As One with Authority, Second Edition: Reflective Leadership in Ministry

by Jackson W. Carroll

Congregations today face both old and often new, unprecedented challenges--spiritual, moral, technological, and economic--for which there are no easy solutions. Facing such challenges calls for pastors able to lead with authority in ways at the same time faithful to the gospel and appropriate to the congregation's setting and the issues at hand. Yet many pastors are unsure of their authority, often experiencing conflict as they attempt to lead. Others have abused their authority and brought mistrust and suspicion to ordained ministry, making it difficult for other clergy to lead. In this book, a new and revised edition of his earlier, highly regarded work on pastoral authority and leadership, Jackson Carroll brings together theological and sociological perspectives to provide an interpretation of pastoral authority as reflective leadership, a style of leadership that involves vision and discernment, and that is appropriate for the many roles in which pastors engage--preaching, worship leadership, teaching, counseling, and shaping the congregation's corporate life. In this new edition Carroll draws on what he has learned from many conversations with pastors and lay leaders since the book's initial publication as well as insights from others. He also introduces helpful new case material from practicing pastors and incorporates the perspectives of several recent leadership theorists and practitioners to deepen and enhance the discussion of pastoral authority as reflective leadership."When a book is described as a 'classic,' it means it stands the test of time. Its message is as important today as when the author first put pen to paper. Jackson Carroll's As One With Authority is a classic. This book remains essential reading for every church leader who wants to understand the unique kind of leadership needed in congregations. This is one of those rare books that should never sit neglected on a shelf. It is meant to be read, marked, learned, and inwardly digested--and shared with a new generation of pastors."-Michael JinkinsPresidentLouisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary"Based on solid theological and sociological research, and several decades of astute observation, Jackson Carroll has updated his classic work on As One With Authority, and just in time to benefit those clergy who are questioning their authority. Jackson clarifies the narrative of pastoral authority as reflective leadership and takes us back to those biblical roots as old as Paul, Jesus, Isaiah, and Moses. This is a penetrating exposition of the biblical vision of the way pastoral ministry should be done, and is the first book every beginning student of ministry should read. I recommend it most highly."-Robert E. CooleyPresident EmeritusGordon-Conwell Theological Seminary"Pastors need the expertise that allows them to read the social situation and interpret their traditions, but also an ear for the calling and vision that lends their work 'sacred weight.' Building on the insight sociology has to offer and his own keen theological sensibilities, Carroll speaks here 'as one with authority.'"-Nancy T. AmmermanProfessor of Sociology of ReligionBoston UniversityJackson W. Carroll is the Ruth W. and A. Morris Williams Jr. Professor Emeritus of Religion and Society at Duke University Divinity School, where he also was project director of Pulpit & Research on Pastoral Leadership. An ordained United Methodist minister, he has most recently authored God's Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations (2006). He has also written extensively on pastoral ministry and congregations, including Mainline to the Congregations for the 21st Century (2000).

236 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[James Harmeling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Carroll covers a good subject matter that is pertinent for the church. Even though this book is dated, the issue remains vital for church health. I appreciate Carroll's emphasis on being reflective in leading and utilizing wisdom for decisions and usage of authority, but he repeatedly frustrated me with derogatory comments and unfair characterizations of conservative positions. He quick reference and even dismissal of "inerrantist," "objective," or "literalist" positions on Scripture tipped his hand to where he stood on that pivotal point. To me as an inerrantist, that is a Christian leader's authority. It is God's authority. Otherwise, one becomes needlessly weighed down with subjective overriding hermeneutical presuppositions (e.g. feminism, civil rights, etc.) that constantly change. Wisdom in applying biblical authority changes in new situations, but the strength of authority remains all the same because God's Word transcends culture even though it is written within it. In this Carroll shows his hand that he is a moderate with what I would call a "low" view of Scripture. He puts it first in priority, but he immediately disallows its sufficiency or primacy by quickly adding church history or tradition along with current cultural issues that basically reshape the Bible and dramatically reduce its authority. In end, I feel he undermines his whole subject matter and leaves the local church pastor with less authority in their leadership work.