Terry Drummond reviews

Published by the Industrial Christian Fellowship £4.95

The development of Industrial Mission (IM) and ministry in the work place is an important if not always understood part of Christian ministry. The work of IM is rooted in the Diocese of Southwark with its origins in the Second World War in and around the Cathedral. The chaplains role in industry being to minister in the wider community that transcends the parish boundary.

The development alongside this ministry of parish based activities that allow for opportunities for people to discuss their work life is of equal importance and is a much-underestimated contribution to ministry. Too often the Church is a retreat from the world of work, rather than the meeting point to discuss issue of work and faith.

In this study of the importance of different models of ministry to people in the workplace, Julian Reindorp (who is the Team Rector in the Richmond Team Ministry,) reviews the history of industrial mission. He also opens up the issues of how best to equip Christians to consider their work and faith in tandem. Rooted in his personal experience of 30 years in ministry and his contribution through 'faith and work groups' Julian is able to point to the importance of this area of ministry.

It is in my view the most up to date review of industrial mission and, of equal importance, a challenge to the reader to consider how the issues of faith and work can be placed on the agenda of the parish. All too often the mentality of the worshiping Christian is to leave work at the church door, and the clergy under different pressures may find the thought of opening up discussions on issues of work all too difficult!

The challenge of this book is to overcome the difficulties and ensure that faith and work are seen to be central to our theology and ministry.

Copies of the book are available from Julian Reindorp Tel: 020-8940 0363.