2023 Spring

From time to time we need to stand still and take stock: are we still engaging with prayer and vocation at an appropriate level or have we started just ‘going through the motions’? It is particularly important for those of us in busy and pressurised ministry to take time for our own spiritual health. How can we go deeper into our relationship with God? And how too can we disciple others, helping them to do the same?

Aspects of this topic are explored by our excellent contributors. Catherine Butcher tells us how one church helps new Christians to transition to the next level of commitment after the excitement of their Alpha experience has subsided a little. Then, imaginative ways of extending our own prayer lives are explored. Artist Catherine Cocks finds painting to be prayerful; Peter Rainford explains the ministry of spiritual direction (what it can offer us, and whether it is a ministry to which we might be called); Jacqui Hicks suggests ways of using a labyrinth, and Gemma Simmonds introduces us to Ignatian spirituality.

These are complemented by a variety of other articles. Helen Billam advocates a closer relationship between faith and science; Alan Stanley calls for more lay leadership in the Church; Annika Mathews speaks out for the younger generation; Chris Greaves writes about working with primary schools; Julia Beacroft describes an evangelism project from the Catholic Church, and David Kibble tells of the impact cathedral buildings can have on awakening spirituality in visitors.

Our book feature focuses on a set of commentaries on covering the four gospels and Acts. It includes an extract from the fifth of these, written by Professor Loveday Alexander. Finally, Peter Clough’s Postscript reflects on the importance of good commentaries, and the call to help others go deeper into scripture.

Our next issue (for which copy is needed by the end of January) will look at ministering in a vacancy – and in the immediate aftermath. This will be followed by an issue looking at how we can approach difficult texts as preachers (copy needed by the end of April). The final issue of this year will explore how our ministry has been impacted by the pandemic years, and what we need to change going forward. There is always room for other suggestions and ideas too – please do keep them coming.

With every blessing for the year ahead.

Richenda