The Crucifixion of Ministry: Surrendering Our Ambitions to the Service of Christ

The Crucifixion of Ministry addresses critical issues in the life of the minister that are strangely overlooked by authors down through the years. Purves' work in this area is of particular help in identifying a reasonable and necessary gap between the work of the pastor and the work of God, through Christ. The recognition of this chasm is significant, not only from a theological perspective, but from a psychological perspective. Theological in that doctrine is the basis for all spiritual formation in the life of the believer. Identification of the Psychological implications is significant in that a proper understanding of these principles is instrumental in maintaining mental health in the trenches of ministry. I too believe that unrealistic expectations in ministry are a primary contributor in weariness and defeat in the weekly responsibilities of a committed minister. Purves helps define the line of responsibility in the relationship between the pastor, and the work of God.The statement that, "We do not mediate Jesus Christ," was poignant to my reading in helping to distinguish my role. This challenged my thinking as I have often ascribed a mediatorial role to that of a pastor. However, after further investigation I began to recognize the critical implications of my misguided thinking. As usual, words have meaning, and the distinctions between mediation, facilitation, and reconciliation are helpful in our appreciation of the authors premise for the Crucifixion of Ministry in the life of the pastor.In 2 Corinthians, Paul states that, "this [new life] is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us ... (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This passage is helpful in offering a helpful delineation in duties. Essentially, we are the conduit through which the grace of God flows, supplied by the finished work of Jesus Christ, the well-spring of living water. Like Peter, our evangelistic message is, "Repent [return to God] and be baptized." We are comfortable assigning the saving power of Christ, "sola fide" as the unique work of Christ (Sola Christos). However, we are less likely to apply this same thinking in our hospital visitation or prayer life in times of great need. Oftentimes, our self-centered needs and ego play into our desire to exercise some form of control over our personal circumstances, and those of our parishioners. Oftentimes, our "success" is falsely associated with the outcome of the circumstances we inappropriately begin to engage as mediators, rather than facilitators of God's grace. It is God's work to choose to interrupt in the terminal condition of a cancer patient, or intervene in the life of a wayward marriage. The results are entirely placed in His sovereign and capable hands. Rather, we are to "bear witness to the God who acts as Jesus Christ, now in the presence of His Spirit. Once this principle is wholeheartedly acknowledged, and accepted, our personal lives will reflect a renewed peace and satisfaction in ministry.

We who live a Christian life within the world are faced with a constant challenge: that challenge being that we are to be in the world and not of the world. The struggle of ministry for many years has been that we appear to be very much similiar to the social services agencies of the world. I would state that many churches have this point of view. Hence, the demands made upon the pastors are very similiar to the demands made upon the social service structures of the world. According to Dr. Purvis, the outcome is predictable: burnout, dropout or worse.Historically, this has never been the church's calling, for that would be to "be in the world and of the world at the same time".So, we are called to be "in the world and yet, not of the world",and as a result we cannot have the same expectations that the social service agencies have in our working within the world. Pastors are not merely fulfilling a secular job description. Indeed, secular job expectation would be impossible within such a vocation. Instead, we would need to discern the mind of God. Pastors are to believe and live as if God is able to work and demonstrate changes within an individual Christian's life. The pastor cannot change a person's life.Dr. Purves's book is written very much within that Christian stream of thought that says ministry is about a lifelong journey with the Christian faith, as it is not something that we can absorb through the culture. This changes the face of pastoral ministry as it is practiced by some. Instead, Christianity is counter-cultural while still examining the culture and using some of the tools provided, (panenthism)but always with an eye upon God and God's Will.

This book could have been a nice and thoughtful essay on the nature of pastoral ministry, but it unfortunately meandered into an entire book that was often repetitive and unhelpful. The general premise is: "Ministry is not about you." Though it is easy to fall into a mindset of being the one who makes ministry happen, I think this is particularly written for a certain demographic, though perhaps unintentionally. The says he likes to pick out a strong, tall, strapping young man from his practical theology class to use as an example, and this book seems to be written to this young man (Bob). There are issues about power, gender, race, etc., that are completely ignored. Save your money - I would not recommend this book. I have heard that the followup is much better, but have not read that.

What I liked the most was the theme was relative to my own personal and professional life. It was such a good read, I bought 6 copies to use in a training class at our church for people in Lay Ministries.

I was originally given a paperback copy of this book - however, I was so impressed that I've also added it to the library on my Kindle. Although Andrew Purves' focus is on church pastors and their work, many of the theological insights will enrich anyone who reads this.Purves tackles an error that exists in much of Christian ministry (including my own) - we too often consider it to be our ministry. The success or failure of this ministry is a significant load on our backs. Purves refocuses our attention away from us to Jesus. All ministry is his ministry, which we share in. Jesus is the resurrected, ascended, reigning Lord who is continuing his ministry throughout the Earth today. The load is on his - not our - back.Purves then builds on this foundation to radically revisit how we should conduct our ministries. As part of this he gives perspectives on the Christian life that would benefit all readers.Read this book. For a theological work it is an easy read - and it will change your perspective on both your ministry and your everyday life as a Christian.

This book speaks primarily to clergy but is significant for all who seek to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ

I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it either. It’s a fairly quick read and despite disagreeing with some of his arguments - it was a worthwhile purchase.