In this lively and hopeful volume, John Pritchard realistically maps out the life and work of those called to serve God in the ordained ministry. He looks in turn at the only three things he believes need be of concern: the glory of God, the pain of the world, and the renewal of the Church. From these flow the priest's many roles, such as spiritual explorer, multi-lingual interpreter, wounded companion, friendly irritant, creative leader and mature risk-taker. This book pays homage to Robert Martineau's The Office and Work of a Priest, published in 1972, and much valued as a wise account of...

Beginning Again' is a book of practical help and encouragement for anyone looking for a new start in their spiritual journey or wanting to take that journey further for the first time. Focusing on four crucial areas of Christian discipleship - prayer, the Bible, Church and lifestyle - it is packed with ideas and new ways to break out of the narrow patterns and practices which sometimes seem to box us in. Realistic, down-to-earth and accessible in approach, the book includes suggestions for continuing the journey of discipleship. Ideal for new or jaded Christians, people involved in basics...

Do you go to church wishing it was (more often) a more uplifting experience? Are you contemplating giving church a try? If so, this book is for you. Looking in turn at the church as it is, the church as it's meant to be, and the church as it might become, John Pritchard offers not only humour and insight, but also encouragement to feel that going to church is really worthwhile . . . Whatever our situation, we're likely to finish this book with a lot more understanding and a lot more hope

In this richly engaging study of the greatest figure in human history, John Pritchard invites us to encounter the historic - and living - Christ. 'This richly engaging study vividly conveys how opening our hearts to Christ can release the transformative prayer of love to flow through our lives and into our broken and needy world. I pray that many will be touched by their encounter with Christ in Living Jesus.' Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu 'An inspirational book written by a man who loves Jesus and loves people' Mark Russell, Chief Executive, Church Army 'I'm with John Pritchard -...

Many of us are aware of our spiritual nature, and we have a real desire and need to talk to God. Prayer, however, seems a difficult thing to do. While talking to our friends comes easily, we often think that talking to God does not. In How to Pray, John Pritchard takes us on a journey into prayer. He begins by showing us how to see the divine in everyday life and how to slow down enough to hear God. He makes a wealth of useful suggestions about: - How to pray, When to pray, How to pray with the Bible, How to pray with the imagination, How to pray with others, How to pray when the going gets...

The bestselling Intercessions Handbook is designed for use in a wide range of formal and informal settings. In two introductory chapters, John Pritchard considers the importance and challenges of the vital task of intercession. He then offers practical examples of intercessions in traditional services, all-age worship, small groups and personal devotions. Material for seasons, major festivals and special events is also included.

The faith we proclaim on Sunday is just as relevant to the rest of the week, but contemporary British Christianity is failing to remove the sacred - secular divide. We need to close the gap between sacred and secular, and that's what this book aims to help us do.

In this exhilarating book, John Pritchard reclaims the narrative power of the gospels by retelling well-known stories in vivid, imaginative language, and showing us how our own stories fit into the Christian story and can be transformed by it. He takes key narratives like the visit of Mary to Elizabeth, the parable of the rich fool, and the Last Supper, and helps us to be part of them. We are given the opportunity to see the people involved more clearly, not least of all Jesus himself - and so to consider whether we might live our own lives a little differently. An ideal resource for anyone...

Methodism played an important part in the spread of Christianity from its European heartlands to the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Pacific. From John Wesley s initial reluctance, via haphazard ventures and over-ambitious targets, a well-organized and supported Wesleyan Society developed. Smaller branches of British Methodism undertook their own foreign missions. This book, together with a companion volume on the 20th century, offers an account of the overseas mission activity of British and Irish Methodists, its roots and fruits. John Pritchard explores many aspects of mission, ranging from...

The twentieth century saw the spectacular growth of Christianity in much of the global south, the transformation of mission fields into self-governing Churches, schemes of church union (some successful, others abortive), evolving attitudes to other faiths and significant Christian engagement with issues of racial justice and world poverty. This book examines the contribution of the Methodist Missionary Society (and its predecessors before 1932) to these world-changing movements, from the remarkable mass conversions in south-west China and west Africa early in the century to the controversy...