Gloriously Ordinary
Embracing Incarnational Ministry in Contemporary Ireland
BY RUTH GARVEY-WILLIAMS
What does it look like for individuals and churches to be good news and to share the good news of Jesus in contemporary Ireland? Written by gloriously ordinary people seeking to live out the kingdom of God in Ireland, this book weaves together stories and reflections from the grassroots, looks at the way Jesus ministered and invites you to consider your own context. When we look out over our beloved island, with all its beauty and brokenness, its diversity and dysfunction, how should faith communities respond?
About The Author
Ruth Garvey-Williams is editor of Ireland’s Christian magazine, VOX. Together with her husband Andrew, she has been in full time Christian ministry for over 30 years. She has travelled extensively throughout Ireland but always returns home to her beloved Donegal.
What People are Saying…
“The title says it all really… ‘Gloriously Ordinary’! This is an extremely accessible journey of possibility and adventure for anyone interested in Kingdom mission in contemporary Ireland. It is packed with powerful images of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for the Lord. The interplay of theological thinking and practical insight along with great questions offers hope and possibility for anyone wondering what they can do to grow the Kingdom in their local place.”
REV. JOHN ALDERDICE, DIRECTOR OF MINISTRY, METHODIST CHURCH IN IRELAND
“In this engaging book, Ruth Garvey-Williams unpacks what it means to be missional in contemporary Ireland. She states, early in the book, that this is not primarily a theology of incarnational mission but a challenge for the church as to how we can root these truths in time and place. The book is enriched by the age old Irish tradition of storytelling. There are valuable contributions, from across the island, of “Gloriously Ordinary” people who have responded to the call to be and bring God’s Kingdom to their communities.”
PRISCILLA REID, CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH, BELFAST
“This book is a small treasure for those involved in mission and ministry. Offering principles rooted in experience, story and reflection, (rather than theories or impossible standards), Ruth and her co-authors invite readers to find their own ‘gloriously ordinary’ place in the many-coloured picture of ministry they describe. With its ‘take time to ponder,’ at the close of each chapter, this is a great book for ministry teams to share, pray and discuss. It will take them beyond ‘what shall we do?’ to a deeper conversation about how and why.”
DR. ANNE FRANCIS, SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR AT THE GALILEE SPIRITUALITY CENTRE IN BOYLE, ROSCOMMON
“Ruth offers us a beautiful panorama of the quiet work of God’s grace across this beloved island. Her honest and tender voice coupled with insights from remarkable Irish leaders, prove to be the perfect guide for not just what is, but what could be.”
BRIAN SANDERS, FOUNDER OF UNDERGROUND NETWORK.
“A beautiful tapestry of timeless truth and everyday experience. Have we forgotten what it looks like for the gospel to be embedded in real time and place? Have we disbelieved the power of the gospel that is embodied by every believer in every part of their everyday world? Gloriously Ordinary takes us back to gospel basics to re-believe that a Glorious God has, does and will work through His Ordinary People in Gloriously Ordinary ways.”