Review for Ministers-at-Work by Rob Fox April 2002

I have long thought that some of the more ‘democratic’ churches might have something to say about work and ministry; I was not disappointed.

Jani Ruberry is a member of the Salvation Army and a management training consultant. She combines freelance consultancy, training with the SA Mission Team, and family life. In what is admittedly a slim volume she nevertheless sets out the principles involved in a portfolio lifestyle, how it can be managed and points to some agencies that can help.

The book is exactly what it says it is and is therefore about managing a pattern of life made up of a number of potentially competing elements, yet at the same time freeing up our potential as ministers in God’s service in each part of the portfolio. In practice this is exactly what MSEs are called to do, hence its usefulness to us. The sections are: . What and Why? (self-explanatory) . Myths, Truths and Challenges (gets straight to the point on separation of work and ministry – should be compulsory reading, especially on training courses!) . Discovering Vocation (recognising that work is a vocation setting and the right job for us is a vocation) . Creating a Portfolio Lifestyle (how to put the elements together) . Managing a Portfolio Lifestyle (managing the elements and getting the balance right) . Appendices with a number of useful tools.

There is a particularly good summary of the changing face of work in recent years early in the book. I was particularly taken with the following view of a contemporary employment contract:

“We can’t tell you how long we’ll be in business.
We can’t promise we won’t be bought by another company.
We can’t promise there will be room for promotion.
We can’t promise you a job until retirement. .
We can’t promise there will be money for your pension.*
We can’t expect your undying loyalty and we aren’t sure we want it – and we certainly can’t give you ours!” .

(*With raids on pension funds becoming more common, this certainly rings true!)

The strengths of this book are that it is practical, easy to follow, challenging, and places our employment – whatever it may be – firmly in the context of Christian ministry. Jani knows what she wants to say and communicates effectively. It is well worth the price!