It’s Not About You: Paradoxes of Christian Leadership

The book presents a basic paradox in ministry: The purpose of ministry is to point attention to God, but much of contemporary ministry points attention back to the clergy, and the primary tool that ministers have is who they are. One can easily get the sense “It’s all about you.”

In the face of this paradox, and given the lack of structure in ministry, Christian leaders need a rule of life in order to be faithful to the promises they have made and keep their attention on God and the people among whom they serve.

Through exercises and reflection questions, this book guides clergy, those preparing for ordination, and other Christian leaders in composing a rule of life so as to navigate the demands of ministry.

The author, Elizabeth Beasley, was ordained in the Episcopal Church in the USA and has served in the ministry for nearly three decades in two countries and a variety of cultures. She has served as a parish minister and as second-in-command in an Episcopal diocese. She is an Honorary Canon for life at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Honolulu, Hawaii, in recognition of her work with people preparing for ministry, especially for ordination. Liz is currently a priest in the Church of Ireland in the Diocese of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe and resides in County Limerick with her husband, the author and musician Kirk Beasley.