" This book provides a transformational theory of action which supports community ministry. It demonstrates just how much society needs the churches. Triggered by the collapse of the Welfare State and the movement towards 'New Ways of Being Church', local churches have embraced community involvement. Meeting community needs can dominate people's thinking. Ann Morisy makes the case that preoccupation with needs meeting can mask a host of other positive outcomes which favour the Church's wider mission. Providing opportunities for people to express commitment to wider struggles at local and even global levels brings the experience of being without power and the risk of being overwhelmed. Such situations usher in receptiveness to God and openness to the Christian faith. By taking seriously the scope for everyone to discover their distinctive vocation a powerful mission strategy is available that enables people to journey out from the security of suburbia. Furthermore, it builds on churches unique capacity to generate transformational experiences that are so prized in the emerging experience economy. Ann Morisy writes from her extensive experience of social action, neighbourhood renewal and mission. This book brings together insights from economics and biology as well as taking seriously the growing emphasis on social capital. These insights highlight the importance of an oblique approach to mission in today's complex and fragmenting society. And importantly these ideas are presented in a down-to-earth way which makes for practicality as well as originality."

This is a faith-based response to tricky and anxiety-provoking times. The post-'post-modern' period seems to be characterized by the assault of fear. Markets crash, addiction and obesity rates soar, nature suffers and we have lost confidence in nations and government. "Bothered and Bewildered" offers an analysis of our present dystopian situation that is both realistic and hopeful. Ann Morisy maps some potential responses and shows that the Christian faith, re-envisioned, can provide a resource on which to draw as we fumble for a way forward that is both imaginative and engaging.