THE irony of promoting a book about “being unsuccessful” is acknowledged early on by author Pete Portal, an indication of the searching, at times self-deprecating, tone of what is actually a book about redefining success. Written from a context of church-based ministry in a South African township, he consciously resists the romanticised, heroic terms often used to describe such “front-line mission”. For this author, success is about depth of relationship, long-term commitment and personal transformation, not explosive growth or thinly disguised “saviour syndrome”.
He argues for sensitivity to the power dynamics easily overlooked when working with vulnerable and marginalised people. He also draws attention to the complexities of addiction, and how economic deprivation and abusive social systems have multi-generational consequences. A call to ministry in these and similar situations will be costly and require the willingness to be changed instead of expecting only to be the bringer of change.
While similar books have appeared over the years, this one directly addresses the Millennial generation, for whom “success” tends to be measured against the countless “perfectly curated” lives found online. In contrast, Portal emphasises the importance of face-to-face community and friendship — and the patience needed for slow but lasting “mustard-seed” growth. Contrasting “activism” and “revivalism”, the book presents balance between the two as found in “contemplation”, learning more of Christ through spiritual disciplines such as prayer and fasting.
I found much to commend here, but came across one red-flag moment: “We had just witnessed a demonic manifestation. . . we probably needed to have a go at deliverance.” This needs a pastoral-care (not to mention safeguarding) warning so that no readers decide to “have a go” for themselves.
Canon Naomi Starkey is Ministry Area Leader for Bro Padrig, a parish of seven churches in north Anglesey.
How to be (Un)successful: An unlikely guide to human flourishing
Pete Portal
SPCK £12.99
(978-0-281-08817-1)
Church Times Bookshop £11.69