In the church at the moment there is a renewed emphasis on missional growth, both in numbers and in regard to spiritual depth. But resources are few and to evaluate `effectiveness' we see an increasing adoption of scales and measures to test and encourage that growth (for example the Renewal and Reform agenda in the Church of England). Though good and to be welcomed, the challenge for church leaders is to be ambitious for the Kingdom, whilst keeping hold of their souls. This book will examine biblical perspectives on ambition and success, particularly from the point of view of Jesus and the gospels. It will affirm what is praiseworthy in the current emphasis on church growth, whilst challenging the creep of more secular assumptions about what it looks like to be successful.

FOREWORD BY THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY What does success really look like from a biblical perspective? And how liberating might that be?

About the Author
The Revd Dr Emma Ineson is Bishop of Penrith. She was formerly Principal of Trinity College, Bristol, where she taught practical theology and spirituality, and Chaplain at the Lee Abbey community. These roles have helped her understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of the Church and, being married to a vicar, she has seen first-hand both the joys and challenges of parish ministry on the ground. Emma has been a member of General Synod, the Church of England Evangelical Council, and the Faith and Order Commission. She is on the 2020 Lambeth Conference Design Group and Chairs the CPAS Council of Reference.

Reviews
Be encouraged by Bishop Emma's advice and inspired by her wisdom and humour. -- Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
An incisive, persuasive and refreshing take on leadership, Ambition reflects wide experience and scholarly depth yet is topical and accessible to all. Emma redefines the meaning of ambition in the life of a Christian, redeeming the concept from its associations of success measured in numbers. -- Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
Bishop Emma Ineson provides an antidote to current approaches to success, ambition and effectiveness . . . Leaders of all denominations will find her approach refreshing, performance anxiety reducing and deeply practical as she outlines how the "beatitudes for ambitious leaders" can keep us Kingdom focused and Christ-centric in the most demanding of roles. -- Simon Barrington, Founder and Director, Forge Leadership Consultancy
Emma writes with insight, honesty, passion and humour on big themes, such as ambition, power and authority, helping us look at them through the lens of faith. -- Kate Wharton, Assistant National Leader for New Wine
Courageous, witty and self-effacing . . . if you have ambition to live as if the kingdom is near - read this! -- Bishop Jill Duff



Book Information
ISBN 9780281080120
Author Emma Ineson
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing