LISTENING HEARTS: Discerning Call in Community, by Suzanne G. Farnham, Joseph P. Gill, Taylor McLean and Susan M. Ward. 1991. Pp,147. (BV4740.L57)

This weighty little book is not only for a committee working with men and women seeking ordination, although it is a rich resource for that mission of the Church. Edward A. White, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute, says: ". . . an outstanding volume. . . I personally wish that LISTENING HEARTS could be the subject of discussion by Christians in every congregation in the country. Must reading." (Cover). This work explores the themes of call, discernment, and community as they relate to each other. The call of God is often more to be, than to do.

We do not need to be ordained to have a ministry according to the authors. THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER specifies, "The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons." (P. 855 -the Catechism). Intentionally lay persons head the list of ministers, followed by bishops, priests and deacons. LISTENING HEARTS, however, helps all of us to discern God's will and is a good resource for individual reading and for small groups. The annotated bibliography is worth the price of the book.

We often search for the will of God and cannot see the road ahead. LISTENING HEARTS may help you find your way.

. . . The Library Committee