Jules Middleton - Breaking the Mould: Learning to Thrive as a Ministry Mum

In the research for this book, I read so many articles, books and papers that challenged me, encouraged me and made me belly laugh. If you want to go deeper, read a bit more, need some help or just find that you are not the only one living in a farce, here are some things from the Bibliography that I want to highlight, plus some other suggestions and sources of useful information.

On being a woman

Perez, Caroline Criado (2019) Invisible Women: Exposing data bias in a world designed for men (London: Chatto & Windus).

Beard, Mary (2018) Women & Power: A manifesto (London: Profile Books).

On being a mum

Emma (2018) The Mental Load: A feminist comic (New York: Seven Stories Press).

Harrington, Kimberly (2018) Amateur Hour: Motherhood in essays and swear words (London: HarperCollins).

Kirby, Katie (2016) Hurrah for Gin: A book for perfectly imperfect parents (London: Hodder & Stoughton).

On being a working woman in the Church

Bessey, Sarah (2013) Jesus Feminist: An invitation to revisit the Bibles view of women (New York: Howard Books).

Coleman, Kate (2010) 7 Deadly Sins of Women in Leadership: Overcome self-defeating behaviour in work and ministry (Birmingham: Next Leadership Publishing).

Moore, Allison M. (2008) Clergy Moms: A survival guide to balancing family and congregation (New York: Church Publishing Inc.).

Page, Dr Sarah-Jane (2016) Altruism and sacrifice: Anglican priests managing intensive priesthood and motherhood, Religion and Gender , 19 February, 6(1):4763 (available online at: www.researchgate.net/publication/304366418_Altruism_and_Sacrifice_Anglican_Priests_Managing_Intensive_Priesthood_and_Motherhood).

Project 3:28 Database: www.project328.info (database of Christian female speakers).

W.A.T.C.H.: https://womenandthechurch.org (national organisation working actively for gender justice, equality and inclusion in the Church of England).

Women in Theology blog: https://womenintheology.org

Young Clergy Women: https://youngclergywomen.org (international network of young ordained women).

On being a working mum

Armstrong, Christine (2018) The Mother of All Jobs: How to have children and a career and stay sane(ish) (London: Bloomsbury Publishing).

Ettus, Samantha (2016) The Pie Life: A guilt-free recipe for success and satisfaction (Los Angeles, CA: Ghost Mountain Books Inc.).

Lean In: www.leanin.org (helping women support each other and achieve their goals).

Maternity leave and pay advice from the UK Government: www.gov.uk/maternity-pay-leave

Psarias, Vicki (2018) Mumboss: The honest mums guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home (London: Little, Brown Book Group).

Working Families Organisation: www.workingfamilies.org.uk

Vocation

Middleton, Jules (2015) A short guide to surviving the discernment process in the Church of England, Apples of Gold blog (available online at: www.pickingapplesofgold.com/discernment-guide).

When you need support

Churches Ministerial Counselling Service: www.cmincs.net (counselling for church ministers across a range of denominations)

Clergy Support Trust: www.clergysupport.org.uk (supporting Anglican clergy and their families).

MIND: www.mind.org.uk (the mental health charity).

Mind and Soul Foundation: www.mindandsoulfoundation.org (articles, support and guidance on mental health from a Christian perspective.)

Sheldon Hub: www.sheldonhub.org (a safe online place for people in ministry to share together).

St Lukes Healthcare: www.stlukeshealthcare.org.uk (a charity that aims to improve clergy health and well-being).

I have had the privilege of walking with Jules from her first steps back to faith, her journey to a vocation and then had the joy of ordaining her. The characteristic joy, creativity and flair that makes her such an excellent priest runs throughout this amusing, poignant and searingly honest book. A winsome combination of personal story and theological reflection, it demonstrates very clearly why women in the priesthood are such a gift to the Church.

Rt Revd Richard Jackson , Bishop of Lewes and Bishop-designate of Hereford

Down to earth, honest and practical, this book debunks so many myths about ministry and parenting. While I have never been ordained, as an itinerant woman in ministry, I identify wholeheartedly with some of Juless challenges but also her passion. Somehow, we have to get real and we have to get intentional about women fulfilling their potential in ministry settings. This book is a valuable handbook to have in that quest and will be a great encouragement to those who also have families to consider.

Cathy Madavan , speaker, author and Kyria Network board member

Jules Middletons impassioned and authentic voice is one that the Church of England needs to listen carefully to in relation to womens ministry. Reading her book was enlightening, alarming and inspiring. Written in an accessible, engaging way and peppered with practical insights, biblical nuggets and relevant stories, I hope that it greatly encourages those women already in ministry and perhaps gives a holy nudge to those reluctant to push the door, for whatever reason. This book is a timely reminder that God calls us as we are thank heavens for that!

Revd Matt Woodcock , Pioneer Minister and author

Jules writes with insight, humour and sensitivity. She also writes with honesty and integrity, meaning that this book will make you laugh and cry along with her. Not just for ministry mums.

Revd Kate Bottley , broadcaster

This book is a thoughtful and practical exploration of the challenges and triumphs of juggling ordained ministry as a mum, borne out of personal experience. In a space where it can be hard to find other role models, the various personal reflections and testimonies in the book are really helpful. As Jules says, this juggle is real and, if youre attempting or even contemplating juggling ministry and motherhood, it will be a helpful and empathetic companion on your journey.

Dr Kate Middleton , Assistant Pastor at Zeo Church, Hitchin, and Director of the Mind and Soul Foundation

A fantastic book by Jules Middleton: funny, moving and deeply practical. A wonderful, witty account of the joys and challenges of combining being a mum and a priest, peppered with wise advice a must-read for ministry mums and their congregations.

Isabelle Hamley , Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury

First published in Great Britain in 2020

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Copyright Jules Middleton 2020

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