PREPARE FOR EXILE
published 2008 by SPCK, ISBN 9780281060030
The Church today must throw off old attitudes, renew its spirituality and refocus its mission if it is to flourish as it enters a new period of exile. Preparing for and living in exile means learning from those who were ‘exiles’ in their own day – men and women who challenged the Church to reshape itself and to remain fresh and engaging. Exiles from the Bible and from all traditions of the Church are recalled.
From the foreword by Rev Dr Graham Tomlin.
“Patrick covers an impressive range of material here – from biblical studies to the history of the church to contemporary culture, to analyse this theme. He suggests that in this time of unsettling exile, the church needs to develop new patterns of mission, spirituality and community to adapt and thrive in a new world. This is no easy path – it is costly, yet promises much. As he puts it, ‘exile has often been the price of change, renewal and, at times, revival’.
In exile, people can either assimilate so that they lose their identity, withdraw into themselves and slowly die off, or adapt creatively while retaining a vital sense of what makes them different. That is the challenge for today’s church, a challenge laid down by this book. It explores an evocative and rich theme for understanding the place of the church in contemporary British life. It is well worth reading, studying and debating, and has an important message which I hope will be heard widely.”
The Rev Dr Alison Morgan, Associate of ReSource and author of The Wild Gospel
“Prepare for Exile offers an engaging and readable overview of the history of the Church, focusing particularly on those periods when to be Christian has meant to live at odds with the values of society. Patrick Whitworth suggests that this experience of ‘exile’ is one which characterizes the life of the Church today, and should not be feared but rather welcomed as the key to renewal and new growth: exile, he says, is the Church’s best friend. Patrick writes, as ever, with experience and wisdom – this is a realistic and encouraging contribution to the discussion on the challenges facing the Church."
BECOMING... A CITIZEN OF THE KINGDOM
published in 2006 by Terra Nova Publications, ISBN 1901949451
It is as we study the scriptures and as we let the Holy Spirit speak to us through the teaching of the Bible - rather than reading into it what we want - that we get to the core of compassionate holiness which marked out Jesus' life and message. Jesus came to inaugurate in Kingdom which will transform the world - and living in the Kingdom involves our seeking to live out the same powerful mix of power and action, of contemplation and service, as did Jesus in his earthly life...
Foreword by Rev Don Brewin, former UK National Director, Sharing Ministries Abroad
“In order to get a proper perspective in our thinking and kingdom action, we need balanced, accessible exposition of what Jesus teaches in his parables. Patrick provides just this, and I trust that my few words will encourage the reader to take the teaching to heart.
I was delighted to find that Patrick addresses these issues relating to the Kingdom of God in a fresh and very readable style which can sometimes mask the depth of the insights he offers.”
BECOMING... A SPIRITUAL LEADER
published in 2005 by Terra Nova Publications, ISBN 1901949346
Foreword written by Rev Dr Russ Parker
"Here we witness the growth and development of this first leader of the fledgling church, which seems to more a case of painfully won insights from the school of hard knocks than clinical reflections from a rabbi’s seminar. Patrick paints a wonderfully alive picture of Peter’s journeying from professed strength to confessed weakness. Becoming a Spiritual Leader invites us to walk alongside Peter and learn from his struggles to come to terms with his true humanity and calling, as well as feel the full impact and depth of Jesus, the man who is God. This book reminds us that only the broken are called into God’s ministry to others. Here is a book which challenges us to be as real and open as a broken Peter, and learn to be as truly human as the Lord who also calls us to share in his marvellous care of others. I warmly commend it to you.”
www.thegoodbookstall.org.uk
“Following on from his book – Becoming Fully Human – Patrick Whitworth introduces us to the Apostle Peter and the difficult path he had to follow as the church’s first leader – thrust into leadership by the mission of Christ to ‘feed my lambs’. As a leader and minister it is unlikely that Peter would have got through a selection conference for any of the established churches – yet he led that church to what it could be today. Peter was called – was chosen – was selected to grow in the faith into which he was commissioned with the other disciples. This book takes us through that long and sometimes painful affirmation, the difficulties and disasters, the challenges and the penance – the end result being an example of how we should all as ministers, whether ordained or baptised, live our Christian lives. Scripturally based and a very interesting read!"
BECOMING... FULLY HUMAN
published in 2003 by Terra Nova Publications, ISBN 1901949230
Provides a new Christian apologetic for our time. The author considers the condition of humanity: its brokenness and pain, and the human struggle with evil in its many forms; and explains the meaning of transformation as taught by St Paul and lived out by countless Christian believers. It is a lively presentation of the doctrine of man for our own times.
George Cary, former Archbishop of Canterbury
“Becoming Fully Human is a readable, enjoyable yet serious description of human beings before Almighty God because, let’s be clear about it, if this life is all, then all is futile and nothing is of value... Patrick’s intelligent book emanates not only from much reading and deep thought about the subject but from many years of ministry in which he has seen much suffering and too much human sinfulness. He has also witnessed time and again the overwhelming love and grace of God expressed in the majestic and attractive life of Jesus Christ. That person, Jesus Christ, is the model for human nature. It is my hope, and certainly that of the author, that this book will lead many to him.”
John Matthias, The Bookseller Magazine
“It you like your theology direct, engaging, thought-provoking and completely understandable, then you should read this book. It is, quite simply, the best book on the ‘Doctrine of Man’ I have ever read and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Patrick Whitworth analyses the reasons behind the human condition, the struggle we face to regain the lost image of God and then lays out exactly how and where we can recover our true humanity. His discussion of human sinfulness using the classic model of the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ is excellent, showing the contrast between what we are and what we should be without advocating a cloying legalism. This is Christian apologetic of a rare type, meeting issues head on but using a light touch that forced many a wry smile from me. Many new books arrive heralded as a ‘new classic’, but this book deserves to have such a tagline. In fact it is so good that having finished it I am tempted to start reading it again immediately.”
Douglas Dales - Senior Chaplain at Marlborough College/Head of Religious Studies for The Church Times
“The writer carries a great deal of reading lightly, and his range of reference is eclectic, in a way that should extend the horizons and sympathies of the reader.
This is essentially a pastoral book, and it will be of great value to all those engaged in ministry and education, especially among the young at school and in university. It is an authentic and sensitive witness to a compassionate presentation of the gospel over many years, rooted in a strong family life and parochial ministry.
It is a good example of the way in which a truly Evangelical approach within Anglicanism can so often do great justice to some of the most distinctive features of that tradition. The inclusive pastoral approach, the prayerful apprehension of the Bible and its moral teaching, and the humble coming alongside people in their individual confusion and hurt are all hallmarks of an effective ministry of the best kind, with long historical roots behind it.
The writer has made available a wealth of insight and experience. It is altogether a very heartening contribution of the pastoral ministry and witness of the Church, and would be of the utmost value to anyone engaging in a time of retreat or a review of his or her own spiritual life or ministry.”
QUALITIES OF ENDURING LOVE
edited by Patrick Whitworth
published in 2005 by Terra Nova Publications, ISBN 1901949370
In this book Patrick edits some contributions from people about aspects of enduring love in marriage. Such themes as - fulfilling promises, learning to love, learning to listen, demonstration of affection, inward conflict, belonging to community - are all written on by the contributors.
It seeks to looks at issues which are crucial to us all: how can relationships endure, despite the cultural pressures, and the pressures from within ourselves, that we face.
The most important promise we have to fulfil are those made to our own family members; fulfilling them is a work of a lifetime and possibly our most important lifetimes's work.
The book was published in conjunction with Patrick and Olivia’s silver wedding.
The book is
introduced by Sandy Millar, who took their wedding service 25 years ago.
“It is a great pleasure to introduce this book Qualities of Enduring Love. The talks on which it is based coincided with Patrick and Olivia’s silver wedding anniversary. I cannot believe that it is twenty-five years since I conducted their wedding, but I am told that there is a lot of evidence for it! Although the subject of marriage is an immensely painful thing for some people for whom it has, for whatever reason, not worked out, this book is away of helping us all to that quality of enduring love.”
MEETINGS WITH JESUS
edited by Patrick Whitworth
published in 2001 by Terra Nova Publications, ISBN 1901949117
Men and Women from the Gospel come face to face with the Son of God.
When people meet with Jesus, they are never the same again...
This is a series of studies on different individual’s meeting with Jesus in the gospels. Each study is a short stand alone study that could be used in a discussion group following on from Alpha, or in any church homegroup. There are twenty studies in all relating to the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry to his resurrection. Here we find meetings with Simeon, Simon Peter, the widow of Nain, the man born blind, the Gadarene demoniac, the woman caught in adultery, Pilot, Mary Magdalene, Thomas.
Foreword by Nicky Gumbel
“Tracing through the life of Christ from his presentation in the Temple to his resurrection appearances, this book illustrates the transforming power and grace of Jesus on the lives of individuals in very different settings. Patrick paints a vivid picture of these people, allowing us to identify with their need for Christ and to reflect in a deeper way upon the profound love he showed to all he met.”
© 2011 Patrick Whitworth. All Rights Reserved.