Perfectly Ordinary

In response to abuse scandals and inappropriate conduct by hyper-popular Christian leaders, both in the UK and the US, Perfectly Ordinary warns against the dangers of pursuing ‘spectacular’ ministry and examines what gives rise to coercively controlling and manipulative Christian subcultures. Yet such cultures are often admired and imitated because of their numerical success.

It attempts to reclaim an integral and ordinary style of leading and ministering, strives to celebrate the simple things and advocates a return to the Christ-centred essentials of holiness, humility, faithfulness, prayerfulness, down to earth preaching and pastoral care. Chapters include:

1 From toxic subcultures to safe spaces
2 Neither deference nor indifference
3 Showmen versus unspectacular leaders
4 A plea for unsensational preaching
5 Reclaiming the ordinary
6 Well-being and being well
7 Pedestrian pastoring and prayerful perseverance
8 Learning to get out of the way