Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham
Stephen Cottrell is Bishop of Chelmsford and was formerly Bishop of Reading. He has worked in parishes in London and Chichester, as Canon Pastor of Peterborough Cathedral, as Missioner in the Wakefield diocese and as part of Springboard, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s evangelism team.
He has written widely on evangelism, spirituality and discipleship. Among his most recent books are a series of Lent and Holy Week meditations, The Things He Carried (2008), a follow up of reflections for Easter Day, The Things He Said (2009), The Nail: Being part of the Passion (2011) and Christ in the Wilderness: Reflecting on the paintings of Stanley Spencer (2012). His best selling, I Thirst (Zondervan) was the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book for 2004.
Other books include, From the Abundance of the Heart: Catholic evangelism for all Christians (DLT); Do Nothing to Change your Life: Discovering what happens when you stop (CHP); Hit the Ground Kneeling: Seeing leadership differently (CHP); He has also written a book of children’s stories, The Adventures of Naughty Nora (BRF).
ON PRIESTHOOD
An insightful read for anyone in Christian leadership
Stephen Cottrell explores priesthood through five aspects of the role
You’ll discover the many faces that Christian leadership requires, and the blessings of each
Messenger, sentinel, steward … these three words have been used to describe the work of a priest in the Church of England since Cranmer wrote the original ordination rite in 1550. Two more, servant and shepherd, were added in 1980. Taken together, these five metaphors provide a rich and resonant set of ideas through which to explore the nature of Christian ministry. In this short, lyrical book, Bishop Stephen Cottrell explores each one; based on actual addresses given to ordinands on the night before their ordination, it is refreshing, challenging and accessible.
Anyone considering ordination or already in ministry will want to read this book for the fascinating exploration of the five metaphors he considers.
On Priesthood by Stephen Cottrell was published by John Murray Press in April 2020