Fit for purpose is a seven week Lent Course primarily but not exclusively for groups. The absence of frills and props means there's a smooth transition between using it in either capacity and there are chapters at the start of the book on using it whichever way too.
The tone is searching and impassioned- from the 'restless creativity of God' to what unbalanced 'spiritual diets' would look like, and there's a real pick and mix of lively writing with the author dipping in to everything from the first moon landing to budget air travel in order to get the reader thinking. The 'Spiritual fitness quiz' will let you know if you need a 'spiritual ambulance' or are 'the picture of rosy spiritual health'; light hearted and fun but there's perhaps a limited option of answers for some questions!
The suggested hymns are optional if working through this book alone, as I did, and it didn't seem odd or distracting to be reading 'leader' parts without there being one. I did find the weekly 'Catching up' part repetitive but it is aimed more at groups and would be apt for breaking the ice and also for forming real connections with others.
Lastly, it's fairly short at 107 pages but for £8.99 you definitely won't be feeling short changed! Reviewed by Sarah
Available from all good Christian Bookshops or direct from our website and by phone +44 (0)845 3881634
Ed Hone is a member of the Redemptorist missionary order. He specialises in mission development, preaching and creative liturgy, working chiefly in Britain and Ireland. Ed is currently parish priest of the English-speaking Catholic parish in Luxembourg.