Читать книгу Tend My Flock - Kate Litchfield - Страница 7

Foreword

As I look back on my theological training more than thirty years ago, much less attention was given to pastoral studies than to biblical theology, doctrine and church history. It was as if pastoring came naturally and was something you picked up as you began to do your ordained work. There’s a sense in which this is true. Nothing teaches like experience. There’s a wealth of pastoral care offered by ordained ministers and lay people alike. It’s one of the strengths of the Church. But much damage has been done to the Church and the Christian gospel by bad or neglectful pastoring of God’s people. That’s why this book is of such significance. It is the product of many years spent listening to and reflecting upon the experience in pastoral ministry of both ordained and lay ministers. It will be of immense value for those starting out in their pastoral work. It will be of equal value for those who are experienced already, experienced enough to know how much they still have to learn.

This book does not contain a list of rules to be remembered. It explores the culture, character and circumstances of pastoral ministry for ordained and lay ministers in the Church today. It also explores the care and support which ministers themselves need, if they are to sustain pastoral ministry over many years. I am very grateful to Kate Litchfield, not only for her ministry in this diocese, but for all she has done, with the support of Bishop David Atkinson and others, in the production of this work. I hope that it will find its way into the hands of many who are engaged in pastoral ministry. I am sure it will be of benefit to the Church and its proclamation of the gospel in the coming years.

Graham Norvic

The Right Reverend Graham James

Bishop of Norwich