The Anglican Ministry of Word and Sacrament
Edited by Lee Gatiss
Church Society, 2016
This book has chapters by Lee Gatiss, Mike Smith, Julian Henderson, Nigel Atkinson, Andrew Atherstone, Tim Ward and Michael Nazir-Ali. They originated as talks at the Junior Anglican Evangelical Conference (JAEC) in 2015.
It contains plenty of sound teaching, but is rather dry. It is no Lee Child all action page-turner where you can’t wait to see what Jack Reacher will do next!
There were, nevertheless, some good parts that spoke to me.
Revd Mike Smith, in his chapter “My Sheep Hear My Voice (John 9:35-10:5)” writes about the realities of the modern Christian life, and the reminder to rely on God:
“I struggle against the same besetting sins, and some new ones. I fall into the trap of comparing myself to others and wanting to please people. I struggle to pray. I find my diary swamped with so many things that have little to do with speaking Jesus’ words to others. I can pull off a ministerial Sunday front that covers up a multitude of sins quite expertly. I can be lovely to people without really loving them. I dare not preach myself. […] He is our life and hope […] Let us preach him, and seek his glory alone.” Page 39.
Bishop Julian Henderson in “Feed My Sheep (John 21:15-19)” identifies what is at the root of church disagreements in the General Synod and elsewhere:
“The single issue of the day is not sexuality but the place and interpretation of the Bible in the life of our church.” Page 41.
He also argues that the Bible should be more central to our church services:
“we place too much emphasis and weight upon receiving Holy Communion. In many churches, every service is a Eucharist. There are not many “Services of the Word” and that is because it is widely believed that God only shows up if there is a Eucharist.” Page 49.
Adrian Vincent
January 2026