Lives Entrusted: An Ethic of Trust for Ministry

by Barbara J. Blodgett (Editor)

Behind all the issues of ministerialconduct and character lies a simplereality. The heart of ministerial ethicsand integrity, argues Barbara Blodgett,is trust - trust expected, trust earned,trust practiced. Trust, she says, isundermined by three trust-busterscommon in the secrecy, gossip,and lying. For Blodgett, trust is not an emotionor intention but a transaction. Peopleentrust each other with things they value, and that interaction endows arelationship. In the aggregate, theycreate community. By focusing oncrucial practices of trust, a unique newframework for ministerial identity andethics is created.

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ryan Motter]

Probably closer to 3.5 stars. Another recommendation from a friend, this time after substantial list-COVID “what is ministry now” conversations. The book reads pretty dry and can be thick to follow but it rewards a careful reader.

[Lynn Wetherbee]

Looking forward to reading this one to prepare for my hospital chaplaincy work