Mixed Ecology

‘Wise, generous and invigorating, Ed Olsworth-Peter’s exceptional volume is a gift to the church.’ – The Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Kensington‘Ed explores, in creative, visual and attractive ways, a mixed ecology approach which is coherent, culturally-savvy and adaptable to a wide variety of contexts.’ – Mike Harrison, Bishop of Dunwich‘This is a beautiful book about connectivity, conversations and collaborations. It helps us see the Church as a living eco-system and encourages us to let it grow. Images and ideas abound for practitioners to imagine and then create a Church of diverse praise.’ – The Revd Dr Victoria Johnson, Dean of Chapel, St John’s College, Cambridge and member of The College of Archbishops’ Evangelists‘A powerful and timely reminder that … every variety of time-honoured and new worshipping community … will better serve the mission of God by embracing their interconnectedness and interdependence.’ – The Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough‘Ed Olsworth-Peter is the sympathetic ecologist we need.’ – The Revd Canon Dr Mark Powley, Archbishop’s Mission Enabler for the North‘What a treat of a read, full of vivid and varied illustrations to bring the points home and studded with fascinating insights from contemporary thinkers and practitioners. Ed brings his warm enthusiasm and gentle generosity to this timely exploration of what mixed ecology can be at its best.’ – Lucy Moore, Head of the Growing Faith Foundation and founder of Messy Church‘We live in a season when the Holy Spirit is inspiring a range of forms of Christian community to connect with neighbours where they are … Mixed Ecology explores this terrain with wisdom, insight, and practical advice for leaders at all levels of the church..’ – Dwight Zscheile, Vice President of Innovation and Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership, Luther Seminary, St Paul, Minnesota‘Ed is a master of the metaphor. Here he adds depth and complexity to what has proved to be the incredibly generative image of the mixed ecology in churches.’ – The Revd Dr Will Foulger, Vicar of St Nics, Durham‘A rich, thoughtful book that will be of great help to incumbents, missioners, planters, pioneers, innovators and senior leaders. Ed’s heart for the church and its mission - along with a generosity that enables the whole body to be joined together and mutually supportive in its ecosystem - shines through.’ – Jonny Baker, CMS Britain Hub mission director

Ed Olsworth-Peter is Director of Innovation and Development at St Mellitus Theological College where he teaches on missional ecclesiology, mixed ecology, Pioneer Ministry and Ministry Discernment. He is an experienced conference speaker and has delivered talks nationally and internationally. He was previously the National Adviser for Pioneer Development for the Church of England, responsible for implementing and overseeing a strategy for the vocation, training and deployment of lay and ordained pioneers. Ed has been ordained since 2004 and has been a Parish Priest, a Pioneer Minister, a Diocesan Adviser and a Theatre Chaplain in London’s West End.