Roland Allen's the Ministry of Expansion

<p><strong>The Priesthood of the Laity</strong></p><p></p><p>Roland Allen was one of the most influential mission thinkers of the twentieth century. As a High Church Anglican he had great respect and value for Church tradition but was quick to confront cultural preferences when they appeared to contradict biblical prescriptions.</p><p><em>The Ministry of Expansion: The Priesthood of the Laity</em> reflects his thoughts that dealt with Communion-related activities in the Majority World where the Anglican Church did not have well-developed church structures and priests. In this work Allen argues that there are times and circumstances when non-clergy must take the lead in the administration of Holy Communion.</p><p></p><p>Written around 1938 <em>The Ministry of Expansion: The Priesthood of the Laity</em> has remained unpublished until now. The work you hold represents one of the last book-length manuscripts written by Allen and includes a collection of articles by contemporary Allen scholars. Though nearly eighty years since he first put pen to paper Allen's principles and convictions still speak to the Church with great gravitas.</p><p></p><p>What should be the response when the Church's cultural preferences are unable to keep up with the work of the Spirit on the mission field? This was a not only a question in Allen's day but one for every generation of believers.</p>