Embracing Shared Ministry: Power and Status in the Early Church and Why It Matters Today

Embracing Shared Ministry

Power and Status in the Early Church and Why It Matters Today

2013

Short Review: I waver between 3 and 4 stars. In the end I am going to four because of the thoroughness of the initial two parts of the book. The first part is an explanation of the cultural or the Roman world, focusing on the honor system and the fixed nature of status. Then with that understanding Hellerman tackles the book of Philippians and especially Paul's famous chapter 2 description of Jesus. The book ends with pastoral case studies and illustration of a positive leadership model (and some pastoral advice for young seminarians or new pastors.)

I have to say, that while I agree with the point, and appreciate the cultural background and explication of Philippians, I still wanted more from the book. I wanted a couple more positive examples of shared ministry (there was only Hellerman's positive and several negative examples.) I also think that Hellerman could have cut some of the first two sections and still made a convincing case.

Worth reading if you are in church leadership however.

My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/shared-ministry/

October 20, 2013Report this review