Sacraments After Christendom

Andrew Francis and Janet Sutton are both United Reformed Church ministers. Janet worked in church and prison ministry in Manchester before becoming the URC's first pioneer minister; she now works as Evangelism Coach for the Church of England Diocese of Ely. After thirty years of pastoral leadership, Andrew is an itinerant speaker, published poet and writer, whose books include What in God's Name are You Eating? and OIKOS: God's Big Word for a Small Planet.

Churches around the world are asking how inherited practices might serve to inspire a new future, and this book identifies some of the key questions - drawing on Scripture and history, as well as taking account of people's actual experience of God. Depending on your starting point, expect to be disturbed, inspired, and frustrated in equal measure: either way, it will expand your perspective to ask new questions.John Drane, author of The McDonaldization of the ChurchSacraments are to be experienced, not just talked about. This excellent book is not about the nature ornumber of the sacraments; it deals with the 'why?' and 'how best?' of lively sacramental practice. The purpose of Francis and Sutton is to enable readers to grapple with these questions and to chart new sacramental ways.Elenor Kreider, Mennonite author and lecturer on worship, Goshen, IndianaJanet Sutton and Andrew Francis' book Sacraments After Christendom could not be more timely. The Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and social distancing have catapulted dilemmas about sacraments and their place and practice to the centre of Christian debate. Francis and Sutton insightfully delve into the distinction between sacraments and what is sacramental, and explore a range of possible practices for individuals and communities. The authors offer an accessible yet scholarly approach that will appeal to both lay and religious readers. This indeed is a book for such a time as this.Sally and Jim Longley, pastors, Avalon Baptist Peace Church, Sydney, Australia

• About the WritersAcknowledgmentsPART ONE: Encountering God in the Development of SacramentsReflection1. Sacraments in a Time of . . . 2. The "Jesus Movement" and the Dominical Sacraments3. Sacraments and the Christendom Church4. The Challenge of Post-Christendom5. "Sacrament," "Mysterion," "Ordinance," or Something Else?PART TWO: Encountering God in Differing Christian Traditions6. Baptism and Eucharist7. "Five for the Symbols at Your Door"8. Anointing 9. Community 10. Foot Washing11. Holy Places? PART THREE: Encountering God after Christendom12. Encountering God: Discipleship and Spirituality13. Sacraments after Christendom? 14. Conclusion Bibliography