Discover the Spiritual Power of Ministering – and Being Ministered to – in Life’s Slower Seasons
‘Timely reminder that God’s kingdom isn’t built through grand schemes or strategies but by the obedient, faithful sowing of seed in the often ordinary places life takes us.’
Becky Silver, Presenter, BBC Radio 4 Daily Service
At some point in our lives, we will all face periods where we have to slow down. Whether due to age, illness or becoming a new parent, we will find our normal lives interrupted. But in her new book, Slowing Down, Rev Dr Anne-Louise Critchlow shows how these challenging periods can be a profound gateway to purpose, connection and spiritual depth.
Drawing on her many years of experience as an Anna Chaplain to the elderly, Anne-Louise explores the often-overlooked biblical ‘gift of helps’ – the quiet, everyday acts of care, listening and encouragement that can transform lives. Through moving stories of pastoral ministry, caregiving and personal struggle, Slowing Downshows how deep spiritual impact need not always be action-packed or fast-paced. Instead, it can be found in the small moments of presence and love that reflect Christ’s heart.
And this message of generous presence speaks directly to a growing need in the UK. A 2022 survey shows that 43% of young mothers feel ‘lonely all the time’. Meanwhile, some 1.9 million elderly adults often feel ‘ignored and invisible’ in their day-to-day lives. It is little wonder that movements like Anna Chaplaincy are flourishing – with more than 370 chaplains across the UK – or that, according to Evangelical Alliance research, 74% of parents with under-fives attend church-run activities each year. They are proving how valuable a ’simple’ ministry of helps can be to those whom life is forcing to slow down, and how there are opportunities to engage with others in every season of life we find ourselves in.
‘When I was first ordained, I mistakenly thought, “Oh no! Surely I don’t have to visit care homes! I want to spend time with young people, doing after-school clubs and coordinating my Street Pastors team!”’ comments Anne-Louise. ‘How wrong I was! Of course it’s important for us to have contact with the younger generation, but that doesn’t mean that visiting care homes is not an enjoyable and fulfilling ministry!
‘When older people look back at their lives, they can often recall circumstances with a great sense of humour. And I have heard so many stories from people who have regretted decisions in the past. Being able to offer them an encounter with the gospel is such a privilege, and one that they might not have been open to before they had to “slow down”.’
Whether you’re supporting an ageing loved one, working in ministry or seeking deeper meaning in your own life, Slowing Down is a gentle yet powerful and practical call to rediscover purpose through the gift of presence. Complete with thoughtful questions and scriptural reflections at the end of each chapter, it is ideal for individuals, carers, pastoral teams and small groups.
‘Anne-Louise thoughtfully combines lessons drawn from the Bible with her own wide pastoral experience to give a wise and accessible guide to pastoral care. There are insights, encouragement and challenges for anyone engaged in this ministry.’
Revd Philip Rowe, Pastoral Care Lead of Christ Church Downend, formerly Area Dean of Bristol West in the Diocese of Bristol
Slowing Down by Rev Dr Anne-Louise Critchlow (ISBN: 9781912726899) is published by Instant Apostle and is available on 18th April 2025 from bookshops and online retailers. Christian Life, paperback, 192pp, £12.99.