Contents
Foreword viii
Introduction xi
Acknowledgements xviii
1
The dilemma of Gospel ministry in the twenty-first century 1
2
The challenge of holiness 11
3
What does the ministry do? 16
4
What does it mean to carry a concern? 24
5
On discipleship and finding your way to the Cross 27
6
The life cycle of a minister 33
7
The minister's devotional life 57
8
Listening: Inward Prayer 63
9
Listening: Scripture 68
10
Listening: Friends tradition 70
11
Motions of love and the parable of the Sower:
the content of ministry 74
12
Varieties of service: no mold 80
13
On the ordering of the Holy Spirit 87
14
On growth in the gift: Learning from the work 90
15
On Discouragement 93
16
On where to seek discernment and guidance 104
17
On being dipped into sympathy 114
18
On being in your own meeting 118
19
On listening to the ministry of others 124
20
On passionate attachments 126
21
On "bearing the burden" of a concern 132
22
On Opportunities: part 1 137
23
On opportunities: part 2 143
24
On intervisitation 149
25
On taking joy in the service 162
appendix 1
On being a recorded minister 164
appendix 2
Sample annual reports to monthly meeting 179
A bibliography on Quaker ministry and other works cited 189