Pastoral Theology: Theological Foundations for Who a Pastor is and What He Does
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
While many pastoral ministry books focus on the practical duties of the pastor, few works actually consider how theological truth defines the pastor’s role and responsibilities. These pragmatic ministry tools, though instructionally beneficial, essentially divorce biblical doctrine from ministerial practice. As a result, pastors’ lives and ministries often lack the theological roots that provide the stability and nourishment necessary to sustain them.
Pastoral Theology constructs a theological framework for pastoral ministry that is biblically derived, historically informed, doctrinally sound, missionally engaged, and contextually relevant. By using traditional theological categories the authors explore the correlation between evangelical doctrine and pastoral practice. Through careful theological integration they formulate a ministry philosophy that defines the pastoral office and determines its corresponding responsibilities in light of theological truth.
The authors provide a theological understanding of the pastorate that will equip aspiring pastors to discern and pursue their calling, challenge younger pastors to build on ministerial truth instead of ministerial trends, and inspire seasoned pastors to be reinvigorated in their passion for Christ and his church.
- Explores the theological foundations for pastoral ministry
- Attempts to bridge the gaps that are present in pastoral ministry due to a lack of answers to meaningful questions concerning the why's of such ministry
- Seeks to equip the rising generation of pastor-leaders to become men who shepherd God's people and unleash the power given to the church to fulfill the Great Commission
Top Highlights
“Pastoral theology establishes a theological framework for ministry that is biblically derived, historically informed, doctrinally sound, missionally engaged, philosophically deliberate, and contextually relevant.” (Page 10)
“The third aspect of the Spirit’s complementary role is that he unifies us with Christ” (Page 90)
“The first pastoral principle is that as shepherds we are called to lead the sheep. Every metaphorical use of ‘shepherd’ in the Scriptures signifies the responsibility of leadership. We must be servant leaders, not elevating ourselves because of status or position (Matt 23:5–6). Servant leaders do not parade themselves for recognition—to ‘be seen’ or ‘praised by others’ (Matt 6:1–2, 5, 16). Servant leaders also do not shy away from the difficult and dirty work that pastoring often requires.” (Page 224)
“The work of Christ as reconciliation repairs and restores our relationship with God. Paul said in Romans, ‘While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son’ (Rom 5:10, emphasis added). In Colossians, he explained that Jesus reconciled us to God by ‘making peace’ with him through the ‘blood of his cross’ (Col 1:20; cf. Eph 2:16).” (Page 57)
“Spirit of truth’ (John 14:17), who teaches us (John 14:26), guides us ‘into all the truth’ (John 16:13), and discloses divine truth to us (John 16:13–15). The apostle Paul taught us that the Spirit, who knows ‘the thoughts of God,’ reveals divine truth to us (1 Cor 2:11).” (Page 22)
Akin and Pace have given us an excellent work that demonstrates why, what, and how genuine pastoral ministry is theologically based. The authors strive not to be comprhensive or exhaustive but to construct a biblically and theologically driven paradigm for pastoral ministry that avoids the quamire of pragmatism. They succeed with flying colors. Pastors and students alike will find satisfying food for their ministry souls in this important blueprint for the pastorate.
David L. Allen, dean, School of Preaching, distinguished professor of preaching, director, Southwestern Center for Expository Preaching, and George W. Truett chair of ministry, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Whether you have pastored for many years or you are taking the beginning steps toward a first pastorate, I encourage you to read this book. As a pastor you will be measured against many standards of success, but my friends Danny Akin and Scott Pace zero in on the only one that matters--God's Word and what it says about who a pastor should be and what primary areas of focus his ministry should have. Build your ministry on the solid theology outlined here and you won't be shaken when the inevitable challenges of ministry visit your front door.
Kevin Ezell, President, North American Mission Board
Pastoral Theology mines the deep wells of the sacred text, and presents a profoundly principled vision and practicum for ministry. It is also a treasure trove of 'pastoralia'--brimming with insights that will enrich and enable the life of every pastor. Pastors and church leaders, who embrace an evangelical Bible-centered faith, regardless of tradition, ought to include this book in their library of essentials.
R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church, Wheaton, IL, and the John Boyer Chair of Evangelism and Culture at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA
- Title: Pastoral Theology: Theological Foundations for Who a Pastor is and What He Does
- Authors: Daniel L. Akin, R. Scott Pace
- Publisher: B&H
- Print Publication Date: 2017
- Logos Release Date: 2017
- Pages: 336
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Church group work; Church group; Pastoral work › clergy--ministers
- ISBNs: 9781087793290, 9781433685828, 1433685825, 1087793297
- Resource ID: LLS:9781433685828
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-06T20:44:11Z