Incarnational Ministry: The practice of being with

by Samuel Wells

The bestselling writer and popular broadcaster Sam Wells reflects theologically and practically on the essence of discipleship and Christian ministry today. Those in ministry, like Jesus, are called to the task of 'being with' with God, with the church, with the created world and those who live in it.Incarnational Ministry explores the concept of 'being with' in eight presence, attention, mystery, delight, participation, partnership, enjoyment and glory. It challenges readers to deeper discipleship and more vital ministry as they explore what it means to be with the troubled, the hurt, the afflicted and the dying - and all who are embraced by the Church's incarnational ministry.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Church, Nonfiction

233 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2017

About the author

Samuel Wells (PhD, University of Durham) is vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church at Trafalgar Square in London. He previously served as dean of the chapel and research professor of Christian ethics at Duke University. Wells is the author of several books, including Be Not Afraid, Improvisation: The Drama of Christian Ethics, and Transforming Fate into Destiny: The Theological Ethics of Stanley Hauerwas. He also coedited, with Stanley Hauerwas, The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics.

Reviews

[Porter Sprigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a holistically loving book. It cuts through our need for accomplishment and reputation and asks us whether we are comfortable sitting in the ministry of presence?

I have so much to learn…

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crapoly- This book will change your life if you allow it. I spent months reading it and can't believe I finished it. I would read a few pages at a time and then spend hours thinking about the parts I underlined.

Well's is a poetic writer and an incredibly prophetic voice in this most important time of history. I decided last year to read several books on INCARNATION , exploring aspects of such a significant cornerstone of Christian spirituality. Wells has certainly created not just a beginning place but a catalyst for how I think about being present in the world. This will be the first of many of his books I read.

The only negative thing about the book is its repetitive structure. But it is easy to move on from because there is so much value in this work.

[Ellie Goulty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book to read during work-experience week with my minister. When I think of the word ministry, I often think of writing/delivering sermons, leading Bible studies, praying with people etc. Through reading this book, I have gained a new understanding of what it is to be a minister. Of course the practices mentioned above are very important parts of being a minister, but 'Incarnational Ministry' provides a brilliant insight into the importance of 'being with.' I've learned that possibly the most crucial aspect of ministry is being present - both with other people and with God. The holistic approach taken by Wells was intriguing and I found the chapters of being with: Oneself, the Creation, Child and the Troubled particularly helpful. Throughout the book I found myself being reminded of situations in my own life as well as of individuals who are close to me. This was both comforting and encouraging, and I hope to go back to these pages at a later date in order to apply what I have learned from Wells' teaching.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this book. It is thoughtful. It is clear. It is both of these things about life and a way in which we can think about our life and our lives with one another. Sam Wells has again done a very good job of inviting us to see life in this world as God has given it to us (at least the way Sam thinks God has given it to us) and encourages us to both think for ourselves and think of the way Sam is looking at it. I loved it.

[Pat Semanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really probably a 3.5. At times I wanted to tell Wells to get to the point, but at other times I wanted to linger for an hour on a point that he made. I had to read this straight through for school, but I would probably recommend reading the introduction and then bouncing around to the chapters that most interest you. I found "Being with the Troubled" and "Being with Child" (a metaphor) the most compelling and helpful, but others might find other chapters more helpful.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Y i k e s. The most redundant book I’ve ever read. Poorly written and bizarre at times. Weird use of extended metaphors throughout and just... so many of the sentences are so full of descriptive words that you forget what on earth you were reading or talking about. Truly painful.

[Élizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not impressed with some of his arguments and we certainly disagree at times but I appreciated, oddly enough, the repetitive, almost liturgical, structure of the book. As I moved through the chapters, it got me to think in a deeper way of the ways I can incarnate the gospel and invite others to believe a much better story. Some of his sentences are pure gold.

[Mike Fedewa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4.5. I loved his writing, almost poetic. His chapters on being with the troubled, the hurt, and the dying were outstanding.

[Tyler Pedersen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very boring and repetitive.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that needs a good discussion group to help understand the hard bits.
He makes several interesting observations on human behavior that really make you think.