The Anglican Ordinal: Gospel Priorities for Church of England Ministry

by Andrew Atherstone

This booklet offers a simple exposition of the ordinal's primary themes. Anglican clergy are called to public ministry as messengers, sentinels, stewards, and shepherds. They are asked searching questions and they make solemn promises. The Holy Spirit's anointing is invoked upon their ministries, with the laying-on-of-hands, and they are gifted a Bible as the visual symbol of their new pastoral and preaching office.

this booklet is a handy primer for ordinands and clergy, and all those responsible for their selection, training, and deployment.

60 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Andrew Atherstone is tutor in History and Doctrine, and Latimer research fellow, at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and has published widely on a number of Anglican personalities such as Charles Golightly (Oxford's Protestant Spy, Paternoster, 2007), and George Carey.

Reviews

[Mark Einselen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Anglican Ordinal" claims to be all about the Book of Common Prayer, and yet there are repeated references to "Common Worship". While this might be practical for those who are familiar with it in England, it is of little help for those abroad in the global communion where the BCP remains the central liturgical resource.

When the author, Andrew Atherstone, trains his focus on the actual BCP's ordinal, the content is orderly and insightful. The chapters are well organized and the substance delivers a consistent message: the Bible is central and supremely authoritative.

[Lukas Stock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simply a slow read through the ordinal of the BCP and Common Worship, with expected evangelical commentary. Nothing of note other than the beauty and significance of the gift that is the Anglican ordinal. The call to give the ordinal pride of place in considering ordained ministry and ministry calling in an Anglican context is essential and welcome.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic introduction to a very specific topic.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for prospective and current Anglican clergy. By walking through the Anglican Ordinal (both the 1662 BCP and Common Worship) the author effectively explains what the ordinal expects of clergy. Clear, concise, and compelling.