Learning to Love

""In Learning to Love, Sue Holdsworth promotes the local church as the focus of mission and shows that relational connection into the community is enhanced and strengthened when pastoral care is the focus that empowers the mission of the local church. This book is an important read that promotes respect and welcome with helpful tips for transformational engagement in the local community."" --Miriam Gluyas, commissioner, Salvation Army Australia ""Sue Holdsworth skillfully weaves together an investigation into the nature of the social action of the local church and inter-cultural ministry. She argues for a more expansive understanding of mission which embraces pastoral care and is therefore willing to learn to love well. The reader is encouraged to question their own practice and positionality in seeking to serve those they regard as different from themselves. This book is an important call to congregations to be accountable for their actions and identify the theological roots of their compassion."" --Helen Cameron, research fellow, Centre for Baptist Studies, Regent's Park College ""In Learning to Love, Sue Holdsworth has made a compelling case for reframing mission as pastoral care. She contends that 'where love of God is expressed, mission naturally takes place, ' and her insightful research into church-based ministry initiatives shows how and why this is so. Her work is an important contribution to a better understanding of both mission and pastoral care and deserves to be widely read."" --Grant Sandercock-Brown, lecturer, Eva Burrows College, University of Divinity ""This book will interest those serious about intercultural ministry and serving multicultural communities. Sue Holdsworth explains how pastoral care builds bridges of friendship, empowerment, and advocacy. Intercultural initiatives are challenging--this book will inform and guide you."" --Meewon Yang, multicultural consultant, Baptist Union of Victoria, Australia