Mothering As a Metaphor for Ministry

Drawing together original research which weaves together ideas from theology, philosophy, feminism and writing on mothering and child development, Emma Percy affirms and encourages aspects of good practice in ministry that are in danger of being overlooked because they are neither well-articulated nor valued. Offering a fresh look at parish ministry, this book uses a maternal metaphor to provide an integrated image of being and doing. The metaphor of mothering is used to explore the relational aspect of parish ministry which needs to value particularity and concrete contingent responsiveness. Percy suggests virtues that need to be cultivated to guard against the temptations to intrusive or domineering styles of care on the one hand or passive abnegation of responsibility on the other. Parish ministry cannot be understood in terms of tangible productivity; different ways of understanding success and evaluating priorities need to be developed. The book suggests ways of being ’good enough’ clergy who can find the right balance between caring for people and communities whilst encouraging and acknowledging the maturity of others.

Educated at Cambridge and Durham University with degrees in history and theology. Ordained deacon in 1990 and priest in 1994 Emma has worked in parish ministry and university chaplaincy for over twenty years. She recently completed a PhD in theology at University of Nottingham. She has written a number of book chapters and articles on aspects of ministry and has given papers and lectures on parish ministry and theology and mothering.