I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I expected it to be a well-worn tale, a newly retired minister reflecting on the past, and offering well-worn wisdom, that reflects the victories of another age, and which has little relevance for the ever-changing moment.

Instead, I was happily surprised. Indeed, this is a book that looks to the hard-earned wisdom gained, but it is firmly set in the present, and actively looks toward the future.

Points I particularly enjoyed - suggestions for dealing with unchurched baptisms; that ministry can take far longer than the seven or so years that we spend in one place; that the lessons of one church are not necessarily transferable to another; the importance of knowing names; of the proper sharing of leadership; the importance of keeping up theological reading (so easily pushed aside!); and the importance of holding a broader vision for the church.

The fact that this book is divided up into 50 little thoughts was useful. I read a handful every few days, mostly whilst on a bus or a train. Written by a Baptist minister, now exercising a retirement ministry in an Anglican Cathedral, I found it a surprisingly refreshing read. On the one hand, there is not a great deal here that will change the world, but that’s not the point. The book is a timely reminder of the basics of ministry which are so easily forgotten in the search for the next big thing, especially in this season of COVID, when everyone is searching for something new, something different.

I can only review the sample chapters I was sent which is roughly the first five but if the rest of the book is of the same quality then I'd wholeheartedly give this five stars. It's really designed for someone entering the ministry to learn lessons but to be honest any Christian will benefit from it. I especially identified with the early chapters on welcoming new people to church. Every Christian will find something here to help them. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Darton Longman & Todd Ltd for ARC.

As someone who is starting out in church ministry this book is a gem! As leaders we should learn from those who have gone before us and this book will help so many! While Paul is a baptist minister, the lessons are transferable to all denominations. I hope that many find the lessons as helpful as I did