SCM Studyguide: Practical Skills for Ministry Paperback

Practical Skills for Ministry is by Andrew Pratt, a Methodist Minister and teacher who approaches the task of writing this SCM Study Guide with considerable personal experience yet a minimum of hubris. He makes the point early on that ‘The more self-aware you are, the less likely you are to hurt someone else unintentionally’ with for instance a trite or defensive response. The book applies this to a vast variety of pastoral contacts and the communication that swirls around them. Its theology is appropriate but minimal with surprising gaps, for example the absence of any discussion of ‘Real Presence’ in the chapter on Communion.

Its aim to be wide ranging rather than of great depth is perfectly acceptable. It utilises a wealth of illustrations and anecdotes which make it easy reading. Each chapter is well arranged with subheadings and concludes with a panel ‘Ideas for action’ which draws the material into the reader’s own situation. There is always a list of useful further reading. The book purports to be for both clergy and lay people in ministry, but surprisingly for a Methodist, fails to include the latter with obvious warmth. I only came across the word ‘volunteer’ once and that in a pejorative remark. Even so, I would happily recommend this to anyone starting out in ministry because there is much of value here.