Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service

by Stephen A. Seamands

Publisher:

IVP USA

, 2006

Overview

Christianity Today Book Awards Merit winner

“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

Those of us called to Christian ministry are commissioned and sent by Jesus, just as he himself was called and sent by the Father. Thus we naturally pattern our ministries after Christ's example. But distinctively Christian service involves the Spirit as well, just as Jesus himself accomplished his ministry in the power of the Spirit. Thus the whole Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--gives shape to truly authentic Christian ministry.

Though as Christians we all affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, many of us might struggle to explain how understanding the Trinity could actually shape our ministry. Stephen Seamands demonstrates how a fully orbed theology of the Trinity transforms our perception and practice of vocational ministry. Theological concepts like relationality and perichoresis have direct relevance to pastoral life and work, especially in unfolding a trinitarian approach to relationships, service and mission. A thoroughly trinitarian outlook provides the fuel for our ministry “of Jesus Christ, to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, on behalf of the church and the world.”

Essential reading for pastors, parachurch workers, counselors, missionaries, youth ministers and all who are called to any vocation of Christian ministry.

Key Features

• Demonstrates how a fully orbed theology of the Trinity transforms our perception.
• Provides the fuel for our ministry.
• Affirms the doctrine of the Trinity.

Product Details

• Title: Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service
• Author: Stephen A. Seamands
• Publisher: IVP USA
• Print Publication Date: 2006
• Logos Release Date: 2025
• Pages: 189
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Pastoral theology; Trinity
• ISBNs: 9780830833382, 0830833382
• Resource ID: LLS:MNSTRYMGCHRSRVC
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-03-11T22:41:43Z

About Stephen A. Seamands

Dr. Stephen Seamands, is professor of Christian Doctrine. He has served as a professor at Asbury Theological Seminary since 1983. He received a B.A. from Asbury College, 1970; a M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary, 1972; a Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary, 1974; and a Ph.D. from Drew University, 1983. Dr. Seamands was the 2005-2006 recipient of the Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award at Asbury Seminary. His book, Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service (InterVarsity Press, 2005), received the 2006 Christianity Today Award of Merit for books in the area of church and pastoral leadership. Engaged in and Conducting events in .