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Philip Garside Publishing Ltd
Signposts on the Way - Print.
Signposts on the Way - Print.
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Signposts on the Way:
Theological Reflections on the Practice of Ministry
By Rev Dr Graeme Ferguson
A rich and deeply reflective exploration of Christian ministry, drawing from fifty years of experience and theological insight to inspire clergy and lay leaders in their mission.
A thought-provoking guide that:
- Offers profound theological reflections on ministry and mission
- Provides real-world insights from decades of frontline ministry
- Encourages deeper engagement with faith in a secular world
- Challenges church leaders to rethink their role in society
- Explores the relationship between theology and practical ministry
- Shares wisdom from cross-cultural and ecumenical initiatives
- Includes extensive indexing, footnotes, and pull quotes for easy navigation
Features
- A compelling blend of theology and ministry experience
- Contributions from diverse Christian traditions and contexts
- Thoughtful engagement with the challenges of faith in modern society
- Insightful reflections on ministerial formation and theological education
- A rich resource for personal reflection and group study
Soft cover, 288pp
Dimensions: 6″ x 9″
ISBN: 9781988572208
Philip Garside Publishing Ltd (2019)
[18 in stock 13 February 2025]
Description
How do we reflect theologically on the practice of ministry?
How does faith respond to the challenges of modern life?
Ferguson invites clergy, lay leaders, and all engaged in Christian mission to take time out and consider these vital questions.
Drawing from fifty years of ministry experience, Ferguson offers an inspiring and pragmatic perspective on how theology informs local ministry. Having worked at the intersection of church and secular society in Wellington, Auckland, and Sydney, he shares invaluable lessons on mission, ecumenism, and the evolving role of the Church.
Ferguson’s reflections explore critical themes such as the changing landscape of faith, the Church’s response to societal shifts, and the creative possibilities of ministry.
His work in cross-cultural ministry, the formation of the Uniting Church in Australia, and theological education at the Sydney College of Divinity provides unique insights that will resonate with readers across denominations.
This book is both a theological exploration and a practical guide, offering wisdom that challenges and inspires.
The text is well-indexed, includes extensive footnotes, and features numerous pull quotes that highlight key insights—making it an accessible resource for those seeking to engage deeply with the practice of ministry.
Sample quotes
- “…its ministers must decide whether they are going to allow themselves to be manipulated by the power elites, to serve them in the furtherance of their policies.”
- “The task of the Church is to discern the places in the life of the city where Christ is about his saving work and set out to join him there.”
- “Giving people the freedom to exercise their creativity in practical ways that reach achievable goals is exhilarating.”
- “The Scriptures are infuriating. They are rarely lucid or clear.”
- “Our capacity for innovative response is restricted only by the limit of our vision.”
- “I wanted people going into ministry to love the Church, understand it well and serve it selflessly and wholeheartedly.”
- “People have a great ability to set limits to their understanding. They are not prepared to go deeper into faith.”
- “Where the Church insists on a higher authority or a set of truth claims that cannot be questioned or examined, the Church is in trouble.”
- “One of the tasks in the local congregation is to discern the range of gifts present in its life and to ensure that these are recognized, celebrated and used effectively.”
Praise for Signposts on the Way
“This is good stuff. I needed to read this at a time when so much around us is dark and troublesome.” Ven Dr John Chryssavgis. Theological consultant to the Patriarch of Constantinople
About the Author
Rev Dr Graeme Ferguson completed his doctoral studies on Calvin at Cambridge before embarking on a distinguished career in ministry and theological education. He served as minister of Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church, Wellington, where he co-founded the Inner City Ministry, a pioneering ecumenical initiative.
In 1975, he became the founding Principal of United Theological College, Sydney, playing a key role in preparing ministers for the newly formed Uniting Church in Australia. Later, as senior minister of St David’s Church, Auckland, he continued his work in theological education and mission. Now retired, he remains a thoughtful observer of the Church’s evolving role in a secular world.
Contents
Preface
Introduction: A Discussion on Method
- Auckland and Dunedin: Germinating Ideas
- Cambridge: The Classical Tradition
- Kent Terrace Church, Wellington: Gift of the City
- Creative Theological Departures (1965–1975)
- Sydney: United Theological College, A Learning Community
- The Local Congregation in Mission
- Doing Theology in Australia
- The Interpretative Task
- Forming the Uniting Church in Australia
- Baptism, the Sacrament of Initiation
- Auckland: St David’s—Tradition and Mission
- Recapitulation: On Being an Incarnational Community
Notes
Index
