"'In this book Paul Avis proposes a fresh look, whereby the whole church is seen as participating in God's mission, and its leaders have its conduct and oversight as their chief responsibility. Avis's vision holds promise for the internal reconcillation of the church and its structures, so that a restored unity mey itself make and continue a persuasive evangelical witness to a broken world.' Professor Geoffrey Wainwright, Cushman professor of Christian Theology at Duke University; 'will stimulate new thought about the relationship of ministry and mission, at the same time as it raises questions about their relationship to worship and to patristic prototypes. Avis offers a competent survey of the contemporary scene, especially in modern English theology, which is firmly grounded in reformation and ecumenical thought-forms.... there is no better introduction to its subject in print. J. Robert Wright Professor of Church History, General Theological Seminary, New York City, and Historiographer of the Episcopal Church."