Churches are increasingly exploring the potential of diaconal ministry to help them serve wider society in the contemporary context. Those involved in this ministry seek to forge improved connections between churches and the wider communities in which they are located. However, the role of those ordained to be deacons is diverse, challenging and often controversial, both within and outside the Church.

This book explores how deacons within the Methodist Church in Britain have understood their own ministry and sought to address these challenges. It draws on innovative research undertaken with the Methodist Diaconal Order over two years. Key questions and implications for practice are provided to help those wishing to reflect further on this ministry.

This book makes a significant contribution to the ecumenical debate on diaconal ministry. It offers much that will be of interest to all those seeking to reflect on, understand, engage in or work with those involved in this ministry in their own contexts."

Churches are increasingly exploring the potential of diaconal ministry to help them serve wider society in the contemporary context. Those involved in this ministry seek to forge improved connections between churches and the wider communities in which they are located. However, the role of those ordained to be deacons is diverse, challenging and often controversial, both within and outside the Church.

This book explores how deacons within the Methodist Church in Britain have understood their own ministry and sought to address these challenges. It draws on innovative research undertaken with the Methodist Diaconal Order over two years. Key questions and implications for practice are provided to help those wishing to reflect further on this ministry.

This book makes a significant contribution to the ecumenical debate on diaconal ministry. It offers much that will be of interest to all those seeking to reflect on, understand, engage in or work with those involved in this ministry in their own contexts."

This book examines the structural and construction design of buildings. The first part presents an overview of materials and structural forms taking the point of view of the designer, architect and engineer. The second part is an extensive examination of over 70 case studies. They have been carefully selected and tightly structured to present a summary of established modern methods of building construction. It contains copious ready-reference charts of design information, numerous photographs and meticulous axonometric drawings. The book is international in scope. Dual units are used throughout (SI and Imperial) and nearly half the case studies are taken from the USA. Cases are also drawn from Canada, Europe, Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong as well as 25 from the UK.

This book examines the structural and construction design of buildings. The first part presents an overview of materials and structural forms taking the point of view of the designer, architect and engineer. The second part is an extensive examination of over 70 case studies. They have been carefully selected and tightly structured to present a summary of established modern methods of building construction. It contains copious ready-reference charts of design information, numerous photographs and meticulous axonometric drawings. The book is international in scope. Dual units are used throughout (SI and Imperial) and nearly half the case studies are taken from the USA. Cases are also drawn from Canada, Europe, Africa, Malaysia, Hong Kong as well as 25 from the UK.

Community involvement is now at the centre of the UK government's social inclusion, neighbourhood renewal and health development programmes, resulting in many challenges for managers involved in such work. The bestselling first edition of this book discussed the meaning, principles and application of managing community practice, focusing on the role and skills needed by managers. This will be required if ambitious regeneration and social inclusion programmes are to work in partnership with the active involvement of communities and exploring a wide range of examples from practice. Since the first edition, there has been a perceptible increase in the structured involvement of communities in developing, delivering and evaluating public policies and projects. In this new edition all chapters have been fully updated in the light of recent developments and new case examples have been included to illustrate such changes. A new chapter on The Managers Role in Community Research has been added and a new concluding chapter explores key challenges which need to be addressed. This book is an essential resource for operational and strategic managers in local government, housing, health and other service delivery agencies, social inclusion and community regeneration projects. It will be essential reading for tutors and students on a wide range of undergraduate and Masters courses.