Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 39:1 (Apr 2025)
Article: Book Review: "Spiritual Practices Of South African Clergy: State Of The Clergy"
Author: Anonymous

SATS 39:1 (April 2025) p. 109

Book Review: Spiritual Practices Of South African Clergy: State Of The Clergy

Shaun Joynt, ed. 2025. Spiritual Practices of South African Clergy: State of The Clergy. London. Lexington Books. x, 181 pp. ISBN: 9781666922387. Approx. 1887.29 ZAR (105 USD). Electronic version.

The book, Spiritual Practices of South African Clergy, offers an insightful ecumenical, ecclesiastical, and contextual exploration of the spiritual disciplines practised by ordained ministers, pastors, priests, and bishops. This exciting volume marks the first in a planned four-part series from the Increasing in Wisdom research project. It is inspired by Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (NIV). By reflecting on this meaningful scriptural verse, the project sheds light on the clergy’s journey as they navigate the challenges of ministry while striving to grow intellectually, mentally, socially, and spiritually. The goal is to provide a detailed and practical account of how these four dimensions shape the lives of clergy in the unique socio-ecclesiastic context of South Africa. Five esteemed scholars have collaborated to author this initial volume, sharing their distinct theological insights and diverse denominational backgrounds as they reflect on the spiritual health of clergy. Shaun Joynt, a dedicated practical theologian passionate about promoting the holistic well-being of clergy, has thoughtfully edited this work.

To understand how South African clergy from the Methodist, Netherdutch Reformed, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic traditions nurture and sustain their spiritual well-being, the authors have employed an empirical framework comprising the four spiritual disciplines prayer, fasting, meditation, and Bible study to assess flourishing spiritual development, which is essential for maintaining faithfulness and achieving fruitfulness in ministry.

Shaun Joynt sets the tone of the book. He recognizes that the clergy are persons created in the image of God, transformed into the likeness of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and commissioned to serve in various roles for the edification of the church. This understanding resonates with a conceptualization of the clergy as socio-ecclesiastical leaders and persons deeply in need of spiritual nourishment to discern, sustain, and participate in God’s mission. It also highlights the clergy’s sacredness, dignity, responsibility, and accountability to God, themselves, the church, and society. This emphasizes the significance of clergy within the South African socio-religious landscape. Joynt shows that there is a shortage of clergy, especially in the Roman Catholic Church, while the Protestant Church faces distribution ...