Skillful Shepherds: An Introduction to Pastoral Theology

by Derek J. Tidball

Pastoral theology is theology seen from the shepherding perspective. Relating to every aspect of church life - from leading congregations to counselling individuals - it calls for pastors with a good grasp of Christian doctrine and a wide range of skills.After defining pastoral theology the author examines its biblical foundations. He then surveys the various ways in which it has been understood in the history of the church. In his final section Dr Tidball considers five major themes - belief, forgiveness, suffering, unity and ministry - as examples of pastoral theology at work in the church today.

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tidball's life must be difficult, I do not envy him living with all that confusion! (I say it 'tongue in cheek', I've never even met the guy, to my knowledge). He wanted to write a book on the subject of pastoral theology, but it seems to me that he forgot about it right at the beginning so he wrote some New Testament Introduction stuff, some mediocre church history, and lots of other things.

When he finally got to write on the subject, it was a bit of a hit and more often a miss. You can safely skip first 248 pages, and read chapters 12 (Belief), 13 (Forgiveness) - both of them were REALLY GOOD, and perhaps 15 (Unity) and 16 (Ministry), but it's not that they were good, they were just better than the rest of the book. Chapter 14 on suffering was poor.

My cover (1986 IVP edition) is super funny - there is a picture of a guy behind the flock. The irony is that real shepherds are always leading the flock, they are in front of it. The one who is behind them is not leading, but rather driving them... which is how butchers in the Near East do it! That was hilarious - when you see that and the title just above it - 'Skilful Shepherds'!

I am giving it 3 stars, but even that doesn't sound too comfortably with me (3 stars means 'I like it'). If not those last few chapters, it would be 2 stars max...

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tidball suggests the shepherd motif was the dominant image of leadership in Hebrew culture resulting from the national roots of a nomadic lifestyle. The shepherd's authority lay in his competency and ability to engage in acute empathy.

Derek Tidball, Skillful Shepherds: Explorations In Pastoral Theology (Leicester: InterVarsity, 1986), 45-46

[Andy Gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book around 30 years ago when I was beginning the experience of being a Pastor; a skilful Shepherd as Tidball describes it. So much has changed. My whole attitude and obedience to Scripture is changed almost beyond recognition that I struggle to agree with how Tidball does. I still struggle to see the purpose of the historical survey just like 30 years ago. Yes I appreciate it but I’m not persuaded. The book is rescued by his 5 points of contemporary application and in particular the last one on ministry and the last page and a half.

[Matthew Prydden · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the subject of Pastoral Theology, (predominantly from an Evangelical viewpoint). Well thought out and clearly explained. Covering such topics as its biblical foundations, historical survey and concludes with some contemporary application.

[Rhys Stenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic. A must read for any pastor.