You can order a copy from Martin Levine at Kentigern Resource Centre [EMAIL PROTECTED] RRP $34.95.
Some comments from people who have read the book:
Conversation as Ministry is a beautifully written book, filled with tenderness and wisdom. Drawing on his extensive work as a pastor and teacher, Douglas Purnell brings his artists' eye to the "art" of pastoral conversation and we are made richer for it. He offers us stories of people facing all kinds of situations and reminds us that deep conversation can be life-shaping when we "love the people" given to our care. This is a practical book, filled with good pastoral questions and suggestions. This is an honest book exposing the author's journey to self-confidence as a conversation partner, encouraging others on the same path. This is a hopeful book inviting us to hear the voice of God through our pastoral conversations in fresh and relevant ways that are beyond "pious clich�." Whether the reader is a seminary student, a seasoned pastor in a church or community setting, or a teacher of pastoral practices, this volume will be a helpful companion as we thread our way through the conversations that await our faithful participation.
Sharon G. Thornton, Andover Newton Theological School
"The profoundest learning does not only occur in courses and classrooms with gifted teachers. This book opens up to us our most basic learning of all. How we care for others in our conversation. It gave me many "Aha" moments of recognition and remembering, and much to consider for further conversations that matter." Rev Dr Dean Drayton President Uniting Church in Australia.
"Doug Purnell is a great conversationalist. He know well the power of conversation. He is also a fine pastor and knows well the centrality of conversation to pastoral work. The reader of this book, by listening in on conversations Doug has had, will learn much about the practice of pastoral conversations.
Dr David Greenhaw, President Eden Theological Seminary St Louis Missouri
Doug Purnell has just written a book, Conversation as Ministry, stories and strategies for confident caregiving, which points us to how pastoral conversations really can be used by God in ministry. The pattern of the book is to share many stories of pastoral conversations and to reflect on what was helpful to people and how we can pay close attention to what we are doing as we talk to people.
Doug is an old friend of mine, but it is probably because of that I am a little inclined to judge his work more critically than others, but I have to say this is the most helpful book on ministry I have read in a long time. It will be especially useful for ministers, but for all of us who share in pastoral conversations, there will be insights and much nodding of heads as we recognise situations where we have been, and perhaps wish we could have helped people more.
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Stephen Webb Media Officer Communications Unit NSW Synod, Uniting Church in Australia Box A2178, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone: +61 2 8267 4308; Mobile: 0423 259 945; Fax: 9267 4716; Web: nsw.uca.org.au/cu/ & insights.uca.org.au/ ------------------ The Communications Unit publishes the monthly magazine Insights, conducts public relations for the NSW Synod of the Uniting Church, and provides a variety of communications services. These include writing, editing, web consultation and development, desktop publishing and graphic design, public relations and advertising. For a consultation or free estimate on your project call the Communications Unit at (02) 8267 4307.
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