Lay Ministry: A Theological, Spiritual, & Pastoral Handbook [Paperback]

William J. Rademacher (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers (June 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592440010
• ISBN-13: 978-1592440016
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #904,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A reprint of a fine book, August 16, 2003

By 

gpokornywi (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lay Ministry: A Theological, Spiritual, & Pastoral Handbook (Paperback)

William Rademacher provides a valuable exploration of lay ministry in the Catholic Church. This is a very accessible text, offering an overview of biblical themes, historical trends, theological insights and pastoral perspectives. . . all in a fashion that encourages reflection and application to the experience of today's lay ministers.
However, this 2002 Wipf & Stock edition is a reprint of a 1996 edition (Crossroad Pub) which, in turn, was identical to the original 1991 edition, but with a study guide appendix. Readers should be aware that, while this is a valuable book, the contents are now more than a decade old.
For several years, I used this as the primary text in a graduate course on lay ministry. Students responded - either resonating with Rademacher's insights, or provoked by his views - but always engaging the material at a personal level.
Unfortunately the book is now dated. The past ten years have witnessed significant developments in lay ministry - ever-increasing numbers of professional lay ministers, publication of several church statements, and extensive research commissioned by the US bishops' conference. If only Rademacher would produce a revised edition - including recent developments - but still offering his engaging and provocative approach.