What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pastor as Scholar and the Scholar as Pastor: Reflections on Life and Ministry
Following the 2009 Gospel Coalition conference John Piper and D. A. Carson presented two talks at Park Community Church in Chicago, IL, sponsored by the Henry Institute at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The topic of their presentation was on the relationship of scholarship and pastoral ministry. Piper centered on the importance of scholarship and academic pursuits in his role as pastor. Carson, conversely, focused on the importance of pastoral ministry in his career as scholar. The event was enthusiastically received and brought great insight and balance.
Now their talks have been edited with additional content and put into book form. Weaving testimony and teaching, Piper and Carson challenge all those in ministry to think carefully and holistically about their calling. An introduction by Owen Strachan and a conclusion by David Mathis provide context and application to these unique messages.
Pastors and scholars will want to take advantage of this valuable insider perspective from two men who have been acclaimed for their sharp thinking and pastoral hearts.
Now their talks have been edited with additional content and put into book form. Weaving testimony and teaching, Piper and Carson challenge all those in ministry to think carefully and holistically about their calling. An introduction by Owen Strachan and a conclusion by David Mathis provide context and application to these unique messages.
Pastors and scholars will want to take advantage of this valuable insider perspective from two men who have been acclaimed for their sharp thinking and pastoral hearts.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
24 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,585 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
February 15, 2018
Confesso que não leio muito os livros do Piper porque acho que é sempre a mesma coisa. Mas todas as vezes que eu o li aplicando seu ensino no pastorado, eu fui muito abençoado. Me parece que quando ele fala sobre esse assunto as palavras brotam da mais profunda sinceridade de seu coração. Já de Carson eu só havia lido um livro (Introdução ao NT, e nem terminei) e o achei extremamente acadêmico para o meu gosto, apesar de muito útil no que se propõe. Já aqui foi completamente diferente. Ele foi diretamente ao âmago da questão sem deixar de ser profundo. Ambos contam um pouco de suas histórias e as aplicam ao tema proposto, aconselhando de forma bíblica e confrontadora.
Um livro edificante, pelo menos pra mim, um seminarista cheio de ideias e vontades na cabeça mas que não sabe nem por qual caminho seguir direito. Como Carson diz "faça da coisa principal a coisa principal"! Acho que é isso que esse livreto mais me ensinou: se mais pastoral, se mais acadêmico, ou o que for, o que importa é que eu diminua e Cristo cresça.
Um livro edificante, pelo menos pra mim, um seminarista cheio de ideias e vontades na cabeça mas que não sabe nem por qual caminho seguir direito. Como Carson diz "faça da coisa principal a coisa principal"! Acho que é isso que esse livreto mais me ensinou: se mais pastoral, se mais acadêmico, ou o que for, o que importa é que eu diminua e Cristo cresça.
May 21, 2024
A quick and enjoyable read fighting against the unnecessary total divide between pastor and scholar. Hearing from two of the best (John Piper and DA Carson) on each side of the spectrum, the reader will certainly see that while it is possible to stray too far to either end of the spectrum, it is good and healthy for a pastor or scholar to find their habits to lie somewhere in the middle. Many pastors will gain from engaging in critical thinking and thoughtful meditation, and many scholars will gain from engaging in pastoral mentorship or at least active membership and participation in their local church.
August 3, 2012
A great little book on combining the skills of shepherding and thinking. A lot of good advice and wisdom. Also the brief biographies of each man was interesting. This book combined with "Think" by Piper are excellent primers on why pastors should learn to think rightly.
Here is a thought worth pondering: D.A. Carson's dad was church planter. John Piper's father was an evangelist. Douglas Wilson's father was a pastor. It is really a joy to see the fruit of these men's fathers all these years later.
Here is a thought worth pondering: D.A. Carson's dad was church planter. John Piper's father was an evangelist. Douglas Wilson's father was a pastor. It is really a joy to see the fruit of these men's fathers all these years later.
October 30, 2022
Piper’s chapter is one of his best in any volume. Carson’s is also great and would probably have landed more heavily were I in the academy.
August 1, 2017
This book speaks directly to those who struggle with the dichotomy presented to those as they experience both the call to ministry as well as to academia, one which Piper and Carson prove to be entirely false. To know God through a relationship with Him and know about Him by the study of His Word are not mutually exclusive pursuits. You cannot worship God if you do not know who He is, and you cannot learn about the God of Scripture earnestly without being overwhelmed with adoration. It is this divorce that has led to so much pain and confusion within the modern American church. Thankfully, Piper and Carson have done a wonderful job of demonstrating that while God certainly will gift some to be pastors and some to be scholars, it doesn't mean that their respective vocations are alien to each other. Ultimately, they are united in the purpose that is given to all of the children of God: in everything that we do, we would make others see Jesus. For the pastor, he must seek after the truth so that he would further and further exalt Christ in his ministry. For the scholar, he must remember that the message of the gospel has people in mind to receive it and be saved; therefore, his work must reflect a concern for the whole person. Their goal should not only be that the truth is understood but that it is also believed. The Church will flourish only if we recognize this interdependence. We are the Body of Christ, comprised of all kinds of people coming together with a variety of gifts for His glory. The pastor and scholar have both been given abilities to equip the saints, and it is essential they recognize their need for each other in order to do the very best they can for them and for God's glory.
June 26, 2019
All through life we tend to choose different streams of vocation, and as we journey on it we tend to realise that some of the paths are not successful and then try to make changes. That's on one side. yes this book speaks of that journey.
On the other side it is about the role of a pastor within the church. He is not ignorant of the world around, but one who is educated and established in the word. Which is a great need. Especially in todays generation.
So it is important to know that a pastor has the responsibility to be a scholar within the church and to be a pastor who is able to lead the congregation through the different hurdles that the world offers to the church.
some times the tragedy is that sometimes we have uneducated pastors who are not connected either to the world or to the studying of the bible. Its almost like driving the wagon without the horse in front. Highly recommend this book
Its a good read, but has to go with its application.
On the other side it is about the role of a pastor within the church. He is not ignorant of the world around, but one who is educated and established in the word. Which is a great need. Especially in todays generation.
So it is important to know that a pastor has the responsibility to be a scholar within the church and to be a pastor who is able to lead the congregation through the different hurdles that the world offers to the church.
some times the tragedy is that sometimes we have uneducated pastors who are not connected either to the world or to the studying of the bible. Its almost like driving the wagon without the horse in front. Highly recommend this book
Its a good read, but has to go with its application.
July 14, 2022
Insightful work from Piper (Scholar-turned-pastor) and Carson (Pastor-turned-scholar). While their careers changed, they both show that sharp scholarship need not be separated from love for the local church.
After all, the Lord Jesus whom we follow was “the truest pastor-scholar of all, who even at age twelve gave evidence of both his scholarly mind and his pastoral heart. Like a scholar, 'all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers' (Luke 2:47) while he responded to his parents, like a pastor, 'Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?' (Luke 2:49). When fully grown, as a scholar, he knew the Scriptures better than any and could silence the learned Pharisees with a word; and as pastor, he called children to himself and lovingly trained his disciples through their sluggishness and chronic incompetence" (160).
After all, the Lord Jesus whom we follow was “the truest pastor-scholar of all, who even at age twelve gave evidence of both his scholarly mind and his pastoral heart. Like a scholar, 'all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers' (Luke 2:47) while he responded to his parents, like a pastor, 'Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?' (Luke 2:49). When fully grown, as a scholar, he knew the Scriptures better than any and could silence the learned Pharisees with a word; and as pastor, he called children to himself and lovingly trained his disciples through their sluggishness and chronic incompetence" (160).
July 20, 2020
The most disappointing aspect of this book is it’s length. Both Piper and Carson are fantastic but they clearly have so much more to say on the subject. In saying that what they do write is fantastic. Piper, being the stuck record that he is, talks about Christian hedonism throughout his section and both authors briefly explain their journeys through the pastor-scholar process. Both contributors present similar content from a different angle. As I am neither a pastor or a scholar and found this book helpful I can confidently recommend it to any Christian interested in balancing the head and the heart.
January 23, 2021
Every pastors should seek to be more scholarly, in that he is growing in his ability to read and write in a way that helps the church. This little book will help you get a bigger vision for the Pastor-Scholar.
May 14, 2020
Great insight. Lots of food for thought especially since this divide is something that is relevant to me.
December 23, 2021
Carson's section was especially helpful as he argues for the union of head and heart in ministry and warns of pursuing one while neglecting the other.
January 22, 2015
Two of the men I most appreciate do a great job of balancing "the head and the heart" in our anti-intellectual age. Piper: "Right thinking about God exists to serve right feelings about God. Logic exists for the sake of love. Reasoning exists for the sake of rejoicing. Doctrine exists for the sake of delight. Reflection about God exists for the sake of affection for God. The head is meant to serve the heart." (50) Carson: "Biblical warnings about how knowledge puffs up but love builds up (e.g., 1 Corinthians 8) do not condone anti-intellectualism; conversely, biblical mandates to love God with our minds do not grant scholarship an elevated status that exempts it from adoration, faith, obedience, and love. At some level, scholarship without humility and obedience is arrogant; talk of knowing and loving God without scholarship is ignorant." (77)
August 11, 2016
This short book leaves more questions and answers. It makes one think about what route they should take. Ironic since in the end the route to take is both.
October 27, 2023
I was surprised when I started reading this book. I expected a book about how to be a pastor and a scholar at the same time, but this book is more of a tribute to two pastors and scholars. It was still an interesting read. It honors John Piper and D. A. Carson and shows how they became both a pastor and a scholar, and how is not only possible but should happen more often.
John Piper shares how in his youth he had no desire to become a pastor. He actually began in academia. But God begin to birth in his heart and desire to pastor God’s people and see them grow in their faith. The gem of his chapter is a section showing the biblical basis for Christian scholarship as joy in Christ.
Next, D. A. Carson speaks to scholars with pastoral advice. I really liked this chapter because it reminds scholars to not be so focused on academia that they forget the reason for their studies. He talks about loving God’s people and loving the Church. I remember when I was in my Bible college and seminary days and how easy it was to forget why I was learning what they were teaching me. I think this is sound advice for scholars of all kinds.
The book concludes by telling you John Piper and D. A. Carson are not the only pastor scholars or scholar pastors. There are many rising up in this new generation who are for filling the same roles. I think the book was interesting. It held my attention and I enjoyed hearing the background stories of two prolific and amazing men of the faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does not believe a pastor can be a scholar or a scholar give me a pastor. I believe more than ever in our generation and the ones to come we need men and women of the faith who can fulfill both roles at the same time. The Church should always be the center of scholarship and to serve her in the end goal. Pastors should also be students of the Word.
John Piper shares how in his youth he had no desire to become a pastor. He actually began in academia. But God begin to birth in his heart and desire to pastor God’s people and see them grow in their faith. The gem of his chapter is a section showing the biblical basis for Christian scholarship as joy in Christ.
Next, D. A. Carson speaks to scholars with pastoral advice. I really liked this chapter because it reminds scholars to not be so focused on academia that they forget the reason for their studies. He talks about loving God’s people and loving the Church. I remember when I was in my Bible college and seminary days and how easy it was to forget why I was learning what they were teaching me. I think this is sound advice for scholars of all kinds.
The book concludes by telling you John Piper and D. A. Carson are not the only pastor scholars or scholar pastors. There are many rising up in this new generation who are for filling the same roles. I think the book was interesting. It held my attention and I enjoyed hearing the background stories of two prolific and amazing men of the faith.
I would recommend this book to anyone who does not believe a pastor can be a scholar or a scholar give me a pastor. I believe more than ever in our generation and the ones to come we need men and women of the faith who can fulfill both roles at the same time. The Church should always be the center of scholarship and to serve her in the end goal. Pastors should also be students of the Word.
July 12, 2017
I don't think I can express on here how much I love this little book. The basic thesis of these two essays - one by John Piper, the other by D. A. Carson - is that the hard distinction many make between a "pastor" and a "scholar" is simply unbiblical. Pastors should think deeply about the Word of God with the mind of a scholar, and scholars should seek to minister to the body of Christ with the heart of a pastor. The church today needs both pastoral scholars and scholarly pastors. Thus, Piper writes his chapter to pastors, encouraging them to think deeply and fully engage their minds in the task of studying and preaching God's Word. Carson, on the other hand, writes to scholars, encouraging them to minister to the spiritual needs of their students, their churches, and the world around them. While I enjoyed reading and was encouraged by Piper's chapter, Carson's essay spoke directly to me as I am pursuing a career in academia. His points were extremely convicting, as the temptations he warns against are those I'm already beginning to struggle with myself when thinking about the world of scholarship, and his reminders to love the church and "keep the main thing the main thing" were particularly powerful and timely. I am extremely grateful for this book and will keep it on my shelf to refer back to as I continue down this road that the Lord is currently leading me on.
December 22, 2021
O livro reúne reflexões feitas por John Piper e D.A. Carson, para um evento com tema semelhante, em 2011. Seu objetivo é o de "encorajar pastores a serem mais sérios com a vida da mente e desafiar mestres a serem mais engajados na vida da igreja". Discute, essencialmente, o dilema entre ter uma vida dedicada à academia e erudição, ou à prática teológica, ou seja, ao pastoreio de uma igreja (para usar o exemplo dos autores), e propõe um diálogo entre as vocações ministeriais, entre a erudição e a prática. Apesar de direcionado a pastores e intelectuais (mestres/teólogos), apresenta uma série de princípios que têm aplicação correspondente na vida de qualquer cristão, especialmente na vivência de sua vocação. Além disso, tem um teor bastante biográfico, tornando uma leitura bastante agradável. Recomendo!
December 22, 2020
Great, short read on balancing life either as a pastor or Christian scholar. Piper and Carson reflect on their lives bringing them to their respective posts, each one starting where the other finished (Piper started as a professor before moving to the pastorate, Carson was serving in ministry before jumping to TEDS).
Each offers great insight as to the role of scholarship (or broadly, thinking) for the Christian, then applies it to each job. The sum of it all is that a pastor must think critically and also be emotionally engaged in their work. The scholar must be teaching their students more than just information, but keeping the Gospel at the center, the motivation for his/her teaching.
Each offers great insight as to the role of scholarship (or broadly, thinking) for the Christian, then applies it to each job. The sum of it all is that a pastor must think critically and also be emotionally engaged in their work. The scholar must be teaching their students more than just information, but keeping the Gospel at the center, the motivation for his/her teaching.
August 10, 2017
This is a short book based on a conference in which John Piper and D. A. Carson gave presentations on what it means for a pastor to be a scholar and a scholar to be a pastor. Since the book is based on talks, it's short and lacks the depth that some might hope to find. But the autobiographical details, particularly for those interested in the work of Piper and Carson, are interesting. And their advice to pastors and scholars is solidly evangelical and thoroughly wise. Both men have hearts that beat for the Lord. Though they both have had long and prodigious careers, they are not interested in their own glory so much as they're interested in God's.
January 3, 2019
I enjoyed this book and would recommend others to read it. The biggest strength – the author's are enjoyable to read and offer a lifetime of experiential wisdom regarding both the pastorate and the academy. Both Piper and Carson are tremendous writers and are capable of crafting poignant and memorable sentences that stick with the reader. The biggest weakness – the contributors' views of what constitutes a pastor-scholar seems disjointed at times. It seems unlikely that the four individuals could agree on one definition of a pastor-scholar. Finally, the book's ending felt somewhat over spiritualized.
June 17, 2024
This book seeks to correct an unnecessary imbalance in the ministerial world. It is the false dichotomy between pastors and theological scholars. The argument of Piper and Carson is that a professor at a Christian college or seminary should approach his work with pastoral concern and that a pastor must apply all the scholarship he can muster to the task of preaching God's Word. The approach of the book is to be disarmingly autobiographical, allowing us inside the ministry of these two men who exemplify the title of this book. It is a great read, and should be given to all ministers as they train for their calling.
June 28, 2020
Short and practical from a couple guys who have been on both sides of the pastor / teacher role and done well at both, definitely recommend to anyone looking at going into ministry.
“What ‘scholarly’ should mean for me is that the greatest object of knowledge is God and that he has revealed himself authoritatively in a book; and that I should work with all my might and all my heart and all my soul and all my mind to know and enjoy him and make him known for the joy of others. Surely this the goal of every pastor.”
- John Piper, page 67
“What ‘scholarly’ should mean for me is that the greatest object of knowledge is God and that he has revealed himself authoritatively in a book; and that I should work with all my might and all my heart and all my soul and all my mind to know and enjoy him and make him known for the joy of others. Surely this the goal of every pastor.”
- John Piper, page 67
November 11, 2021
I think this books gives a very good help and guide and about merging the roles of the head and the heart in the exercise of your pastoral ministry. I loved how piper shared his journey, there is much I could relate to, particularly because much of what he shared can be read in his book 'Think'.
I also really loved Carson's contribution and advise, much of his input I know I will take to heart: Imparting to students what matters and what makes you passionate, resist being a quarter-master and remember people.
Get it if you can
I also really loved Carson's contribution and advise, much of his input I know I will take to heart: Imparting to students what matters and what makes you passionate, resist being a quarter-master and remember people.
Get it if you can
July 5, 2022
Choosing both
I long feared that I would have to choose between the church and the academy. It was a terrifying dilemma. I am grateful that I did not have to make that choice. I am now teaching FT in Religion and pastoring. It is the best of both worlds. I am grateful for the seriousness in which Piper and Carson address this issue and appreciate their wise perspective and counsel. For any person in ministry, this discussion is helpful.
I long feared that I would have to choose between the church and the academy. It was a terrifying dilemma. I am grateful that I did not have to make that choice. I am now teaching FT in Religion and pastoring. It is the best of both worlds. I am grateful for the seriousness in which Piper and Carson address this issue and appreciate their wise perspective and counsel. For any person in ministry, this discussion is helpful.
January 15, 2025
I neither identify with or participate in Piper and Carson's theological circles, but this little book fell onto my lap at an appropriate time (finishing my position as a pastor and starting as a PhD student). There is a lot of wisdom in these pages, and it sparked much thought and excitement about figuring out my own vocation. The autobiographical elements and practical wisdom from personal anecdotes was a highlight.
June 27, 2025
Um dilema que muitos pastores ou mestres podem enfrentar, devo ser somente pastor ou somente mestre? Por que não unir as duas coisas? É sobre isso que se trata essa obra, é um convite pessoal e sincero para um esforço para sermos bons mestres e bons pastores, uma coisa não anula a outra. Boa leitura.
September 11, 2017
Such an encouraging little read. I found Carson's contribution particularly helpful, encouraging, and convicting. This is a topic that increasingly occupies my thoughts as I consider the future, and eavesdropping on these two faithful brothers' reflection on the matter was a treat.
October 29, 2017
What a fantastic little book. If you are wrestling with a particular gifting/how you'll best be utilized in the kingdom (pastor or scholar, or a hybrid of the two), this little book will be immensely helpful to you.
October 2, 2018
Piper's work on the integration of scholarship and ministry in the life of the pastor serves well to remind us to carefully and thoroughly do the hard work of the exegete as we study, but not neglect the equally important and hard work of the servant as we minister to our congregation and community
September 14, 2019
Many nice reflections by good and godly men who seek to serve God and His Church. Many references to people and works which have influenced their lives. A reminder that God calls us to be diligent students of His Word, whatever our calling and gifting.
November 3, 2019
Piper and Carson blaze the trail, or clear out an exceedingly old trail, where pastors are theologians and theologians are pastoral. May the Lord increase their tribe! The intro and epilogue are short but encouraging also.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews