author of the Cloud of Unknowing and Meister Eckhart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy reading very slowly and including the recommended pauses, this workbook could provide a home-based retreat during these days when travelling is difficult. It could enhance our own sense of peace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Janet Robinson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry, winter 2021-2022. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole, known as Brother Cassian in his order, uses a mix of extracts from Christian mystics and his own experiences to accomplish his aim: ‘to transition the reader from being somebody interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to being a contemplative.’ He does this by considering four different areas: stillness, silence, solitude, sanctuary. He often challenges the reader by giving the instruction to stop reading, leave the book and practise, for example being still for a time. While the book is written in a relaxed, easily comprehensible style, the reader needs to accept the author’s terminology, most notably when he uses the term ‘the Divine’ as he feels the word ‘God’ is too limiting. His biblical quotations come from the Passion Translation, which often gives a fresh understanding of scripture. With his considerable awareness of Christian mystics of all ages and their works and his personal knowledge of the dispersed Community of Aidan and Hilda, David Cole provides material here for a retreat in book form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 24.09.21. Review by Anne Spalding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole brings together writings, ancient and contemporary, under the themes of Stillness, Silence, Solitude, and Sanctuary. He starts with the need for stillness, drawing on Evelyn Underhill, Thomas Merton, Julian of Norwich, and Brother Lawrence, and inviting readers to slow down and stop intentionally, in order to ‘go and be’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis invitation seems to be particularly for those who have not previously tried stillness, silence, and contemplation. The author’s style is colloquial, and he mostly uses ‘the Divine’, in case ‘God’ carries un - helpful images. Similarly, scriptural quotes are often from contemporary versions such as the Passion Translation, so that scripture can be read with fresh eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCole next describes the pursuit of silence to find the Divine presence, and the part played by listening in ‘the sound of sheer silence’ (like Elijah). He also introduces the practice of wordlessness in God’s presence; the need to move away from the limitations of language to be with the one who is indescribable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on the Desert Fathers and Mothers, Cole goes on to focus on solitude in the cell. This is balanced with being ‘alone together’, which he illustrates with the Way of Life in his own (dispersed) community, the Community of Aidan and Hilda.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLastly, Cole acknowledges that sometimes we need refuge or sanctuary, and explores reasons for this from Meister Eckhart, the author of The Cloud of Unknowing, St John of the Cross, and Anthony de Mello. He advocates finding sanctuary in the Divine presence within. Cole also recognises that many find closeness to the Divine in the natural world, describing this with writings from the Eastern Orthodox tradition and elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo me, the various writings felt like a patchwork rather than a whole, but there is good material to explore, and references are provided for anyone wishing to follow up on a particular theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDr Anne Spalding is a member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis, and lives in Suffolk\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Richard Frost\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs his other books demonstrate, David Cole is a thought-provoking writer and \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is no different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFocussing on four key themes of stillness, silence, solitude and sanctuary, Brother Cassian (as he is known in the new monastic Community of Aidan and Hilda) explores how Celtic tradition has influenced many aspects of spirituality. Add in to that material from other strands of thought from a range of writers and this is a very rich book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who are less familiar with contemplative approaches, this book provides a very good introduction. For those of us with some experience, there are helpful reminders of what may have been lost in the passing and rushing of time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike much writing on Christian mysticism some sections (some paragraphs even) require reading more than once. ‘You will have picked up that oxymorons and paradoxes are part and parcel of mysticism,’ the author acknowledges. But it is worth the extra effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelpfully, at regularly intervals, the writer encourages the reader to stop, put the book down and reflect on the content of the relevant chapter. Using this book, he writes, ‘the reader will be able to transition from being someone interested in, or simply practising, contemplation to \u003cem\u003ebeing\u003c\/em\u003e a contemplative.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is of course much more to it than that but \u003cem\u003eThe Art of Peace\u003c\/em\u003e is a very helpful thread in the tapestry of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Art of Peace: Life lessons from Christian mystics
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Digital eBook Only - Deep inner peace and peace of mind with spiritual balance is something everyone wants, but how...
{"id":5441437532312,"title":"The Barnabas 365 Story Bible","handle":"the-barnabas-365-story-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Bible retold for younger children in 365 much-loved stories. It offers a continuous narrative from Genesis to Revelation in chronological order and is illustrated by a variety of popular artists. Each story includes the relevant Bible reference so that readers can explore further if they wish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Ann Wright is a trained teacher and experienced author. She has written a large number of books for children, including several retellings of well-loved Bible stories. Married with four children, she lives just outside London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-07-07T11:09:07+01:00","created_at":"2020-07-07T11:05:26+01:00","vendor":"Sally Ann Wright","type":"Hardback","tags":["Bibles","Children and family ministry","For children"],"price":1299,"price_min":1299,"price_max":1299,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":35117334069400,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463531","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Barnabas 365 Story Bible","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":1299,"weight":877,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463531","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":10012135358616,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.746,"height":1800,"width":1342,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419"},"aspect_ratio":0.746,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463531.jpg?v=1594116419","width":1342}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis is the Bible retold for younger children in 365 much-loved stories. It offers a continuous narrative from Genesis to Revelation in chronological order and is illustrated by a variety of popular artists. Each story includes the relevant Bible reference so that readers can explore further if they wish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Ann Wright is a trained teacher and experienced author. She has written a large number of books for children, including several retellings of well-loved Bible stories. Married with four children, she lives just outside London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Barnabas 365 Story Bible
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This is the Bible retold for younger children in 365 much-loved stories. It offers a continuous narrative from Genesis to...
{"id":2439748321380,"title":"The Barnabas Family Bible","handle":"the-barnabas-family-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn essential resource for families to share together\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is designed to equip parents and carers to look at key Bible passages with their children in a structured way. Differing from a children's Bible in that it is written to promote an interactive family study time, it contains 110 key extracts, using the Contemporary English Version of the Bible text and spanning the whole Bible narrative. Each section includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommentary on the passage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuestions to discuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual aid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivity idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey verse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld or New Testament story link\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuidance and support for sharing faith as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA family-friendly overview of the Bible story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA selection of best-loved Bible passages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFurther resources to support families and family Bible study\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"interview\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane and Martyn introduce the Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how the Christian faith was passed on to you. Did you read Bible stories together at home? How did your parents encourage you to pray? Was God ever mentioned in everyday life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll current research on faith development affirms that if faith isn't passed on, lived out and nurtured in the home, we can't then reasonably expect children and grandchildren to catch that faith. For too long, particularly in the Protestant Church, we have over-relied on our Sunday worship as the key way to pass on the good news to the next generation. But how on earth can 40 minutes of Sunday school once a week and the occasional family service ever be expected to nurture a deep and real encounter with God for our children? Unless we experience God's presence in the everyday of our weekday lives, faith is highly likely to remain sheltered, shallow and vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF has been building on these insights for some years now and, in partnership with others, has sought to put faith nurture back in the hands of parents and carers. The publication this autumn of The Barnabas Family Bible will be a huge help in this respect. For each of its 110 key Bible stories there is a wealth of support material designed to equip parents and carers to explore those stories creatively with children in the home environment. There are suggestions for family activities and ideas for prayer and visual aids, as well as a short commentary on each passage that applies its teaching to the cut and thrust of family life today. As such it will be an invaluable resource to those parents and carers who long to help their children enjoy the Bible and who also, along with their children, want to hear how God can speak to them and be with them seven days a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis publication from BRF also contains helpful guidelines for parents and carers about passing on our faith within the family, on topics such as prayer, reading the Bible together and handling difficult questions. It will also, we believe, prove to be a really useful tool for leaders of all-age worship who are looking for inspiration to bring Bible stories to life when children are present in services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoses advised all the people of God to talk about his laws together and 'to tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking on the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning' (Deuteronomy 6:7, CEV). This is the way to pass on our Christian faith - not necessarily needing to find more hours in an already overstretched schedule but to find God in your existing life pattern; to find God in the everyday. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e offers to help parents and children today to do just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nBible Society believes that every child has the right to experience the Bible for themselves and that's why we're excited to be partnering with BRF in the publication of The Barnabas Family Bible. This book encourages families to sit and explore the riches of the Bible together, reading the Bible text of 110 popular stories while delving deeper through activities, questions and prayers. Millions of people around the world have grown up with the Bible stories. It is our hope that The Barnabas Family Bible will enable families to keep the Bible alive for another generation. James Catford, Group Chief Executive, Bible Society\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from April\/May 2015 Childrenswork magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is for parents, grandparents, carers and anyone of a similar nature, but this resource would still work in a small group setting. The book provides 100 stories with an activity idea, a visual aid, key verse and questions for each story. It's a refreshing change to see a few stories in here that other resources haven't explored such as sill-sleeping Eutychus, Rahab and the spies and Revelation. The bright cover is unfortunately where the bold colours stop as each story is displayed using only black and white text. The activities and visual aid section for each story gives you detailed ideas of what to use to fill this gap but requires a little more preparation time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used this resource with my own children who are four, seven and ten. With that wide an age range it was clear that there was something for each of them in each story but that some elements are a bit advanced for younger children. The visual aids and activities however do provide a chance for them to all do something together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere isn't a suggested time for each story which is fine because some stories needed more time to unpack and some needed to be picked up again at another time. The commentaries for each story are great if you need to better summarise the story but can't do so in your own words. There is a helpful section at the back if you are trying something like this for the first time, with tips on how to pray as a family and ideas on how to establish a time for these activities. This is a solid resource, making these stories relatable and easier to understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLloyd Kinsley, Premier Childrenswork\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pobl Dewi, Diocese of St David's March 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a fantastic gem to have in your homes, churches, Sunday schools and children's clubs - it's a book to be used and not left on the shelf. The Barnabas Family Bible is an excellent resource and contains 110 essential Bible stories for families - grandparents, parents, carers or anyone who has the privilege and responsibility of caring for children - which they can share together. It contains a superb range of stories from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Each story is presented on a double page with the reading on one side and, on the other, a variety of different ways to engage with the biblical passage which includes a short commentary and questions that can be used around the food table or in a group. Other suggestions are also included under the headings 'visual aid', 'activity idea' and 'prayer idea', with an Old or New Testament story link. There doesn't seem to be a suggested time limit on the activities or how many days you spend on a particular story and this would have been beneficial, especially for different age ranges. This vibrant, colourful cover catches the eye immediately and gives the impression that the book contains a fluidity of colour. Unfortunately, when you open it up the vibrant colour disappears and you are left with grayscale throughout; for toddlers there do not seem to be any pictures that could captivate their imagination and engage with the story. What I found encouraging was, at the back of the book, there is a section called 'Guidance and Support'. It is written for adults to be inspired and to play an active role in sharing and exploring their faith with their children, and the way in which faith is lived out. The guidance and support engages with reading the Bible together, handling difficult questions, praying as a family and more. There is also a section that covers best-loved Bible passages and a page with further resources for you to explore. This is a simple, fun and engaging resource that can be used to nurture families in the faith. Although it lacks in presentation I recommend this book and encourage you to share it with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Victoria Jon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the STAR News - Diocese of Peterborough November 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful Bible for the whole family to enjoy together. The stories are easy to read and have a commentary alongside them, and a number of reflective questions to consider. These are all really useful, as they help to put the story into context, allowing children to understand why it was written and how it may be relevant to us today. There is also a suggestion for a visual aid, an activity related to the story, and a prayer idea. The Bible is written for adults to read with their children, as it has no pictures and may be hard for younger children to read themselves. Having read and enjoyed some of the activities with my children, my 8 year old daughter, Molly, said that this Bible is 'Outstanding, because it has lots of really fun activities to do. Can we keep it?' It would also be useful for Children's and Families workers to use when planning services and Sunday school lessons. Well worth investing in!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eby Evie McNally (and Molly, aged 8)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Well - Autumn 2014 Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction says, 'Family is a big idea... Wherever children are being nurtured in love by significant adults in their lives, there is family.' And this book of Bible stories, commentary and activities gives a brilliant opportunity for families of all kinds to explore God's word together in an interesting, accessible and interactive way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStories span the whole Bible narrative, taken from the Old and New Testament, from the flood in Genesis to the battle of Jericho, through the story of Nehemiah to the life of Jesus and the early Church. Alongside each one a brief commentary is offered as well as some questions to reflect on, prayer and activity suggestions and a visual aid. It gives a helpful and creative selection of ways to engage with the story meaningfully, allowing you to 'pick and mix' ideas depending on time available, ages of family members and how deep everyone wants to explore the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTowards the end there's also a valuable section that offers guidance and support in\u003cbr\u003eusing the book, suggesting ways to set time aside, engaging with the stories as part of a regular family routine and reminding adults that we don't have to know all the answers! There's much on these pages that parents, carers, grandparents or readers of any kind will find hugely beneficial when engaging with the Bible and its stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's worth mentioning that whilst it covers a significant number of stories there are no\u003cbr\u003ereferences to Psalms or Paul's letters, but despite this it takes families on a superb\u003cbr\u003ejourney through God's big story. This is a fantastic addition to any family's library\u003cbr\u003eand comes highly recommended for those working with them too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail Adcock - Family Ministries Development Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:33+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:34+00:00","vendor":"Martyn Payne","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bibles","For children","Sep-14"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769055338596,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841017136","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":7436544016484,"product_id":2439748321380,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-01-18T15:20:34+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-01T17:46:13+00:00","alt":null,"width":650,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173","variant_ids":[21769055338596]},"available":true,"name":"The Barnabas Family Bible - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":477,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841017136","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3238875037835,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238875037835,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"width":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841017136-l.jpg?v=1549043173","width":650}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eAn essential resource for families to share together\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is designed to equip parents and carers to look at key Bible passages with their children in a structured way. Differing from a children's Bible in that it is written to promote an interactive family study time, it contains 110 key extracts, using the Contemporary English Version of the Bible text and spanning the whole Bible narrative. Each section includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCommentary on the passage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuestions to discuss\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisual aid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivity idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer idea\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKey verse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOld or New Testament story link\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGuidance and support for sharing faith as a family\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA family-friendly overview of the Bible story\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA selection of best-loved Bible passages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFurther resources to support families and family Bible study\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ca id=\"interview\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane and Martyn introduce the Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI wonder how the Christian faith was passed on to you. Did you read Bible stories together at home? How did your parents encourage you to pray? Was God ever mentioned in everyday life?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll current research on faith development affirms that if faith isn't passed on, lived out and nurtured in the home, we can't then reasonably expect children and grandchildren to catch that faith. For too long, particularly in the Protestant Church, we have over-relied on our Sunday worship as the key way to pass on the good news to the next generation. But how on earth can 40 minutes of Sunday school once a week and the occasional family service ever be expected to nurture a deep and real encounter with God for our children? Unless we experience God's presence in the everyday of our weekday lives, faith is highly likely to remain sheltered, shallow and vulnerable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBRF has been building on these insights for some years now and, in partnership with others, has sought to put faith nurture back in the hands of parents and carers. The publication this autumn of The Barnabas Family Bible will be a huge help in this respect. For each of its 110 key Bible stories there is a wealth of support material designed to equip parents and carers to explore those stories creatively with children in the home environment. There are suggestions for family activities and ideas for prayer and visual aids, as well as a short commentary on each passage that applies its teaching to the cut and thrust of family life today. As such it will be an invaluable resource to those parents and carers who long to help their children enjoy the Bible and who also, along with their children, want to hear how God can speak to them and be with them seven days a week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis publication from BRF also contains helpful guidelines for parents and carers about passing on our faith within the family, on topics such as prayer, reading the Bible together and handling difficult questions. It will also, we believe, prove to be a really useful tool for leaders of all-age worship who are looking for inspiration to bring Bible stories to life when children are present in services.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMoses advised all the people of God to talk about his laws together and 'to tell them to your children over and over again. Talk about them all the time, whether you're at home or walking on the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning' (Deuteronomy 6:7, CEV). This is the way to pass on our Christian faith - not necessarily needing to find more hours in an already overstretched schedule but to find God in your existing life pattern; to find God in the everyday. \u003cstrong\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible\u003c\/strong\u003e offers to help parents and children today to do just that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\nBible Society believes that every child has the right to experience the Bible for themselves and that's why we're excited to be partnering with BRF in the publication of The Barnabas Family Bible. This book encourages families to sit and explore the riches of the Bible together, reading the Bible text of 110 popular stories while delving deeper through activities, questions and prayers. Millions of people around the world have grown up with the Bible stories. It is our hope that The Barnabas Family Bible will enable families to keep the Bible alive for another generation. James Catford, Group Chief Executive, Bible Society\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview from April\/May 2015 Childrenswork magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Barnabas Family Bible is for parents, grandparents, carers and anyone of a similar nature, but this resource would still work in a small group setting. The book provides 100 stories with an activity idea, a visual aid, key verse and questions for each story. It's a refreshing change to see a few stories in here that other resources haven't explored such as sill-sleeping Eutychus, Rahab and the spies and Revelation. The bright cover is unfortunately where the bold colours stop as each story is displayed using only black and white text. The activities and visual aid section for each story gives you detailed ideas of what to use to fill this gap but requires a little more preparation time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used this resource with my own children who are four, seven and ten. With that wide an age range it was clear that there was something for each of them in each story but that some elements are a bit advanced for younger children. The visual aids and activities however do provide a chance for them to all do something together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere isn't a suggested time for each story which is fine because some stories needed more time to unpack and some needed to be picked up again at another time. The commentaries for each story are great if you need to better summarise the story but can't do so in your own words. There is a helpful section at the back if you are trying something like this for the first time, with tips on how to pray as a family and ideas on how to establish a time for these activities. This is a solid resource, making these stories relatable and easier to understand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLloyd Kinsley, Premier Childrenswork\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Pobl Dewi, Diocese of St David's March 2015\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a fantastic gem to have in your homes, churches, Sunday schools and children's clubs - it's a book to be used and not left on the shelf. The Barnabas Family Bible is an excellent resource and contains 110 essential Bible stories for families - grandparents, parents, carers or anyone who has the privilege and responsibility of caring for children - which they can share together. It contains a superb range of stories from the book of Genesis to the book of Revelation. Each story is presented on a double page with the reading on one side and, on the other, a variety of different ways to engage with the biblical passage which includes a short commentary and questions that can be used around the food table or in a group. Other suggestions are also included under the headings 'visual aid', 'activity idea' and 'prayer idea', with an Old or New Testament story link. There doesn't seem to be a suggested time limit on the activities or how many days you spend on a particular story and this would have been beneficial, especially for different age ranges. This vibrant, colourful cover catches the eye immediately and gives the impression that the book contains a fluidity of colour. Unfortunately, when you open it up the vibrant colour disappears and you are left with grayscale throughout; for toddlers there do not seem to be any pictures that could captivate their imagination and engage with the story. What I found encouraging was, at the back of the book, there is a section called 'Guidance and Support'. It is written for adults to be inspired and to play an active role in sharing and exploring their faith with their children, and the way in which faith is lived out. The guidance and support engages with reading the Bible together, handling difficult questions, praying as a family and more. There is also a section that covers best-loved Bible passages and a page with further resources for you to explore. This is a simple, fun and engaging resource that can be used to nurture families in the faith. Although it lacks in presentation I recommend this book and encourage you to share it with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Revd Victoria Jon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the STAR News - Diocese of Peterborough November 2014\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful Bible for the whole family to enjoy together. The stories are easy to read and have a commentary alongside them, and a number of reflective questions to consider. These are all really useful, as they help to put the story into context, allowing children to understand why it was written and how it may be relevant to us today. There is also a suggestion for a visual aid, an activity related to the story, and a prayer idea. The Bible is written for adults to read with their children, as it has no pictures and may be hard for younger children to read themselves. Having read and enjoyed some of the activities with my children, my 8 year old daughter, Molly, said that this Bible is 'Outstanding, because it has lots of really fun activities to do. Can we keep it?' It would also be useful for Children's and Families workers to use when planning services and Sunday school lessons. Well worth investing in!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eby Evie McNally (and Molly, aged 8)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Well - Autumn 2014 Methodist Church\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe introduction says, 'Family is a big idea... Wherever children are being nurtured in love by significant adults in their lives, there is family.' And this book of Bible stories, commentary and activities gives a brilliant opportunity for families of all kinds to explore God's word together in an interesting, accessible and interactive way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStories span the whole Bible narrative, taken from the Old and New Testament, from the flood in Genesis to the battle of Jericho, through the story of Nehemiah to the life of Jesus and the early Church. Alongside each one a brief commentary is offered as well as some questions to reflect on, prayer and activity suggestions and a visual aid. It gives a helpful and creative selection of ways to engage with the story meaningfully, allowing you to 'pick and mix' ideas depending on time available, ages of family members and how deep everyone wants to explore the story.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTowards the end there's also a valuable section that offers guidance and support in\u003cbr\u003eusing the book, suggesting ways to set time aside, engaging with the stories as part of a regular family routine and reminding adults that we don't have to know all the answers! There's much on these pages that parents, carers, grandparents or readers of any kind will find hugely beneficial when engaging with the Bible and its stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's worth mentioning that whilst it covers a significant number of stories there are no\u003cbr\u003ereferences to Psalms or Paul's letters, but despite this it takes families on a superb\u003cbr\u003ejourney through God's big story. This is a fantastic addition to any family's library\u003cbr\u003eand comes highly recommended for those working with them too!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGail Adcock - Family Ministries Development Officer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e"}
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The Barnabas Family Bible
£9.99
An essential resource for families to share together The Barnabas Family Bible is designed to equip parents and carers to...
{"id":2439765360740,"title":"The Barnabas Page a Day Bible","handle":"the-barnabas-page-a-day-bible","description":"\u003cp\u003eContains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRhona Davies is a trained teacher actively involved in her local church and writes for children. She is married with teenage sons and is passionate about reading, gardening and genealogy. Rhona lives in England with her roots in south Wales. Marcin Piwowarski worked as a freelance illustrator for more than ten years before managing a graphic studio. He is a successful illustrator with more than 100 children's books published worldwide. Marcin lives with his wife and two young children in the centre of Poland\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:31+00:00","created_at":"2019-01-18T15:21:33+00:00","vendor":"Rhona Davies","type":"Paperback","tags":["Bibles","For children","Sep-15"],"price":1099,"price_min":1099,"price_max":1099,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":21769253617764,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857464125","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Barnabas Page a Day Bible - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1099,"weight":644,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857464125","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3238876971147,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.752,"height":650,"width":489,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163"},"aspect_ratio":0.752,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857464125-l.jpg?v=1549043163","width":489}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eContains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\nRhona Davies is a trained teacher actively involved in her local church and writes for children. She is married with teenage sons and is passionate about reading, gardening and genealogy. Rhona lives in England with her roots in south Wales. Marcin Piwowarski worked as a freelance illustrator for more than ten years before managing a graphic studio. He is a successful illustrator with more than 100 children's books published worldwide. Marcin lives with his wife and two young children in the centre of Poland\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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The Barnabas Page a Day Bible
£10.99
Contains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the...
{"id":4853424980107,"title":"The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control","handle":"the-bible-doesn-t-tell-me-so-why-you-don-t-have-to-submit-to-domestic-abuse-and-coercive-control","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso available from the Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, a six-week video course for use by church small groups \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\" title=\"The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iRWOUDQBFXc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. A Baptist minister and biblical specialist, she has published at popular and scholarly levels, including \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) for BRF. She speaks nationally and internationally about the interpretation of biblical violence and the abuse of the Bible to promote violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is important. Helen Paynter’s expertise with scripture, her approachability and her engagement with the reality of abuse ensure The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So is extremely helpful, both for Christians who have been subjected to abuse and for those wanting a strong biblical approach to addressing domestic abuse issues. It is both theological and practical and offers an authoritative and ultimately healing approach to scripture for women who have been abused. I know it will make a positive difference to women’s lives!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatalie Collins, author of Out of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have all too often seen the Bible I love weaponised by men to control and subordinate their wives. The sad truth is that domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as it is in the world outside. I am deeply grateful for this book and Helen’s detailed study and balanced explanation of the texts that have been used throughout the centuries to “bash” women. It is an academically excellent book, which sheds light on the complex scriptures it covers, yet remains immensely readable. It is thorough and profound and enables the reader to not just wrestle with these verses, but also to consider God's original plan for the relationship between men and women. This book shows the Bible is liberating for women and challenging for some men, and I pray The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So will become a core text for leaders as they learn to recognise and respond to domestic abuse within their churches.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBekah Legg, director of Restored\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach magazine, Autumn 2023. Review by Charmaine Yip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe don’t talk about domestic abuse: we close our eyes and pretend it’s not happening. The shocking truth is that in the UK, a woman is killed by a current or previous partner every four days, and domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as in wider society. Worse, the Bible is deliberately ‘weaponised’ to facilitate this abuse. The main aim of this book is to show that nowhere does the Bible license abuse and violation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressed primarily to women experiencing domestic abuse but also to churches seeking to support them, this book is written from a pastoral perspective and with a cogency befitting its subject. Paynter explores the whole biblical narrative as well as specific texts to build a watertight case that abuse is never permitted by scripture. She shows, for example, that Paul’s exhortation to women to submit to their husbands applies only in a loving supportive marriage, and does not authorise men to force their wives into submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies even if we consider the doctrine of male headship and female submission to be timeless. While not convinced by the so-called ‘trajectory hermeneutic’, I found the chapter highlighting the less obvious misuses of scripture, such as passages around forgiveness, suffering and divorce, which can trap women in toxic marriages, incredibly insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter does not shy away from calling out abuse committed by pastors. One of the chief obstacles to bringing accusations is the fallacy that the ‘Lord’s anointed’ is above censure, but Paynter goes to great lengths to establish that it is our God-given duty to call out abusive pastors. A minister herself, Paynter argues for robust accountability structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for church leaders. The chapter outlining how churches might collude in the abuse by closing ranks and keeping silent is a real eye-opener. There is another chapter addressed directly to church leaders warning against potential pitfalls, such as misdiagnosing abuse. Leaders are instead encouraged to believe the woman, exercise church discipline and cultivate a culture in which all may flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore this issue as a whole church, there is a six-session video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format of these videos is compelling and the final session, focusing on next steps, pastoral care and preaching insights, particularly healing. This is a high-quality resource, offering lots of thought-provoking material as well as sensitive pauses. It is available at www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/ for a small donation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Charmaine Yip, who writes for Preach magazine, occasionally preaches short \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esermons for Premier Radio, and is the 2022 winner of Sermon of the Year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire magazine, New Zealand Spring 2021. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed to women experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control within a church setting and people, including church leaders, supporting women who are being abused. Why is such a book needed? Abuse by clergy has been well publicised but domestic abuse and coercive control within church families is wider than is often recognised. I have painful memories of three daughters asking me not to refer to their father as a loving husband at his funeral. They claimed that their mother, who had suffered from his behaviour, had remained within the marriage only because she felt trapped financially. They said their father, who considered himself a man of Christian virtue, emphasised repeatedly it was a wife’s duty to obey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that around 80% of domestic abuse is never reported. As well as physical or sexual violence, abusive relationships may include various forms of personal or social control, threats, accusations and intimidation. Overwhelmingly abusers are male. Domestic abuse and coercive control will often be denied by men and accepted by their female partners as just the way things are. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter’s book is arranged in three parts. Part 1 deals with what she terms the weaponization of scripture. Passages in Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 3 have been used as weapons against women. Using scholarly exegesis Paynter shows how even if one believes that a wife should submit to her husband as head of the household this is intended to be within a mutually loving, supportive and affirming relationship. It is argued that to use biblical texts to discourage a woman from divorcing an abusive husband is to contravene biblical teaching about respect for human dignity. And it is a misuse of scripture to argue that Christian faith requires a wife to keep on forgiving an abusive husband, or that pastoral care for a parishioner can be expressed through a sexual relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 is titled ‘The truth will set you free.’ Abusive husbands strip their wives of power, but Paynter shows how throughout scripture God is for the powerless and oppressed. Scripture affirms that all people have a God-given dignity. In the gospels women’s dignity is affirmed by Jesus. There is nothing in scripture that justifies the subordination of wives or women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor too long women have not been believed or have been hushed up. But scripture affirms that God is neither indifferent nor concerned to help anyone exercise power over another. In the light of God’s word injustice will always be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 includes three personal addresses: to those trapped by an abuser, to church leaders and to the perpetrator. Abused women are urged to have a safety plan and a helpful list is provided. Church leaders are encouraged to listen, to name what is wrong and never to promote gender roles or a theology that creates a sense of male entitlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestic abuse and coercion are a travesty of relationships and the subordination of women is a biblical distortion. As stated on the cover this book debunks myths that prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. By helping clarify how church leaders need to act to protect women from abuse and free them from guilt and fear the book is a valuable pastoral resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/592122\/The_Bible_Doesn.aspx\"\u003eBaptist Times 18.11.20\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Jenni Entrican\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, and even more so during this time of COVID pandemic when levels of domestic abuse have significantly increased. As the title suggests, it is clear that specific interpretations of the Bible are used to validate totally unacceptable violations against women by their partners. Helen names this as ‘scripture being weaponised against women’, and her aim is to show that the Bible does not support the abuse of anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an important book too because of the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly within Christian communities who believe that ‘it doesn’t happen here’, or that it is simply a relationship issue where counselling can help, or that it is the fault of the person being abused who needs to deal with low self esteem, or forgive the abuser. If this sounds simplistic, the reality is that these reactions are not uncommon, and thus perpetuate behaviour that is so contrary to God’s intention for humankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, Helen’s book, addressed primarily to those suffering abuse, but also to those who support them and church leaders, does an excellent job of unpacking, both the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative, as well as specific scripture passages which are used to validate abusive behaviour. She addresses the Genesis account of the creation of men and women and their relationship; Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another, alongside the revolutionary injunction for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church; truths about what forgiveness looks like; how Jesus viewed and treated women and what God’s heart is for those who are abused.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe finishes briefly by addressing those trapped by an abuser, church leaders on how they can support such, and lastly, she addresses someone who is an abuser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book, standing alongside other important books, has an important place in recognising and helping us to deal with what is a hugely important Kingdom and justice issue. It is time for us to grapple with the reality of violence and coercion of women within society as a whole, and particularly within the Christian church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one way it is not an easy read as Helen draws on the lived experiences of women who have been in contact with her and we should weep at their stories. However it is carefully crafted to be both deeply theological, yet simple to read. I highly recommend reading this book and offering it to others, as a resource, but also to bind up some very real wounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I have travelled through the UK and Europe these past five years as Baptists Together and European Baptist Federation Presidents, I have met many fascinating and wonderful women, but I have also been aware of how often women are not given the opportunities to use their gifts freely. The more I hear and read of the way the female gender is treated worldwide, the more my heart cries out for more books like these, and for more people to engage with issues of gender justice. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenni Entrican was European Baptist Federation President 2017-19, and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Racial, Gender and Economic Justice 2020 -2025\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon, Services Manager One 25: a Bristol based charity supporting women who have experience trauma, helping them to 'heal and thrive'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is crucial in opening up conversations about domestic abuse within the church. For a long time domestic abuse has not been recognised and this has left women who were being abused isolated and totally unsupported. Moreover this system protected perpetrators of abuse. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s book plays a vital role in demonstrating that abuse happens everywhere, including within Christianity, that it is not acceptable and crucially that the bible does not advocate abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also support the audiences that the author has targeted: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control: this is so important. They need to know that their voices are heard and their experiences recognised as part of the church community. They need to see evidence that the bible does not advocate the abuse they are experiencing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Others in the Christian community who accept, allow or ignore instances of domestic abuse, and particularly church leaders. They are the people in power who need to listen to women and acknowledge what is happening in their church, community and the wider world. They are the people who must put in systems to challenge and stop domestic abuse at a local, national and international level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen’s detailed explanation of what the bible states and what this means is essential in challenging the discourse around women’s place and safety in society. Her position as a knowledgeable minister and biblical specialist gives clear authority to this element of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as victims of domestic abuse and church leaders, there are other target audiences for this book: the Christian community as a whole, including volunteers, pastoral assistants and lay leaders. I would also add academics who train ministers and Christian workers, to ensure that this topic is covered in training and staff development. And finally, academics and researchers who study gender politics, women’s rights, sexual violence and abuse, and coercive control. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy key takeaways from this book are these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the overriding message that God is for all who are oppressed and that includes women experiencing domestic abuse: God is for them and supports them. God does not advocate their abuse nor condone it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd second, the safety plan: practical list of what women should do if they are planning to leave their abusers in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Kate Lemon, Services Manager, One25 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-01T16:32:57+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:23:36+01:00","vendor":"Helen Paynter","type":"Paperback","tags":["Kindle","Oct-20","Pastoral care","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":33575220379787,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469892","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":899,"weight":203,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469892","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7670273114251,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1524,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469892.jpg?v=1588350218","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso available from the Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, a six-week video course for use by church small groups \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\" title=\"The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iRWOUDQBFXc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. A Baptist minister and biblical specialist, she has published at popular and scholarly levels, including \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) for BRF. She speaks nationally and internationally about the interpretation of biblical violence and the abuse of the Bible to promote violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is important. Helen Paynter’s expertise with scripture, her approachability and her engagement with the reality of abuse ensure The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So is extremely helpful, both for Christians who have been subjected to abuse and for those wanting a strong biblical approach to addressing domestic abuse issues. It is both theological and practical and offers an authoritative and ultimately healing approach to scripture for women who have been abused. I know it will make a positive difference to women’s lives!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatalie Collins, author of Out of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have all too often seen the Bible I love weaponised by men to control and subordinate their wives. The sad truth is that domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as it is in the world outside. I am deeply grateful for this book and Helen’s detailed study and balanced explanation of the texts that have been used throughout the centuries to “bash” women. It is an academically excellent book, which sheds light on the complex scriptures it covers, yet remains immensely readable. It is thorough and profound and enables the reader to not just wrestle with these verses, but also to consider God's original plan for the relationship between men and women. This book shows the Bible is liberating for women and challenging for some men, and I pray The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So will become a core text for leaders as they learn to recognise and respond to domestic abuse within their churches.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBekah Legg, director of Restored\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach magazine, Autumn 2023. Review by Charmaine Yip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe don’t talk about domestic abuse: we close our eyes and pretend it’s not happening. The shocking truth is that in the UK, a woman is killed by a current or previous partner every four days, and domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as in wider society. Worse, the Bible is deliberately ‘weaponised’ to facilitate this abuse. The main aim of this book is to show that nowhere does the Bible license abuse and violation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressed primarily to women experiencing domestic abuse but also to churches seeking to support them, this book is written from a pastoral perspective and with a cogency befitting its subject. Paynter explores the whole biblical narrative as well as specific texts to build a watertight case that abuse is never permitted by scripture. She shows, for example, that Paul’s exhortation to women to submit to their husbands applies only in a loving supportive marriage, and does not authorise men to force their wives into submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies even if we consider the doctrine of male headship and female submission to be timeless. While not convinced by the so-called ‘trajectory hermeneutic’, I found the chapter highlighting the less obvious misuses of scripture, such as passages around forgiveness, suffering and divorce, which can trap women in toxic marriages, incredibly insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter does not shy away from calling out abuse committed by pastors. One of the chief obstacles to bringing accusations is the fallacy that the ‘Lord’s anointed’ is above censure, but Paynter goes to great lengths to establish that it is our God-given duty to call out abusive pastors. A minister herself, Paynter argues for robust accountability structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for church leaders. The chapter outlining how churches might collude in the abuse by closing ranks and keeping silent is a real eye-opener. There is another chapter addressed directly to church leaders warning against potential pitfalls, such as misdiagnosing abuse. Leaders are instead encouraged to believe the woman, exercise church discipline and cultivate a culture in which all may flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore this issue as a whole church, there is a six-session video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format of these videos is compelling and the final session, focusing on next steps, pastoral care and preaching insights, particularly healing. This is a high-quality resource, offering lots of thought-provoking material as well as sensitive pauses. It is available at www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/ for a small donation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Charmaine Yip, who writes for Preach magazine, occasionally preaches short \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esermons for Premier Radio, and is the 2022 winner of Sermon of the Year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire magazine, New Zealand Spring 2021. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed to women experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control within a church setting and people, including church leaders, supporting women who are being abused. Why is such a book needed? Abuse by clergy has been well publicised but domestic abuse and coercive control within church families is wider than is often recognised. I have painful memories of three daughters asking me not to refer to their father as a loving husband at his funeral. They claimed that their mother, who had suffered from his behaviour, had remained within the marriage only because she felt trapped financially. They said their father, who considered himself a man of Christian virtue, emphasised repeatedly it was a wife’s duty to obey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that around 80% of domestic abuse is never reported. As well as physical or sexual violence, abusive relationships may include various forms of personal or social control, threats, accusations and intimidation. Overwhelmingly abusers are male. Domestic abuse and coercive control will often be denied by men and accepted by their female partners as just the way things are. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter’s book is arranged in three parts. Part 1 deals with what she terms the weaponization of scripture. Passages in Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 3 have been used as weapons against women. Using scholarly exegesis Paynter shows how even if one believes that a wife should submit to her husband as head of the household this is intended to be within a mutually loving, supportive and affirming relationship. It is argued that to use biblical texts to discourage a woman from divorcing an abusive husband is to contravene biblical teaching about respect for human dignity. And it is a misuse of scripture to argue that Christian faith requires a wife to keep on forgiving an abusive husband, or that pastoral care for a parishioner can be expressed through a sexual relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 is titled ‘The truth will set you free.’ Abusive husbands strip their wives of power, but Paynter shows how throughout scripture God is for the powerless and oppressed. Scripture affirms that all people have a God-given dignity. In the gospels women’s dignity is affirmed by Jesus. There is nothing in scripture that justifies the subordination of wives or women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor too long women have not been believed or have been hushed up. But scripture affirms that God is neither indifferent nor concerned to help anyone exercise power over another. In the light of God’s word injustice will always be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 includes three personal addresses: to those trapped by an abuser, to church leaders and to the perpetrator. Abused women are urged to have a safety plan and a helpful list is provided. Church leaders are encouraged to listen, to name what is wrong and never to promote gender roles or a theology that creates a sense of male entitlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestic abuse and coercion are a travesty of relationships and the subordination of women is a biblical distortion. As stated on the cover this book debunks myths that prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. By helping clarify how church leaders need to act to protect women from abuse and free them from guilt and fear the book is a valuable pastoral resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/592122\/The_Bible_Doesn.aspx\"\u003eBaptist Times 18.11.20\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Jenni Entrican\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, and even more so during this time of COVID pandemic when levels of domestic abuse have significantly increased. As the title suggests, it is clear that specific interpretations of the Bible are used to validate totally unacceptable violations against women by their partners. Helen names this as ‘scripture being weaponised against women’, and her aim is to show that the Bible does not support the abuse of anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an important book too because of the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly within Christian communities who believe that ‘it doesn’t happen here’, or that it is simply a relationship issue where counselling can help, or that it is the fault of the person being abused who needs to deal with low self esteem, or forgive the abuser. If this sounds simplistic, the reality is that these reactions are not uncommon, and thus perpetuate behaviour that is so contrary to God’s intention for humankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, Helen’s book, addressed primarily to those suffering abuse, but also to those who support them and church leaders, does an excellent job of unpacking, both the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative, as well as specific scripture passages which are used to validate abusive behaviour. She addresses the Genesis account of the creation of men and women and their relationship; Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another, alongside the revolutionary injunction for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church; truths about what forgiveness looks like; how Jesus viewed and treated women and what God’s heart is for those who are abused.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe finishes briefly by addressing those trapped by an abuser, church leaders on how they can support such, and lastly, she addresses someone who is an abuser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book, standing alongside other important books, has an important place in recognising and helping us to deal with what is a hugely important Kingdom and justice issue. It is time for us to grapple with the reality of violence and coercion of women within society as a whole, and particularly within the Christian church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one way it is not an easy read as Helen draws on the lived experiences of women who have been in contact with her and we should weep at their stories. However it is carefully crafted to be both deeply theological, yet simple to read. I highly recommend reading this book and offering it to others, as a resource, but also to bind up some very real wounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I have travelled through the UK and Europe these past five years as Baptists Together and European Baptist Federation Presidents, I have met many fascinating and wonderful women, but I have also been aware of how often women are not given the opportunities to use their gifts freely. The more I hear and read of the way the female gender is treated worldwide, the more my heart cries out for more books like these, and for more people to engage with issues of gender justice. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenni Entrican was European Baptist Federation President 2017-19, and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Racial, Gender and Economic Justice 2020 -2025\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon, Services Manager One 25: a Bristol based charity supporting women who have experience trauma, helping them to 'heal and thrive'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is crucial in opening up conversations about domestic abuse within the church. For a long time domestic abuse has not been recognised and this has left women who were being abused isolated and totally unsupported. Moreover this system protected perpetrators of abuse. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s book plays a vital role in demonstrating that abuse happens everywhere, including within Christianity, that it is not acceptable and crucially that the bible does not advocate abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also support the audiences that the author has targeted: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control: this is so important. They need to know that their voices are heard and their experiences recognised as part of the church community. They need to see evidence that the bible does not advocate the abuse they are experiencing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Others in the Christian community who accept, allow or ignore instances of domestic abuse, and particularly church leaders. They are the people in power who need to listen to women and acknowledge what is happening in their church, community and the wider world. They are the people who must put in systems to challenge and stop domestic abuse at a local, national and international level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen’s detailed explanation of what the bible states and what this means is essential in challenging the discourse around women’s place and safety in society. Her position as a knowledgeable minister and biblical specialist gives clear authority to this element of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as victims of domestic abuse and church leaders, there are other target audiences for this book: the Christian community as a whole, including volunteers, pastoral assistants and lay leaders. I would also add academics who train ministers and Christian workers, to ensure that this topic is covered in training and staff development. And finally, academics and researchers who study gender politics, women’s rights, sexual violence and abuse, and coercive control. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy key takeaways from this book are these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the overriding message that God is for all who are oppressed and that includes women experiencing domestic abuse: God is for them and supports them. God does not advocate their abuse nor condone it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd second, the safety plan: practical list of what women should do if they are planning to leave their abusers in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Kate Lemon, Services Manager, One25 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control
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This book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral...
{"id":14688765116796,"title":"The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control","handle":"the-bible-doesn-t-tell-me-so-why-you-don-t-have-to-submit-to-domestic-abuse-and-coercive-control-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso available from the Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, a six-week video course for use by church small groups \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\" title=\"The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iRWOUDQBFXc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. A Baptist minister and biblical specialist, she has published at popular and scholarly levels, including \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) for BRF. She speaks nationally and internationally about the interpretation of biblical violence and the abuse of the Bible to promote violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is important. Helen Paynter’s expertise with scripture, her approachability and her engagement with the reality of abuse ensure The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So is extremely helpful, both for Christians who have been subjected to abuse and for those wanting a strong biblical approach to addressing domestic abuse issues. It is both theological and practical and offers an authoritative and ultimately healing approach to scripture for women who have been abused. I know it will make a positive difference to women’s lives!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatalie Collins, author of Out of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have all too often seen the Bible I love weaponised by men to control and subordinate their wives. The sad truth is that domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as it is in the world outside. I am deeply grateful for this book and Helen’s detailed study and balanced explanation of the texts that have been used throughout the centuries to “bash” women. It is an academically excellent book, which sheds light on the complex scriptures it covers, yet remains immensely readable. It is thorough and profound and enables the reader to not just wrestle with these verses, but also to consider God's original plan for the relationship between men and women. This book shows the Bible is liberating for women and challenging for some men, and I pray The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So will become a core text for leaders as they learn to recognise and respond to domestic abuse within their churches.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBekah Legg, director of Restored\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach magazine, Autumn 2023. Review by Charmaine Yip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe don’t talk about domestic abuse: we close our eyes and pretend it’s not happening. The shocking truth is that in the UK, a woman is killed by a current or previous partner every four days, and domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as in wider society. Worse, the Bible is deliberately ‘weaponised’ to facilitate this abuse. The main aim of this book is to show that nowhere does the Bible license abuse and violation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressed primarily to women experiencing domestic abuse but also to churches seeking to support them, this book is written from a pastoral perspective and with a cogency befitting its subject. Paynter explores the whole biblical narrative as well as specific texts to build a watertight case that abuse is never permitted by scripture. She shows, for example, that Paul’s exhortation to women to submit to their husbands applies only in a loving supportive marriage, and does not authorise men to force their wives into submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies even if we consider the doctrine of male headship and female submission to be timeless. While not convinced by the so-called ‘trajectory hermeneutic’, I found the chapter highlighting the less obvious misuses of scripture, such as passages around forgiveness, suffering and divorce, which can trap women in toxic marriages, incredibly insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter does not shy away from calling out abuse committed by pastors. One of the chief obstacles to bringing accusations is the fallacy that the ‘Lord’s anointed’ is above censure, but Paynter goes to great lengths to establish that it is our God-given duty to call out abusive pastors. A minister herself, Paynter argues for robust accountability structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for church leaders. The chapter outlining how churches might collude in the abuse by closing ranks and keeping silent is a real eye-opener. There is another chapter addressed directly to church leaders warning against potential pitfalls, such as misdiagnosing abuse. Leaders are instead encouraged to believe the woman, exercise church discipline and cultivate a culture in which all may flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore this issue as a whole church, there is a six-session video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format of these videos is compelling and the final session, focusing on next steps, pastoral care and preaching insights, particularly healing. This is a high-quality resource, offering lots of thought-provoking material as well as sensitive pauses. It is available at www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/ for a small donation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Charmaine Yip, who writes for Preach magazine, occasionally preaches short \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esermons for Premier Radio, and is the 2022 winner of Sermon of the Year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire magazine, New Zealand Spring 2021. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed to women experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control within a church setting and people, including church leaders, supporting women who are being abused. Why is such a book needed? Abuse by clergy has been well publicised but domestic abuse and coercive control within church families is wider than is often recognised. I have painful memories of three daughters asking me not to refer to their father as a loving husband at his funeral. They claimed that their mother, who had suffered from his behaviour, had remained within the marriage only because she felt trapped financially. They said their father, who considered himself a man of Christian virtue, emphasised repeatedly it was a wife’s duty to obey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that around 80% of domestic abuse is never reported. As well as physical or sexual violence, abusive relationships may include various forms of personal or social control, threats, accusations and intimidation. Overwhelmingly abusers are male. Domestic abuse and coercive control will often be denied by men and accepted by their female partners as just the way things are. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter’s book is arranged in three parts. Part 1 deals with what she terms the weaponization of scripture. Passages in Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 3 have been used as weapons against women. Using scholarly exegesis Paynter shows how even if one believes that a wife should submit to her husband as head of the household this is intended to be within a mutually loving, supportive and affirming relationship. It is argued that to use biblical texts to discourage a woman from divorcing an abusive husband is to contravene biblical teaching about respect for human dignity. And it is a misuse of scripture to argue that Christian faith requires a wife to keep on forgiving an abusive husband, or that pastoral care for a parishioner can be expressed through a sexual relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 is titled ‘The truth will set you free.’ Abusive husbands strip their wives of power, but Paynter shows how throughout scripture God is for the powerless and oppressed. Scripture affirms that all people have a God-given dignity. In the gospels women’s dignity is affirmed by Jesus. There is nothing in scripture that justifies the subordination of wives or women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor too long women have not been believed or have been hushed up. But scripture affirms that God is neither indifferent nor concerned to help anyone exercise power over another. In the light of God’s word injustice will always be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 includes three personal addresses: to those trapped by an abuser, to church leaders and to the perpetrator. Abused women are urged to have a safety plan and a helpful list is provided. Church leaders are encouraged to listen, to name what is wrong and never to promote gender roles or a theology that creates a sense of male entitlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestic abuse and coercion are a travesty of relationships and the subordination of women is a biblical distortion. As stated on the cover this book debunks myths that prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. By helping clarify how church leaders need to act to protect women from abuse and free them from guilt and fear the book is a valuable pastoral resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/592122\/The_Bible_Doesn.aspx\"\u003eBaptist Times 18.11.20\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Jenni Entrican\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, and even more so during this time of COVID pandemic when levels of domestic abuse have significantly increased. As the title suggests, it is clear that specific interpretations of the Bible are used to validate totally unacceptable violations against women by their partners. Helen names this as ‘scripture being weaponised against women’, and her aim is to show that the Bible does not support the abuse of anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an important book too because of the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly within Christian communities who believe that ‘it doesn’t happen here’, or that it is simply a relationship issue where counselling can help, or that it is the fault of the person being abused who needs to deal with low self esteem, or forgive the abuser. If this sounds simplistic, the reality is that these reactions are not uncommon, and thus perpetuate behaviour that is so contrary to God’s intention for humankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, Helen’s book, addressed primarily to those suffering abuse, but also to those who support them and church leaders, does an excellent job of unpacking, both the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative, as well as specific scripture passages which are used to validate abusive behaviour. She addresses the Genesis account of the creation of men and women and their relationship; Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another, alongside the revolutionary injunction for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church; truths about what forgiveness looks like; how Jesus viewed and treated women and what God’s heart is for those who are abused.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe finishes briefly by addressing those trapped by an abuser, church leaders on how they can support such, and lastly, she addresses someone who is an abuser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book, standing alongside other important books, has an important place in recognising and helping us to deal with what is a hugely important Kingdom and justice issue. It is time for us to grapple with the reality of violence and coercion of women within society as a whole, and particularly within the Christian church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one way it is not an easy read as Helen draws on the lived experiences of women who have been in contact with her and we should weep at their stories. However it is carefully crafted to be both deeply theological, yet simple to read. I highly recommend reading this book and offering it to others, as a resource, but also to bind up some very real wounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I have travelled through the UK and Europe these past five years as Baptists Together and European Baptist Federation Presidents, I have met many fascinating and wonderful women, but I have also been aware of how often women are not given the opportunities to use their gifts freely. The more I hear and read of the way the female gender is treated worldwide, the more my heart cries out for more books like these, and for more people to engage with issues of gender justice. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenni Entrican was European Baptist Federation President 2017-19, and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Racial, Gender and Economic Justice 2020 -2025\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon, Services Manager One 25: a Bristol based charity supporting women who have experience trauma, helping them to 'heal and thrive'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is crucial in opening up conversations about domestic abuse within the church. For a long time domestic abuse has not been recognised and this has left women who were being abused isolated and totally unsupported. Moreover this system protected perpetrators of abuse. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s book plays a vital role in demonstrating that abuse happens everywhere, including within Christianity, that it is not acceptable and crucially that the bible does not advocate abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also support the audiences that the author has targeted: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control: this is so important. They need to know that their voices are heard and their experiences recognised as part of the church community. They need to see evidence that the bible does not advocate the abuse they are experiencing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Others in the Christian community who accept, allow or ignore instances of domestic abuse, and particularly church leaders. They are the people in power who need to listen to women and acknowledge what is happening in their church, community and the wider world. They are the people who must put in systems to challenge and stop domestic abuse at a local, national and international level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen’s detailed explanation of what the bible states and what this means is essential in challenging the discourse around women’s place and safety in society. Her position as a knowledgeable minister and biblical specialist gives clear authority to this element of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as victims of domestic abuse and church leaders, there are other target audiences for this book: the Christian community as a whole, including volunteers, pastoral assistants and lay leaders. I would also add academics who train ministers and Christian workers, to ensure that this topic is covered in training and staff development. And finally, academics and researchers who study gender politics, women’s rights, sexual violence and abuse, and coercive control. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy key takeaways from this book are these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the overriding message that God is for all who are oppressed and that includes women experiencing domestic abuse: God is for them and supports them. God does not advocate their abuse nor condone it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd second, the safety plan: practical list of what women should do if they are planning to leave their abusers in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Kate Lemon, Services Manager, One25 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-23T15:27:20+01:00","created_at":"2024-10-23T15:25:39+01:00","vendor":"Helen Paynter","type":"eBook","tags":["Glassboxx","Oct-20","Pastoral care","Women"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53599716901244,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469908","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":71596266258812,"product_id":14688765116796,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-10-24T17:26:06+01:00","updated_at":"2024-10-24T17:26:07+01:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/77.png?v=1729787167","variant_ids":[53599716901244]},"available":true,"name":"The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":203,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469908","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":62917503189372,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/77.png?v=1729787167"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/77.png?v=1729787167","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/78.png?v=1729787167"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/77.png?v=1729787167","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62917503189372,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/77.png?v=1729787167"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/77.png?v=1729787167","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62917503222140,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/78.png?v=1729787167"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/78.png?v=1729787167","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to support them, including pastoral leaders, friends and support organisations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt debunks the myths – perpetuated by some abusers and, unwittingly, by many churches – which prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. It helps them realise that the Bible does not belong to their abuser but is a text of liberation. Written with careful attention to pastoral issues, it closely examines and clearly explains the relevant scriptural texts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlso available from the Centre for the Study of Bible \u0026amp; Violence, a six-week video course for use by church small groups \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\" title=\"The Bible Doesn't Tell Me So\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iRWOUDQBFXc\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter is Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence. A Baptist minister and biblical specialist, she has published at popular and scholarly levels, including \u003cem\u003eGod of Violence Yesterday, God of Love Today?\u003c\/em\u003e (2019) for BRF. She speaks nationally and internationally about the interpretation of biblical violence and the abuse of the Bible to promote violence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘This book is important. Helen Paynter’s expertise with scripture, her approachability and her engagement with the reality of abuse ensure The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So is extremely helpful, both for Christians who have been subjected to abuse and for those wanting a strong biblical approach to addressing domestic abuse issues. It is both theological and practical and offers an authoritative and ultimately healing approach to scripture for women who have been abused. I know it will make a positive difference to women’s lives!’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatalie Collins, author of Out of Control: Couples, conflict and the capacity for change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘I have all too often seen the Bible I love weaponised by men to control and subordinate their wives. The sad truth is that domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as it is in the world outside. I am deeply grateful for this book and Helen’s detailed study and balanced explanation of the texts that have been used throughout the centuries to “bash” women. It is an academically excellent book, which sheds light on the complex scriptures it covers, yet remains immensely readable. It is thorough and profound and enables the reader to not just wrestle with these verses, but also to consider God's original plan for the relationship between men and women. This book shows the Bible is liberating for women and challenging for some men, and I pray The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So will become a core text for leaders as they learn to recognise and respond to domestic abuse within their churches.’\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBekah Legg, director of Restored\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreach magazine, Autumn 2023. Review by Charmaine Yip\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eWe don’t talk about domestic abuse: we close our eyes and pretend it’s not happening. The shocking truth is that in the UK, a woman is killed by a current or previous partner every four days, and domestic abuse is as prevalent in the church as in wider society. Worse, the Bible is deliberately ‘weaponised’ to facilitate this abuse. The main aim of this book is to show that nowhere does the Bible license abuse and violation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAddressed primarily to women experiencing domestic abuse but also to churches seeking to support them, this book is written from a pastoral perspective and with a cogency befitting its subject. Paynter explores the whole biblical narrative as well as specific texts to build a watertight case that abuse is never permitted by scripture. She shows, for example, that Paul’s exhortation to women to submit to their husbands applies only in a loving supportive marriage, and does not authorise men to force their wives into submission.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis applies even if we consider the doctrine of male headship and female submission to be timeless. While not convinced by the so-called ‘trajectory hermeneutic’, I found the chapter highlighting the less obvious misuses of scripture, such as passages around forgiveness, suffering and divorce, which can trap women in toxic marriages, incredibly insightful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter does not shy away from calling out abuse committed by pastors. One of the chief obstacles to bringing accusations is the fallacy that the ‘Lord’s anointed’ is above censure, but Paynter goes to great lengths to establish that it is our God-given duty to call out abusive pastors. A minister herself, Paynter argues for robust accountability structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must-read for church leaders. The chapter outlining how churches might collude in the abuse by closing ranks and keeping silent is a real eye-opener. There is another chapter addressed directly to church leaders warning against potential pitfalls, such as misdiagnosing abuse. Leaders are instead encouraged to believe the woman, exercise church discipline and cultivate a culture in which all may flourish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo explore this issue as a whole church, there is a six-session video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format video resource, ideal for small groups. The interview format of these videos is compelling and the final session, focusing on next steps, pastoral care and preaching insights, particularly healing. This is a high-quality resource, offering lots of thought-provoking material as well as sensitive pauses. It is available at www.csbvbristol.org.uk\/study-videos\/ for a small donation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Charmaine Yip, who writes for Preach magazine, occasionally preaches short \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003esermons for Premier Radio, and is the 2022 winner of Sermon of the Year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInspire magazine, New Zealand Spring 2021. Review by John Meredith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is addressed to women experiencing domestic abuse or coercive control within a church setting and people, including church leaders, supporting women who are being abused. Why is such a book needed? Abuse by clergy has been well publicised but domestic abuse and coercive control within church families is wider than is often recognised. I have painful memories of three daughters asking me not to refer to their father as a loving husband at his funeral. They claimed that their mother, who had suffered from his behaviour, had remained within the marriage only because she felt trapped financially. They said their father, who considered himself a man of Christian virtue, emphasised repeatedly it was a wife’s duty to obey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is estimated that around 80% of domestic abuse is never reported. As well as physical or sexual violence, abusive relationships may include various forms of personal or social control, threats, accusations and intimidation. Overwhelmingly abusers are male. Domestic abuse and coercive control will often be denied by men and accepted by their female partners as just the way things are. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaynter’s book is arranged in three parts. Part 1 deals with what she terms the weaponization of scripture. Passages in Ephesians 5, 1 Corinthians 11 and 1 Peter 3 have been used as weapons against women. Using scholarly exegesis Paynter shows how even if one believes that a wife should submit to her husband as head of the household this is intended to be within a mutually loving, supportive and affirming relationship. It is argued that to use biblical texts to discourage a woman from divorcing an abusive husband is to contravene biblical teaching about respect for human dignity. And it is a misuse of scripture to argue that Christian faith requires a wife to keep on forgiving an abusive husband, or that pastoral care for a parishioner can be expressed through a sexual relationship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 2 is titled ‘The truth will set you free.’ Abusive husbands strip their wives of power, but Paynter shows how throughout scripture God is for the powerless and oppressed. Scripture affirms that all people have a God-given dignity. In the gospels women’s dignity is affirmed by Jesus. There is nothing in scripture that justifies the subordination of wives or women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor too long women have not been believed or have been hushed up. But scripture affirms that God is neither indifferent nor concerned to help anyone exercise power over another. In the light of God’s word injustice will always be revealed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePart 3 includes three personal addresses: to those trapped by an abuser, to church leaders and to the perpetrator. Abused women are urged to have a safety plan and a helpful list is provided. Church leaders are encouraged to listen, to name what is wrong and never to promote gender roles or a theology that creates a sense of male entitlement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDomestic abuse and coercion are a travesty of relationships and the subordination of women is a biblical distortion. As stated on the cover this book debunks myths that prevent women from getting out of harm’s way. By helping clarify how church leaders need to act to protect women from abuse and free them from guilt and fear the book is a valuable pastoral resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by John Meredith\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/592122\/The_Bible_Doesn.aspx\"\u003eBaptist Times 18.11.20\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Jenni Entrican\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important book, and even more so during this time of COVID pandemic when levels of domestic abuse have significantly increased. As the title suggests, it is clear that specific interpretations of the Bible are used to validate totally unacceptable violations against women by their partners. Helen names this as ‘scripture being weaponised against women’, and her aim is to show that the Bible does not support the abuse of anyone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an important book too because of the hidden nature of domestic abuse, particularly within Christian communities who believe that ‘it doesn’t happen here’, or that it is simply a relationship issue where counselling can help, or that it is the fault of the person being abused who needs to deal with low self esteem, or forgive the abuser. If this sounds simplistic, the reality is that these reactions are not uncommon, and thus perpetuate behaviour that is so contrary to God’s intention for humankind.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThus, Helen’s book, addressed primarily to those suffering abuse, but also to those who support them and church leaders, does an excellent job of unpacking, both the whole sweep of the Biblical narrative, as well as specific scripture passages which are used to validate abusive behaviour. She addresses the Genesis account of the creation of men and women and their relationship; Paul’s exhortation to submit to one another, alongside the revolutionary injunction for men to love their wives as Christ loves the church; truths about what forgiveness looks like; how Jesus viewed and treated women and what God’s heart is for those who are abused.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe finishes briefly by addressing those trapped by an abuser, church leaders on how they can support such, and lastly, she addresses someone who is an abuser.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book, standing alongside other important books, has an important place in recognising and helping us to deal with what is a hugely important Kingdom and justice issue. It is time for us to grapple with the reality of violence and coercion of women within society as a whole, and particularly within the Christian church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn one way it is not an easy read as Helen draws on the lived experiences of women who have been in contact with her and we should weep at their stories. However it is carefully crafted to be both deeply theological, yet simple to read. I highly recommend reading this book and offering it to others, as a resource, but also to bind up some very real wounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs I have travelled through the UK and Europe these past five years as Baptists Together and European Baptist Federation Presidents, I have met many fascinating and wonderful women, but I have also been aware of how often women are not given the opportunities to use their gifts freely. The more I hear and read of the way the female gender is treated worldwide, the more my heart cries out for more books like these, and for more people to engage with issues of gender justice. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJenni Entrican was European Baptist Federation President 2017-19, and is a member of the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Racial, Gender and Economic Justice 2020 -2025\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Kate Lemon, Services Manager One 25: a Bristol based charity supporting women who have experience trauma, helping them to 'heal and thrive'.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is crucial in opening up conversations about domestic abuse within the church. For a long time domestic abuse has not been recognised and this has left women who were being abused isolated and totally unsupported. Moreover this system protected perpetrators of abuse. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen Paynter’s book plays a vital role in demonstrating that abuse happens everywhere, including within Christianity, that it is not acceptable and crucially that the bible does not advocate abuse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI also support the audiences that the author has targeted: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Women who are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control: this is so important. They need to know that their voices are heard and their experiences recognised as part of the church community. They need to see evidence that the bible does not advocate the abuse they are experiencing. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Others in the Christian community who accept, allow or ignore instances of domestic abuse, and particularly church leaders. They are the people in power who need to listen to women and acknowledge what is happening in their church, community and the wider world. They are the people who must put in systems to challenge and stop domestic abuse at a local, national and international level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelen’s detailed explanation of what the bible states and what this means is essential in challenging the discourse around women’s place and safety in society. Her position as a knowledgeable minister and biblical specialist gives clear authority to this element of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as victims of domestic abuse and church leaders, there are other target audiences for this book: the Christian community as a whole, including volunteers, pastoral assistants and lay leaders. I would also add academics who train ministers and Christian workers, to ensure that this topic is covered in training and staff development. And finally, academics and researchers who study gender politics, women’s rights, sexual violence and abuse, and coercive control. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy key takeaways from this book are these:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst, the overriding message that God is for all who are oppressed and that includes women experiencing domestic abuse: God is for them and supports them. God does not advocate their abuse nor condone it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd second, the safety plan: practical list of what women should do if they are planning to leave their abusers in order to keep themselves as safe as possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Kate Lemon, Services Manager, One25 \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Bible Doesn’t Tell Me So: Why you don’t have to submit to domestic abuse and coercive control
£8.99
Digital eBook Only - This book is addressed directly to women experiencing domestic abuse, and to those who seek to...
{"id":7223738597567,"title":"The Bible in Cockney","handle":"the-bible-in-cockney","description":"\u003cp\u003eRead how Jesus feeds five thousand geezers with just five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lillian Gish. Or how Noah built a bloomin’ massive nanny. Then there’s always the story of David and that massive geezer Goliath, or the time when Simon’s finger and thumb-in-law was Tom and Dick in Uncle Ned and Jesus healed her... A very down-to-earth ‘translation’ that brings scripture out of the pulpit and back onto the streets. ‘It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNow working as a funeral celebrant in Essex, Mike Coles was for many years head of religious education at Sir John Cass Church of England Secondary School in Stepney, East London. He hated RE when he was at school, and vowed that he would never make the children suffer as he had to! When he moved to the East End, he immediately fell in love with Cockney rhyming slang and started to use it in his lessons. The children loved it, he decided to write down some of his stories and – well, here they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReview from previous edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.' Reverend Stan in The Badge, the London cab drivers' newspaper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2022-04-19T10:19:21+01:00","created_at":"2022-04-19T10:16:39+01:00","vendor":"Mike Coles","type":"Hardback","tags":["Biblical engagement","Centenary Classics","Centenary Collection"],"price":1499,"price_min":1499,"price_max":1499,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":1499,"compare_at_price_min":1499,"compare_at_price_max":1499,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":41565101162687,"title":"Hardback","option1":"Hardback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390904","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":{"id":32215161569471,"product_id":7223738597567,"position":1,"created_at":"2022-04-19T10:16:39+01:00","updated_at":"2022-04-19T10:16:41+01:00","alt":null,"width":1181,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801","variant_ids":[41565101162687]},"available":true,"name":"The Bible in Cockney - Hardback","public_title":"Hardback","options":["Hardback"],"price":1499,"weight":169,"compare_at_price":1499,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390904","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":24727088726207,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":24727088726207,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781800390904.jpg?v=1650359801","width":1181}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eRead how Jesus feeds five thousand geezers with just five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lillian Gish. Or how Noah built a bloomin’ massive nanny. Then there’s always the story of David and that massive geezer Goliath, or the time when Simon’s finger and thumb-in-law was Tom and Dick in Uncle Ned and Jesus healed her... A very down-to-earth ‘translation’ that brings scripture out of the pulpit and back onto the streets. ‘It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the author\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eNow working as a funeral celebrant in Essex, Mike Coles was for many years head of religious education at Sir John Cass Church of England Secondary School in Stepney, East London. He hated RE when he was at school, and vowed that he would never make the children suffer as he had to! When he moved to the East End, he immediately fell in love with Cockney rhyming slang and started to use it in his lessons. The children loved it, he decided to write down some of his stories and – well, here they are.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReview from previous edition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'It certainly is a good laugh while imparting the essential message of the Bible.' Reverend Stan in The Badge, the London cab drivers' newspaper\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Bible in Cockney
£14.99
Read how Jesus feeds five thousand geezers with just five loaves of Uncle Fred and two Lillian Gish. Or how...