What do you think?
Rate this book
Center for Pastor Theologians Series
Becoming a Pastor Theologian: New Possibilities for Church Leadership
The roles of pastor and theologian have gone their separate ways. Throughout much of the church's history, these two roles have been deeply intertwined, but in our contemporary setting, a troubling bifurcation between them has developed. The result has been a theologically weakened church and an ecclesially weakened theology. The Center for Pastor Theologians (CPT) seeks to overcome this divide by assisting pastors in the study and production of biblical and theological scholarship for the theological renewal of the church and the ecclesial renewal of theology. Based on the first CPT conference in 2015, this volume brings together the reflections of church leaders and academic theologians to consider how pastoral ministry and theological scholarship might be reconnected once again. The contributors consider several facets of the complex identity of the pastor theologian, including the biblical, public, and political dimensions of this calling. In addition, the essays explore the insights that can be gained from historical examples of pastor theologians—including John Calvin, John Henry Newman and Dietrich Bonhoeffer—as well as the essential role of Scripture within the ministry of the pastor theologian.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2016
25 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Todd A. Wilson
16 books14 followersTodd Wilson (PhD, Cambridge University) is senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois, and the cofounder and chairman of the Center for Pastor Theologians. He is the author of Real Christian: Bearing the Marks of Authentic Faith and Galatians: Gospel-Rooted Living, the coauthor of The Pastor Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision and Pastors in the Classics, and the coeditor of Becoming a Pastor Theologian.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 21, 2017
Summary: A collection of papers from the first Center for Pastor Theologians conference in 2015 focusing on the identities, historical examples, and biblical engagement of pastoral theologians.
Many of us have been aware of the deep divide between the theological academy and the church. Theological work has been increasingly confined to the academic setting, written for other academics, while the church focuses on a theologically weakened and deficient praxis drawn more from management, marketing and sociological resources. The founders of the Center for Pastor Theologians believe it is time for a reconciliation of this "great divorce." Acknowledging the value of academic theologians, they call for pastors to do careful theology in the church for the church.
The papers that make up this book are the result of the first Center for Pastor Theologians conference in 2015 and chart what the restoration of theological work to the setting of the church might look like. The book is divided into three sections.
The first explores the identities of the pastor theologian. Peter Leithart explores the identity of ecclesial biblical theologian, one who exegetes, preaches, and leads in biblically grounded liturgy in the context of the church. He imagines the pastor theologian in the study, the pulpit and at the table spread for communion. James K. A. Smith considers the role of political theologian, one who both exegetes the political culture surrounding the church, and in the church's liturgy forms believers around the new polis of the church. Kevin J. Vanhoozer advocates that "pastors should be evangelicalism's default public intellectuals, as distinguished from academic scholars....to speak meaningfully about broad topics of ultimate social concern and to address central issues about what it means to flourish as human individuals and communities." Gerald Hiestand identifies four spheres of theological scholarship: research, systemization, ecclesial significance articulation, and ecclesial implementation and contends that ecclesial theologians engage the latter two areas, while connecting with research and systemization. This section concludes with a call to be cruciform theologians, pastors whose calling, theology, and ministry, including the experience of suffering is informed by the cross.
Part two focuses on the pastor theologian in historical perspective. There were four papers in this part, each of which are case studies, focusing on Calvin's Geneva, Thomas Boston, John Henry Newman, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I found the study of Calvin's Geneva fascinating in controverting the idea of Calvin as a Reformed "pope" by demonstrating the structures of plural leadership, clerical accountability, and collaborative theological reflection that Calvin set up. Newman, in his personalist doctrine is a model of one whose theological convictions shaped his mentoring of those in his ministry. Bonhoeffer gives us theology that springs to life from the congregational setting.
The papers in the third part seemed a bit more eclectic but focus on the pastor theologian and the Bible. Edward W. Klink III focuses on the interpretation of scripture through an ecclesial lens. He makes interesting observations about the connection between the doctrine of revelation and scripture (around telos), and also the role of both canon and creeds of the church in interpretive matters. Jason A. Nichols look at the pastor theologian in the Pastoral epistles, noting five directives: (1) a call to guard and protect the gospel; (2) a call to teach, exhort, and pass on; (3) a call to pursue godliness with exemplary living; (4) a call to share in suffering; and (5) a call to provide active oversight for the church. The one female contributor, Laurie L. Norris argues for the place of women in this discussion as image bearers and those being renewed in knowledge after the image of the creator, whether they may participate or not in pastoral roles, as ecclesial theologians who have important roles and perspectives to bring in the church's theology. John Chatraw contends for the particular importance for pastor apologists as a subset of pastor theologians both in its witness, and in confirming the faith of those who believe. The collection concludes on the pastor as wisdom-giver, and a study by Douglas Estes on 2 John as an example of the work of a pastor theologian.
As I noted in my review of The Pastor as Public Theologian, the conversation about pastor theologians seems largely to have been one dominated by complementarian white men from a Reformed tradition. This work exhibited a slightly larger tent, including one woman (who I felt tread very carefully in her paper to avoid offense to complementarians) and one paper that discussed Anglican turned Roman Catholic, John Henry Newman, Those from Missionary Church, Evangelical Free Church and Evangelical Covenant, and non-denominational backgrounds joined those from the Reformed, Calvinist tradition. Wesleyans, Anabaptists, and Pentecostals are not yet a part of this conversation, nor are those from other ethnic backgrounds. The "great divorce" that serves as the impetus for this initiative is far broader than the traditions and ethnic backgrounds represented here, and I hope this movement will continue to take initiative to enlarge the tent. At the risk of ruffling complementarian feathers, there are many female lead pastors who are doing thoughtful theological work in their congregations.
The title for the work probably should have been something like "a vision for pastor theologians." The collection of papers does articulate a bracing vision of the necessity and contours of such a ministry. It does not say as much about the formation of pastor theologians though I thought Todd Wilson's call to cruciform theology and life, and Philip Graham Ryken's study of Thomas Boston spoke to aspects of the pastor's formation as pastor theologian. Different papers touch on the importance of collaboration with others, the importance of mentors, and the shaping role of scripture.
I've long been impressed that the most enduring theological works have been written by those who write out of the setting of the church rather than the academy. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Baxter, Brooks, Bunyan, Bonhoeffer and Niebuhr are all examples. Pastor theologians remind us that we are to be shaped by a creation-fall-redemption-consummation narrative rather than secular visions of material prosperity, human progress, nationalism, or the emerging hopes of trans-humanism. One hopes that the work this book envisions would spread throughout the American and global church. It seems to me to be sorely needed.
Many of us have been aware of the deep divide between the theological academy and the church. Theological work has been increasingly confined to the academic setting, written for other academics, while the church focuses on a theologically weakened and deficient praxis drawn more from management, marketing and sociological resources. The founders of the Center for Pastor Theologians believe it is time for a reconciliation of this "great divorce." Acknowledging the value of academic theologians, they call for pastors to do careful theology in the church for the church.
The papers that make up this book are the result of the first Center for Pastor Theologians conference in 2015 and chart what the restoration of theological work to the setting of the church might look like. The book is divided into three sections.
The first explores the identities of the pastor theologian. Peter Leithart explores the identity of ecclesial biblical theologian, one who exegetes, preaches, and leads in biblically grounded liturgy in the context of the church. He imagines the pastor theologian in the study, the pulpit and at the table spread for communion. James K. A. Smith considers the role of political theologian, one who both exegetes the political culture surrounding the church, and in the church's liturgy forms believers around the new polis of the church. Kevin J. Vanhoozer advocates that "pastors should be evangelicalism's default public intellectuals, as distinguished from academic scholars....to speak meaningfully about broad topics of ultimate social concern and to address central issues about what it means to flourish as human individuals and communities." Gerald Hiestand identifies four spheres of theological scholarship: research, systemization, ecclesial significance articulation, and ecclesial implementation and contends that ecclesial theologians engage the latter two areas, while connecting with research and systemization. This section concludes with a call to be cruciform theologians, pastors whose calling, theology, and ministry, including the experience of suffering is informed by the cross.
Part two focuses on the pastor theologian in historical perspective. There were four papers in this part, each of which are case studies, focusing on Calvin's Geneva, Thomas Boston, John Henry Newman, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I found the study of Calvin's Geneva fascinating in controverting the idea of Calvin as a Reformed "pope" by demonstrating the structures of plural leadership, clerical accountability, and collaborative theological reflection that Calvin set up. Newman, in his personalist doctrine is a model of one whose theological convictions shaped his mentoring of those in his ministry. Bonhoeffer gives us theology that springs to life from the congregational setting.
The papers in the third part seemed a bit more eclectic but focus on the pastor theologian and the Bible. Edward W. Klink III focuses on the interpretation of scripture through an ecclesial lens. He makes interesting observations about the connection between the doctrine of revelation and scripture (around telos), and also the role of both canon and creeds of the church in interpretive matters. Jason A. Nichols look at the pastor theologian in the Pastoral epistles, noting five directives: (1) a call to guard and protect the gospel; (2) a call to teach, exhort, and pass on; (3) a call to pursue godliness with exemplary living; (4) a call to share in suffering; and (5) a call to provide active oversight for the church. The one female contributor, Laurie L. Norris argues for the place of women in this discussion as image bearers and those being renewed in knowledge after the image of the creator, whether they may participate or not in pastoral roles, as ecclesial theologians who have important roles and perspectives to bring in the church's theology. John Chatraw contends for the particular importance for pastor apologists as a subset of pastor theologians both in its witness, and in confirming the faith of those who believe. The collection concludes on the pastor as wisdom-giver, and a study by Douglas Estes on 2 John as an example of the work of a pastor theologian.
As I noted in my review of The Pastor as Public Theologian, the conversation about pastor theologians seems largely to have been one dominated by complementarian white men from a Reformed tradition. This work exhibited a slightly larger tent, including one woman (who I felt tread very carefully in her paper to avoid offense to complementarians) and one paper that discussed Anglican turned Roman Catholic, John Henry Newman, Those from Missionary Church, Evangelical Free Church and Evangelical Covenant, and non-denominational backgrounds joined those from the Reformed, Calvinist tradition. Wesleyans, Anabaptists, and Pentecostals are not yet a part of this conversation, nor are those from other ethnic backgrounds. The "great divorce" that serves as the impetus for this initiative is far broader than the traditions and ethnic backgrounds represented here, and I hope this movement will continue to take initiative to enlarge the tent. At the risk of ruffling complementarian feathers, there are many female lead pastors who are doing thoughtful theological work in their congregations.
The title for the work probably should have been something like "a vision for pastor theologians." The collection of papers does articulate a bracing vision of the necessity and contours of such a ministry. It does not say as much about the formation of pastor theologians though I thought Todd Wilson's call to cruciform theology and life, and Philip Graham Ryken's study of Thomas Boston spoke to aspects of the pastor's formation as pastor theologian. Different papers touch on the importance of collaboration with others, the importance of mentors, and the shaping role of scripture.
I've long been impressed that the most enduring theological works have been written by those who write out of the setting of the church rather than the academy. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Baxter, Brooks, Bunyan, Bonhoeffer and Niebuhr are all examples. Pastor theologians remind us that we are to be shaped by a creation-fall-redemption-consummation narrative rather than secular visions of material prosperity, human progress, nationalism, or the emerging hopes of trans-humanism. One hopes that the work this book envisions would spread throughout the American and global church. It seems to me to be sorely needed.
January 17, 2026
Wilson and Hiestand are recapturing the glory and the grandeur of the pastoral office. The greatest encouragement I've read for pastors to pursue writing and reading for the sake of growing the Church.
January 18, 2018
Although clearly a "conference book" - a genre of academic writing that I tend to disparage - I found Becoming a Pastor Theologian to be a genuinely enlightening and helpful volume, whether for a better understanding of the history of the pastoral role or for a better grasp on the actual praxis of living a dual-role. It has a handful of lackluster essays, which is typical to the genre of "conference books," and it is often far too univocal in its support (unintentional, I am sure) for a certain brand of conservative evangelicalism. At any rate, John Piper's name showed up in the footnotes far too often for a work that is proposing something distinct from his popular theology (which is irregardless of how one feels about the content of that theology...!).
The opening essays, which are the ones marketed on the front cover and written by the biggest voices, constitute a major challenge to the rest of the work. They are without a doubt the most polished, the most well-written, and the most critically-considered of all the essays in the book. They are also all written by professional intellectuals, not pastors. That provides an existential challenge to Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand's project from the onset; it is evident that pastors make for less-effective theological writers than professional intellectuals do. Of course Kevin Vanzhoozer, James K.A. Smith, and Peter Leithart will write fantastic (even witty) essays navigating the complexities of the relationships between the pastorate, the public, and theology. They have the time to write concisely and directly.
This existential challenge does not negate the value of the book in any way. But it does challenge its foundations. Or, at the very least, it begs the question: If we are to have pastor theologians who serve as the "local," "public," kind of theologian, and if that theological work is to be written (a challenge given by the concluding essay by Douglas Estes), then what does it say about a collection of essays about the pastor theological work when the essays written by pastors lag behind those written by academics? (And this is not limited to this work: one of the weakest books I've read in the past decade was written by a pastor theologian.) This is a challenge that the book, despite addressing so many other problems, doesn't quite navigate.
Nevertheless, the collection as it is has great value for the pastor theologian in his or her work. The essays on historical pastor theologians especially stand out, especially the one describing Calvin's Geneva. There Scott M. Manetsch explicates the complex sociological structures of Calvin's Geneva-project, and all its complicated pastoral-theological architecture - it was a fascinating (and helpful) read! Other poignant highlights include Chris Castaldo's essay on John Henry Neuman and mentorship and, as mentioned earlier, Douglas Estes' essay on 'writing' and II John. The essays by Wilson and Hiestand themselves will also be quite interesting for anyone without a more cohesive, ecclesially-oriented vision for the pastor theologian role, although they do raise some other, complicating, questions.
One major concern regarding this book is its univocality, as I mentioned earlier. There is one female writer, and her essay is committed to defending the existence of female writing, not even so far as female pastor theologians. There is a place in theological discourse for a suitable nuance between the conservative and egalitarian views on women in pastoral leadership; but it seems to me that that place probably should not be subject to editorial decision. Likewise, there is a repeating theme (nowhere more present than in Jason A. Nicholls' essay on the pastoral epistles) of a "Gospel Coalition"-infused vision of theology and pastoral work (see: too many John Piper references!). This isn't necessarily an issue in the sense of TGC's influence being present here - after all, whatever its detractors might say, the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement has left a theological imprint on today's ministry scene where there had been anemic public theological work before it - but an issue regarding the overemphasis of its themes. One would hope that a generalized yet academically-nuanced work entitled "Becoming a Pastor Theologian" would aim for a synthesized diversity in its writers.
This results in a downplay of, say, the importance of sacraments in the pastor theological work, or the importance of spiritual gifts, or the unique voice of the woman pastor theologian (which is different than the female ecclesial theologian, as Laurie L. Norris writes; Norris' essay, on its own, is a fine contribution, but it becomes complicated by its un-nuanced context, surrounded by male voices), and an overemphasis on, likewise, the doctrinal role of a pastor theologian or the teaching role. Hiestand and Wilson's vision is a grand one - and their vision for the Center for Pastor Theologians is a likewise grand one - but their editorial work here shortchanges that vision (whether or not they might have a broader theological vision).
This problem aside, the work is a great starting-point for pastor theologians who are just starting out, and I found more than a few of the essays interesting and, again, helpful. But the work is also a problematic starting-point for what Hiestand and Wilson hope to be a pastor theologian movement, and if they hope to see this vision re-articulate it well for training a next generation of pastor theologians, it needs to become more reflective on its own biases.
The opening essays, which are the ones marketed on the front cover and written by the biggest voices, constitute a major challenge to the rest of the work. They are without a doubt the most polished, the most well-written, and the most critically-considered of all the essays in the book. They are also all written by professional intellectuals, not pastors. That provides an existential challenge to Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand's project from the onset; it is evident that pastors make for less-effective theological writers than professional intellectuals do. Of course Kevin Vanzhoozer, James K.A. Smith, and Peter Leithart will write fantastic (even witty) essays navigating the complexities of the relationships between the pastorate, the public, and theology. They have the time to write concisely and directly.
This existential challenge does not negate the value of the book in any way. But it does challenge its foundations. Or, at the very least, it begs the question: If we are to have pastor theologians who serve as the "local," "public," kind of theologian, and if that theological work is to be written (a challenge given by the concluding essay by Douglas Estes), then what does it say about a collection of essays about the pastor theological work when the essays written by pastors lag behind those written by academics? (And this is not limited to this work: one of the weakest books I've read in the past decade was written by a pastor theologian.) This is a challenge that the book, despite addressing so many other problems, doesn't quite navigate.
Nevertheless, the collection as it is has great value for the pastor theologian in his or her work. The essays on historical pastor theologians especially stand out, especially the one describing Calvin's Geneva. There Scott M. Manetsch explicates the complex sociological structures of Calvin's Geneva-project, and all its complicated pastoral-theological architecture - it was a fascinating (and helpful) read! Other poignant highlights include Chris Castaldo's essay on John Henry Neuman and mentorship and, as mentioned earlier, Douglas Estes' essay on 'writing' and II John. The essays by Wilson and Hiestand themselves will also be quite interesting for anyone without a more cohesive, ecclesially-oriented vision for the pastor theologian role, although they do raise some other, complicating, questions.
One major concern regarding this book is its univocality, as I mentioned earlier. There is one female writer, and her essay is committed to defending the existence of female writing, not even so far as female pastor theologians. There is a place in theological discourse for a suitable nuance between the conservative and egalitarian views on women in pastoral leadership; but it seems to me that that place probably should not be subject to editorial decision. Likewise, there is a repeating theme (nowhere more present than in Jason A. Nicholls' essay on the pastoral epistles) of a "Gospel Coalition"-infused vision of theology and pastoral work (see: too many John Piper references!). This isn't necessarily an issue in the sense of TGC's influence being present here - after all, whatever its detractors might say, the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement has left a theological imprint on today's ministry scene where there had been anemic public theological work before it - but an issue regarding the overemphasis of its themes. One would hope that a generalized yet academically-nuanced work entitled "Becoming a Pastor Theologian" would aim for a synthesized diversity in its writers.
This results in a downplay of, say, the importance of sacraments in the pastor theological work, or the importance of spiritual gifts, or the unique voice of the woman pastor theologian (which is different than the female ecclesial theologian, as Laurie L. Norris writes; Norris' essay, on its own, is a fine contribution, but it becomes complicated by its un-nuanced context, surrounded by male voices), and an overemphasis on, likewise, the doctrinal role of a pastor theologian or the teaching role. Hiestand and Wilson's vision is a grand one - and their vision for the Center for Pastor Theologians is a likewise grand one - but their editorial work here shortchanges that vision (whether or not they might have a broader theological vision).
This problem aside, the work is a great starting-point for pastor theologians who are just starting out, and I found more than a few of the essays interesting and, again, helpful. But the work is also a problematic starting-point for what Hiestand and Wilson hope to be a pastor theologian movement, and if they hope to see this vision re-articulate it well for training a next generation of pastor theologians, it needs to become more reflective on its own biases.
December 18, 2022
This book is a collection of essays presented at the first CPT (Center for Pastor Theologians) conference in 2015. The first five explain what is meant by a Pastor Theologian and lay the case for why it is needed. The next four chapters look at historical examples of pastor theologians (Geneva, Boston, Newman, Bonhoeffer). This section is by far the best in the book. The final six chapters deal with specific issues within the broader topic. Two deal with Biblical cases for PTs, one from the epistles of Timothy and Titus and the other with 2nd John. One deals with women PTs. The other three deal with exegesis, apologetics, and wisdom.
As is usually the case, when the book is a collection of essays, some are great and some are just OK. Only the first five chapters were required reading for my THEO class at Liberty but it was the middle historical section that was by far the best part of this book. Every chapter deals with relevant issues for those in ministry and I would strongly recommend this book be on every pastor's shelf.
As is usually the case, when the book is a collection of essays, some are great and some are just OK. Only the first five chapters were required reading for my THEO class at Liberty but it was the middle historical section that was by far the best part of this book. Every chapter deals with relevant issues for those in ministry and I would strongly recommend this book be on every pastor's shelf.
December 12, 2024
I think this book does a good job of giving some flesh to the idea of a pastor-theologian. I still have some qualms about social location, and I find it ironic that some of the best articles are actually written by vocational theologians, not pastors.
I think the best takeaway from these types of books is that pastors should care deeply about theology, and they should preach like it. Additionally, the historic examples (pre-1900) are inspiring and encouraging. I do think, however, that these books are not necessarily the best option for those intrigued by the idea of pastor-theologians. Instead, I think pastors should look to historic works and works of deep theology. In other words, I think that once we try to define and prescribe the role, it actually loses some of its worth.
I think the best takeaway from these types of books is that pastors should care deeply about theology, and they should preach like it. Additionally, the historic examples (pre-1900) are inspiring and encouraging. I do think, however, that these books are not necessarily the best option for those intrigued by the idea of pastor-theologians. Instead, I think pastors should look to historic works and works of deep theology. In other words, I think that once we try to define and prescribe the role, it actually loses some of its worth.
October 23, 2022
A good collection of essays about the nature of being a pastor theologian. The title might be a little deceiving if one isn’t familiar with the CPT definition of the pastor theologian; this isn’t a book about why pastors should get doctorates or engage in a writing ministry. These essays certainly don’t wholly discourage these things, but they call for a revitalization of the pastoral enterprise which transcends university degrees. I’d strongly recommend this book to all people discerning a call to the pastorate.
January 5, 2026
Along with the seminal volume, The Pastor Theologian, this collection of essays shapes the vision for PTs through history, from defining ecclesial theology to examples in Calvin, Newman, and Bonhoeffer. Leithart’s essay on biblical theology for the church is especially excellent - and much needed in our commentaries and theological resources.
January 10, 2025
Every pastor should read this annually. It is a great way to course correct the pull for pastors to be celebrities, politicians, community organizers, or influences. We are pastors. This book helps us reframe what that means.
January 26, 2020
A handful of chapters were insightful. Chapter on Thomas Boston is particularly good.
November 14, 2016
The past two years have brought with them a call to returning to the historic precedent of the pastor as a theologian. Editors of Becoming a Pastor Theologian, Todd Wilson and Gerald Hiestand, also released The Pastor Theologian last year. The essays contained in this work are the product of The Center for Pastor Theologians first annual conference which met last year.
The first section of this work has a broad focus on the identities of the pastor theologian, many of which are complimentary and overlapping. Rightly the first identity addressed is that of the pastor theologian as biblical theologian. Leithart demonstrates the importance of being rooted in the Scriptures and provides three horizons for the pastor theologian in biblical theology those being the hermeneutical, homiletical, and liturgical. Also of note ,and this is illustrative of the movement of those seeking a resurgence of the role of the pastor-theologian, is the practicality of it all in that pastor-theologians are called to be generalists in human suffering and specialists in death. James K.A. Smith draws on Augustine of what it means for a pastor theologian to be a political theologian, Smith's understanding of this is a helpful correction to many pastors in his addressing the need for political theologies to shape habit and desire. Vanhoozer's essay draws on his previous work in focusing on the role of the pastor as public theologian. Hiestand's chapter draws on the previous title he and Wilson published in calling for the pastor as an ecclesial theologian who does theology not just with the church or the larger public in mind but as with the intention of interacting with other theologians. Wilson's chapter should be recommended reading for every pastor and every seminary student. I believe there is no greater need for the Church today than for the pastors of churches to cruciform theologians.
The second section of this work draws in historical examples of the pastor theologian. First with Manetch's work on Calvin. It is easy to forget that Calvin was no ivory tower intellectual, he was one who did his theology in the midst of and for the church. I think most of us will benefit from Philip Graham Ryken's treatment of Thomas Boston. Boston was an ordinary pastor in a small church, his theological contributions arose from his pastoral ministry. Castaldo highlights the importance of mentoring by drawing from the example of John Henry Newman. A final look is given to Bonhoeffer and his role as a case study of the ecclesial theologian.
The final section addresses the pastor theologian and the Bible and there are three chapters in this section that stand out. Jason Nicholls provides an important look at the pastoral epistles and draws five mandates for the pastor theologian from them. Eric Redmond focuses on the pastor theologian as giver of wisdom, something greatly needed in the realm of theology and the absence of which he clearly highlights. The final chapter looks at John the apostle and what can be learned from his second epistle in regards to creativity in writing theology.
This is a rich resource which compliments previous works in regard to the pastor as theologian. In a day and age when pastors are encouraged to sell there birthright as theologians for a bowl of pragmatism this book is sorely needed. If you are a pastor you might fear that expressing a greater interest in theology is impractical, the contributors of this volume prove the contrary that theology essential to the vitality of your ministry. Get this book and read it.
Disclosure: I received an copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
The first section of this work has a broad focus on the identities of the pastor theologian, many of which are complimentary and overlapping. Rightly the first identity addressed is that of the pastor theologian as biblical theologian. Leithart demonstrates the importance of being rooted in the Scriptures and provides three horizons for the pastor theologian in biblical theology those being the hermeneutical, homiletical, and liturgical. Also of note ,and this is illustrative of the movement of those seeking a resurgence of the role of the pastor-theologian, is the practicality of it all in that pastor-theologians are called to be generalists in human suffering and specialists in death. James K.A. Smith draws on Augustine of what it means for a pastor theologian to be a political theologian, Smith's understanding of this is a helpful correction to many pastors in his addressing the need for political theologies to shape habit and desire. Vanhoozer's essay draws on his previous work in focusing on the role of the pastor as public theologian. Hiestand's chapter draws on the previous title he and Wilson published in calling for the pastor as an ecclesial theologian who does theology not just with the church or the larger public in mind but as with the intention of interacting with other theologians. Wilson's chapter should be recommended reading for every pastor and every seminary student. I believe there is no greater need for the Church today than for the pastors of churches to cruciform theologians.
The second section of this work draws in historical examples of the pastor theologian. First with Manetch's work on Calvin. It is easy to forget that Calvin was no ivory tower intellectual, he was one who did his theology in the midst of and for the church. I think most of us will benefit from Philip Graham Ryken's treatment of Thomas Boston. Boston was an ordinary pastor in a small church, his theological contributions arose from his pastoral ministry. Castaldo highlights the importance of mentoring by drawing from the example of John Henry Newman. A final look is given to Bonhoeffer and his role as a case study of the ecclesial theologian.
The final section addresses the pastor theologian and the Bible and there are three chapters in this section that stand out. Jason Nicholls provides an important look at the pastoral epistles and draws five mandates for the pastor theologian from them. Eric Redmond focuses on the pastor theologian as giver of wisdom, something greatly needed in the realm of theology and the absence of which he clearly highlights. The final chapter looks at John the apostle and what can be learned from his second epistle in regards to creativity in writing theology.
This is a rich resource which compliments previous works in regard to the pastor as theologian. In a day and age when pastors are encouraged to sell there birthright as theologians for a bowl of pragmatism this book is sorely needed. If you are a pastor you might fear that expressing a greater interest in theology is impractical, the contributors of this volume prove the contrary that theology essential to the vitality of your ministry. Get this book and read it.
Disclosure: I received an copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
January 2, 2017
Becoming a Pastor Theologian is a fitting follow up to The Pastor Theologian. Hiestand and Wilson are urging the church to resurrect the role of Pastor-Theologian. This volume provides 5 chapters on the Identify of the Pastor Theologian, 4 case studies or reflections on historical characters who were Pastor Theologians and 6 chapters attempting to establish biblical foundations and examples of Pastor Theologians.
As with most edited works by multiple contributors, this book is also a bit uneven in quality and contribution. Nevertheless, each chapter makes a worthy contribution and is worthy consideration. Personally, I was most helped by the chapters by Vanhoozer, Smith and Nichols. I was challenged to deeper thought by Norris, Chatraw and Redmond.
As the Center for Pastor Theologians continues to mature, the clarity of the call for practical expressions of Pastor Theologians in actuality becomes clearer, more accessible and appears more realistic. I hope they keep pushing forward in their efforts to not only achieve more Biblical thought in local congregations but also more pastoral-theological writing for local church leaders to consider.
As with most edited works by multiple contributors, this book is also a bit uneven in quality and contribution. Nevertheless, each chapter makes a worthy contribution and is worthy consideration. Personally, I was most helped by the chapters by Vanhoozer, Smith and Nichols. I was challenged to deeper thought by Norris, Chatraw and Redmond.
As the Center for Pastor Theologians continues to mature, the clarity of the call for practical expressions of Pastor Theologians in actuality becomes clearer, more accessible and appears more realistic. I hope they keep pushing forward in their efforts to not only achieve more Biblical thought in local congregations but also more pastoral-theological writing for local church leaders to consider.
April 5, 2017
I requested for a review of this book because I had read "The Pastor as Public Theologian" (Eds. Vanhoozer & Strachan). As a final year seminary student, this title appealed to me, for it is something I believe in passionately.
As indicated by the title, this book is targeted at pastors who have already been convinced that being pastor-theologians is something that they want to strive toward, and the many chapters essentially provide the characteristics and the historical examples of what that looks like.
The challenge with books that are made up of compilations by various scholars is putting together a seamless flow of thought, which I'd imagine that the editors have attempted to do. I felt that because of the sake of brevity, many of the articles from the contributing theologians were so dense and rich that I had difficulty absorbing the ideas and substantives.
For me, the mark of a 5 star book would be the communication of complex ideas in a manner that the reader can easily comprehend, be inspired by, and apply. And unfortunately, I do not feel that this book meets this criteria.
I received this book from IVP Academic for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
As indicated by the title, this book is targeted at pastors who have already been convinced that being pastor-theologians is something that they want to strive toward, and the many chapters essentially provide the characteristics and the historical examples of what that looks like.
The challenge with books that are made up of compilations by various scholars is putting together a seamless flow of thought, which I'd imagine that the editors have attempted to do. I felt that because of the sake of brevity, many of the articles from the contributing theologians were so dense and rich that I had difficulty absorbing the ideas and substantives.
For me, the mark of a 5 star book would be the communication of complex ideas in a manner that the reader can easily comprehend, be inspired by, and apply. And unfortunately, I do not feel that this book meets this criteria.
I received this book from IVP Academic for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews