Virtue Ecclesiology ─ An Exploration in the Good Church

Critiquing a paradigm of growth within the church, this book contends that the church’s growth ethic should be replaced by one based on virtue. Drawing on the work of Sennett, Fromm, and Hauerwas, John Fitzmaurice argues that an approach taking growth to be the overriding task of the church is found to be shallow and risks infantilising the faith it purports to proclaim. MacIntyre’s proposal for a recovery of a virtue-based ethic is examined and interpreted theologically through the concepts of narrative theology, community, sacraments and sanctification; the role of ’practices’ in developing virtuous character is central. The nature of a virtuous organisation is explored through a lens of organisational psychodynamics; this understanding informs a model of church as a community of interpretation. Fitzmaurice suggests that it is in and though sacramental practices that the transitional space for these virtues to be formed is created. Tracing a similar corrosion of character within secular institutions that have opted for an overriding focus on growth, this book offers an alternative based on the formation of corporate, as well as individual, virtuous character and considers the implications of a virtue-based growth ethic on theological education and ministerial formation as well as in terms of public theology and the manner of the church’s engagement with society.

Revd. Dr John Fitzmaurice is a Team Vicar of All Saints’ Church, Emscote in the Warwick Team Ministry and variously involved in theological education and ministerial development in the Diocese of Coventry and wider church. PhD awarded from King’s College London in 2014. A former musician and graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, John trained for ordination at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. He holds degrees from the University of Leeds (BA Hons, Theology & Religious Studies), Heythrop College, University of London (MA, Psychology of Religion) and King’s College, London (PhD, Ecclesiology). Alongside a busy parish ministry, John is a national selector for Bishops’ Advisory Panels, and an experienced training incumbent. He facilitates and trains at all levels in Ministerial Development inc. Initial Ministerial Education 4-7, Ministerial Development Review and Mid-Ministry Review. He has a particular interest in the development of leadership in Church of England schools, and is part of the leadership team of the Coventry Church Schools Leadership Project.