The Ministry of a Messy House

by Amanda Robbie

This book takes an honest, realistic and humorous look at the common misconception that ministry and perfection are somehow synonymous. 'The Ministry of a Messy House' reminds us that we are actually far messier than we realize but our perfect Saviour delights to work through us for His glory. --Jane McNabb, Minister's Wife, conference speaker and author

Encouraging, practical, humorous and warm: this book is a gem and a wonderful affirmation of the grace of Christ that works in and not despite our mess. --Emma Scrivener, writer and speaker

We can't escape mess. However organised we are, the laundry is never done, the children aren't clean for long, church relationships are often frayed and our hearts are messed up with sin. Shot through with practical resources and biblical truth, this book reminds us with refreshing honesty how God wants to tackle the mess in our hearts. And the rest of the mess? He'll use it to display his grace, teach us to trust him, and reveal him to others. Highly recommended. --Elizabeth McQuoid, author of 'The Amazing Cross' and 'The Transforming Trinity'

Amanda Robbie blogs and tweets at The Vicar's Wife She has lived in South East Asia where she designed and built sewage works. She is married to Neil, a Scotsman and a church minister, and they live in the West Midlands with their three growing children, a cat, a goldfish and a rodent, along with a couple of lodgers

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ministry-Mess...

Genres: Christian, Parenting

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2013

Reviews

[Emma Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has taken me a long time to finally finish this book. Whereas it started out talking about the extreme messiness of her house and trying to be hospitable in the midst of the mess, the subsequent chapters give very practical and helpful guidance to reaching out to friends and neighbours at different seasons, celebrations and occasions. She offers recipes, templates for remembering the story of God throughout different seasons and practical suggestions for those short of time. I really rather enjoyed it .

[Tara Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get through this book. It had wonderful and encouraging things to say, however it was hard to stay engaged. It was filled with lots of practical tidbits throughout, but perhaps it’s a bit dated now? I feel like a lot of those practical day to day tidbits are now communicated via TikTok or reels.

I was cheering when she spoke about the theology that underlines why we do what we do, and urged people to show hospitality regardless of whatever mess is going on in their lives. We need more people willing to show love while laundry piles up on the couch, rather than waiting until their home, space, circumstance is perfect.

[Christine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and real with great ideas and examples.

[Laura A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book encouraging, with the kind of encouragement I needed to relax a bit when it comes to ministry in the midst of mess of a young family!
It relates quite a bit to being a vicar’s wife, meaning some of it I struggled to relate to, but overall I enjoyed it.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really helpful sections, though quite a few examples were more relevant to a vicar's wife/family. Having said that, I've marked up my copy with lots of points I want to remember and things I want to start doing.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gret book if your spouse has became a vicar, minister, pastor or other title within the church.

Although could have done with a better proof reader who knew their bible!