A Celtic Model Of Ministry

Why is the Christian Church declining in numbers and effectiveness in the twenty-first century? In A Celtic Model of Ministry Jerry Doherty, experienced clergyman and Celtic scholar, shows that the decline is caused by a crisis of individualism, a crisis of faith, and a crisis of lifestyle. Doherty responds to these crises by providing a Celtic spirituality by way of ministry of early Celtic Christians in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. He provides a model for ministry today in the local congregation and a guideline for the successful future of the Church modeled after the early Celtic communities. Doherty applies the model in congregational development studies and ministry. He explores the problems that have caused the decline of the Church and how paradigms of ministry in current use are no longer adequate. In A Celtic Model of Ministry Doherty proposes that a new model for thinking and building ministry today, especially in the local congregation, may be found in early Celtic Christian communities. Churches need to be a spiritual center, a learning center, and a community center.

This revision of Hunter's classic explores what an ancient form of Christianity can teach today's church leaders.

Celtic Christianity–the form of Christian faith that flourished among the people of Ireland during the Middle Ages– has gained a great deal of attention lately. George G. Hunter III points out that while the attention paid to the Celtic Christians is well deserved, much of it fails to recognize the true genius of this ancient form of Christianity. What many contemporary Christians do not realize is that Celtic Christianity was one of the most successfully evangelistic branches of the church in history. The Celtic church converted Ireland from paganism to Christianity in a remarkably short period, and then proceeded to send missionaries throughout Europe. North America is today in the same situation as the environment in which the early Celtic preachers found their mission fields: unfamiliar with the Christian message, yet spiritually seeking and open to a vibrant new faith. If we are to spread the gospel in this culture of secular seekers, we would do well to learn from the Celts. Their ability to work with the beliefs of those they evangelized, to adapt worship and church life to the indigenous patterns they encountered, remains unparalleled in Christian history. If we are to succeed in reaching the West . . . again, then we must begin by learning from these powerful witnesses to the saving love of Jesus Christ. This classic book on the power of indigenous evangelism has been thoroughly revised and updated, proving once again how much these ancient Christians have to teach anyone who seeks to spread the word of the gospel.

Discover your spiritual gift in the company of Columba, Brigid, Cuthbert, Patrick and other Celtic saints in this ground-breaking and original hook. As the rediscovery of Celtic spirituality has transformed Christian experience in recent years, Celtic Gifts explores the dramatic impact that a Celtic understanding of vocation and ministry could have in the life and work of the Church today, especially where small congregations, limited resources and overburdened clergy create particular difficulties. Offering a positive, imaginative and biblical solution to problems that are all too common today, Celtic Gifts will encourage every Christian to explore their own vocation and calling.

An overview of Celtic spirituality and its implications for us today.

The Celtic Christians beheld the world around them and perceived the divine life of God as upholding every aspect of the material universe. Their prayers and poems, their liturgies and theological interpretations give Christians a sense of faith that is confident in a merciful and infinitely creative, healing God.

Thin Places introduces contemporary Christians to the great spiritual legacy of the early Celts, a legacy that has remained undiscovered or inaccessible for many evangelical Christians. It provides ways for us to learn from this ancient faith expression, applying fresh and lively spiritual disciplines to our own modern context.

Celtic Christianity is the key not only for the future of the Church but of the whole planet, argues Ray Simpson, Founding Guardian of the Community of Aidan and Hilda.

Women in pain populate every congregation. Left to themselves, many will become discouraged and leave the church. But pastors cannot adequately care for the needs of everyone. Beverly White Hislop has written Shepherding a Woman's Heart to challenge pastors to infuse to women in their churches with the same spirit that moves them to care for their flock. This amazing resource provides substantial guidance on how to properly equip healthy women to come forward and nurture hurting women.