For those not present on the occasion (the reviewer included) these papers are to be welcomed. Each chapter has been carefully researched and thoughtfully delivered. Space will only allow for a few remarks on two or three chapters.

Edward Donnelly deals with the gospel minister in the Bible. This is surely the right place to start. With various opinions being presented today on what the role of a minister should be, ranging from manager to psychiatrist, it is refreshing to be drawn back to the Bible to find out just what is his role. We are challenged with such thought provoking questions as, "Have we lost the awesome truth that God is acting through us?" Yet this authority does not elevate the pastor to the place of supreme ruler, or worse still, dictator. His authority comes not from himself, but from the truth he proclaims. We are reminded that there is such a thing as "every-member ministry", with the role of the pastor not to do everything that can or needs to be done. Rather, he "is to equip God's people to work for their Lord. Far from doing their Christian work for them, the minister's task is to enable them to do much more for themselves". When this is kept in view the minister is better able to do and fulfil his own calling - like giving himself to prayer and the ministry of the Word.

Kenneth Bnuwnell presents a helpful overview of the gospel minister in history. We are taken speedily through the thoughts of Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Bucer, Calvin, the Anglican Reformers; then back for a little look at the early centuries. We are given a brief encounter with some of the notable champions of the, faith like John Chrysostom and Augustine. One small point could be mentioned concerning the other Augustine, the one who brought darkness to Britain in 597AD. It is hard to see how Gregory the Great (the first pope?) is to be almost commended for sending this Augustine to England. (Also, if the quote Angles, not Angels' is a reference to Gregory I believe it should read Angels, not angles'). There was, after all, a well established Christian community in Britain well before the arrival of this Augustine. We then fly through the Middle Ages, the Puritan period, and into the 18th century through to the 20th century. One thing noticeable is the place given to preaching. Although the church has not always got the place and role of the preacher right, this is a call to a return to the primary of preaching in the church today.

The final chapter deals with the training of the gospel minister. Eight questions are raised and answered. These are: Why should ministers be trained? How should the training be given? What is the aim of the training? Who should teach? Who should attend? What should be taught? How should it be taught? And lastly, why should Christians be concerned?

This book is a great supplement to the many books available on the work of the ministry. I would encourage every pastor to get his copy; or better still, why not buy it for your own pastor? He will thank you for it!

Stephen Holland