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The call and the commissionNo place for usTHE CALL AND THE COMMISSION This book appears to be aimed principally at leadership training in the more traditional and liberal denominations. Many of the contributors seem to assume that the choice for any church is between a traditional, stuffy, change-averse denominational setting and a thrusting, innovative, youthful Emerging Church model. There does not, sadly, seem to be a place in the thinking of most of these authors for a church that is conservative (because biblical) in its theology and beliefs, yet contemporary in its application and practice of that theology. It is striking that most of the thinking in this volume is based on current social, cultural or business trends rather than on the teaching of Scripture. One chapter stands out, however: that by Derek Tidball, recently retired from the principalship of the London School of Theology. He argues for the need for any would-be church leader (1) to have a real sense of call from God for the work to which he aspires, (2) to be filled with and gifted by the Holy Spirit for that work, (3) to be competent, at least potentially, to fulfil its demands, and (4) to have the character required by Scripture as a pre-condition for the work. He emphasises the need for solid theological, alongside real practical, training for meaningful, life-long full-time service in church leadership. These are sound principles. Let’s ensure we take heed of them as we seek to identify, encourage and train a new generation of pastors and preachers. Robert Strivens,
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