Perfectly Ordinary: In search of healthy church leadership

In the wake of scandals involving high-profile Christian leaders in the UK, US and beyond, Perfectly Ordinary calls for a return to an authentic, Christ-centred approach to leadership that values humility, faithfulness, prayer, and genuine pastoral care over sensationalism. "Here is an instructive feast that should be essential reading for all Christian leaders; old, new or aspiring. Marcus Throup has taken the existing understanding of spiritual abuse and safer, healthier leadership to a new level through a grounded, insightful and challenging exploration. Marcus has left no more room for denials, distractions and discussions that seek to ignore what has attacked the authenticity and healthy purpose of our leadership for so long. This excellent book helps us to think clearly about what ought to be avoided and how to keep our eyes firmly focused on what we have been called to and the person who has called us." "Marcus writes with characteristic insight and sharp observation about the necessity of leadership that is Christ centred not self centred as a much-needed antidote to the misuse of power and authority that is a blight on the church. Through an exploration of the centrality of knowing oneself and rejoicing in the simple activities of mundane ministry life, this is an engaging and thought provoking read. I commend it for anyone who is called to offer their unspectacular but precious self to serve the church and the world in these complex days. " ‘This is a frank and incisive analysis of what happens when church leadership points to itself, rather than to Jesus, and creates the ground in which spiritual abuse can take hold. It is also a book which offers a deeply refreshing alternative vision - of relational, accountable and trustworthy leadership which enables the growth of the Kingdom and the generous and gracious nurturing of souls in a beautifully unspectacular way.’ ''Brings warmth, deep concern, insight, and vision to what the clergy ought to be like... his call is for parish leaders to be Christ-like through the exercise of day-to-day prayerfulness, regular reflection on authority, status, and power, and responding.'' In the wake of scandals involving high-profile Christian leaders in the UK, US and beyond, Perfectly Ordinary issues a timely warning about the dangers of pursuing ''spectacular'' ministry. It uncovers how coercive, manipulative subcultures often thrive – and are even admired – because of their outward success, while ignoring the deeper harm they cause.Marcus Throup calls for a return to an authentic, Christ-centred approach to leadership that values humility, faithfulness, prayer, and genuine pastoral care over sensationalism. By celebrating the beauty of simplicity, it invites readers to rediscover the heart of ministry: holiness, down-to-earth preaching, and a focus on what truly matters.

• | Author: Marcus Throup
• | Publisher: Canterbury Press Norwich
• | Publication Date: Nov 29, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
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• | Binding: Paperback / softback
• | ISBN-13: 9781786225856
• | ISBN-10: 1786225859