On Priesthood

Essential reading for anyone discerning for ordination in the Church of England

By: Stephen Cottrell

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Hardcover | 3 July 2025 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Hardcover
160 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
2 x 13.5 x 20.5

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A refreshing vision of Christian ministry from one of the Church of England's most popular speakers and writers

Messenger, sentinel, steward ... these three words have been used to describe the work of a priest in the Church of England since Cranmer wrote the original ordination rite in 1550. Two more, servant and shepherd, were added in 1980. Taken together, these five metaphors provide a rich and resonant set of ideas through which to explore the nature of Christian ministry.

In this short, lyrical book, Bishop Stephen Cottrell explores each one; based on actual addresses given to ordinands on the night before their ordination, it is refreshing, challenging and accessible.

Anyone considering ordination or already in ministry will want to read this book for the fascinating exploration of the five metaphors he considers.

About the Author

Stephen Cottrell is Bishop of Chelmsford and was formerly Bishop of Reading. He has worked in parishes in London and Chichester, as Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral, as Missioner in the Wakefield diocese and as part of Springboard, the Archbishop of Canterbury's evangelism team. He has written widely on evangelism, spirituality and discipleship. Among his most recent books are a series of Lent and Holy Week meditations, The Things He Carried (2008), a follow up of reflections for Easter Day, The Things He Said (2009), The Nail: Being part of the Passion (2011) and Christ in the Wilderness: Reflecting on the paintings of Stanley Spencer (2012). His bestselling I Thirst was the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book for 2004.

Industry Reviews

This book is a helpful reminder to all of us - ordained, commissioned or neither - to allow God to do what God needs to do through us. * Reform *
[Stephen Cottrell] inhabits pastures rich in scripture, peopled by the greatest and wisest minds of the Church down the centuries, and grounded in more than thirty years of ministerial experience. His hinterland embraces the fields of poetry and music and much else besides. This is catholic writing in every sense. -- The Rt Revd Graham James, former Bishop of Norwich * Church Times *

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