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A Pastoral Rule for Today: Reviving an Ancient Practice
The pastoral office has always been a difficult calling. Today, the pastor is often asked to fulfill multiple roles: preacher, teacher, therapist, administrator, CEO. How can pastors thrive amid such demands?
What is needed is a contemporary pastoral rule: a pattern for ministry that both encourages pastors and enables them to focus on what is most important in their pastoral task.
This book, coauthored by three experts with decades of practical experience, explains how relying on a pastoral rule has benefited communities throughout the church's history and how such rules have functioned in the lives and work of figures such as Augustine, Calvin, Wesley, and Bonhoeffer. It also provides concrete advice on how pastors can develop and keep a rule that will help both them and their congregations to flourish.
What is needed is a contemporary pastoral rule: a pattern for ministry that both encourages pastors and enables them to focus on what is most important in their pastoral task.
This book, coauthored by three experts with decades of practical experience, explains how relying on a pastoral rule has benefited communities throughout the church's history and how such rules have functioned in the lives and work of figures such as Augustine, Calvin, Wesley, and Bonhoeffer. It also provides concrete advice on how pastors can develop and keep a rule that will help both them and their congregations to flourish.
200 pages, Paperback
Published May 14, 2019
18 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
John P. Burgess
33 books4 followersJohn P. Burgess (PhD, University of Chicago) is James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Holy Rus': The Rebirth of Orthodoxy in the New Russia, Encounters with Orthodoxy: How Protestant Churches Can Reform Themselves Again, and Why Scripture Matters: Reading the Bible in a Time of Church Conflict.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 12, 2019
A Pastoral Rule for Today: Reviving and Ancient Practice eds., John P. Burgess, Jerry Andrews and Joseph D. Small began as “an initiative to reform and renew ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA)” (163). From page 163 to 180, they state the rule that they propose for the PCUSA.
The authors of this book look at the “rules” of Augustine, Benedict, Gregory the Great, John Calvin, John Wesley, John Henry Newman, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. For each of the theologians, the authors put them in historical context and present their particular “rule.” Each chapter ends with a series of questions for reflection – which are useful for self-reflection or group discussion (a pastors’ group discussion) – and then some books to read for further information about the theologian and his “rule.”
The book ends with a plea to consider setting a “rule” for oneself so one is not “majoring on the minors” – for pastors in particular, as we remember: Acts 6:2–4, [2] And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. [3] Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (ESV).
I was excited when I saw this book was being published, and it is a good book and should be heeded by all biblical ministers, though, at times, I felt they were stretching the definition of “rule” with some of the theologians.
When I was in seminary, we read Benedict’s Rule, and had to write a rule for ourselves, including things we would do each day, week, month, and general rules that we would abide by in life. That exercise was one of the most helpful things we did in seminary, and I continue to tweak my “rule” – the only problem for me is not abiding by the rule, giving in to the “tyranny of the urgent.”
We only have so much time, and we ought to know how we can maximize our ability to do what is of greatest importance to us. Putting together a rule is a way I have found that helps, and you may as well.
[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]
The authors of this book look at the “rules” of Augustine, Benedict, Gregory the Great, John Calvin, John Wesley, John Henry Newman, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. For each of the theologians, the authors put them in historical context and present their particular “rule.” Each chapter ends with a series of questions for reflection – which are useful for self-reflection or group discussion (a pastors’ group discussion) – and then some books to read for further information about the theologian and his “rule.”
The book ends with a plea to consider setting a “rule” for oneself so one is not “majoring on the minors” – for pastors in particular, as we remember: Acts 6:2–4, [2] And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. [3] Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (ESV).
I was excited when I saw this book was being published, and it is a good book and should be heeded by all biblical ministers, though, at times, I felt they were stretching the definition of “rule” with some of the theologians.
When I was in seminary, we read Benedict’s Rule, and had to write a rule for ourselves, including things we would do each day, week, month, and general rules that we would abide by in life. That exercise was one of the most helpful things we did in seminary, and I continue to tweak my “rule” – the only problem for me is not abiding by the rule, giving in to the “tyranny of the urgent.”
We only have so much time, and we ought to know how we can maximize our ability to do what is of greatest importance to us. Putting together a rule is a way I have found that helps, and you may as well.
[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]
May 24, 2019
With two decades of military life under my belt, and now two decades of ministry, I can honestly say that having a devotional plan, a religious rhythm, to shape each day, week, month and year is essential for my own well-being. Therefore I was quite pleased to see the new 208 page paperback, "A Pastoral Rule for Today: Reviving an Ancient Practice" hit the streets! John P. Burgess, the James Henry Snowden Professor of Systematic Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; Jerry Andrews, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California; and Joseph D. Small, retired director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Theology and Worship, spent years pulling together the contents and backdrop for this manual. It is written primarily for pastors and ministers of any Christian tradition; and it is written to help them hash out a "rule" - a guide or standard - that they can apply to their situation. Since "many ministers today are burdened by competing and confusing demands" and "too often lose a clear sense of what lies at the heart of their vocation" (181), the authors have taken the initiative to give fellow ministers a hand with this volume.
"The Pastoral Rule for Today" is focused on delivering to clergy a guide for shaping and molding their days, weeks and months in ways that will enhance and maintain their communion with God through "prayer, studying Scripture, theological reflection, and service to the world" (1). The authors do this by introducing readers to seven major Christian thinkers throughout the centuries, and their unique emphases that inform pastors in their ministry: Augustine and friendship; Benedict and obedience; Gregory the Great and holiness in order to serve; Calvin and mutual supervision; Wesley and carefully chosen words; Newman and serious study; and Bonhoeffer and being physically present to others. As each chapter looks to each of these thinkers, it gives a survey of their life and accent, and then pulls out how that particular priority applies in ministry and to a devotional discipline.
The final two chapters map out an extended version of a pastoral rule that might fit many or most ministries. The proposed rule that Burgess, Andrews and Small tease out covers (1) the personal disciplines of daily Scripture reading, prayer, theological reading/reflection, and self-care at various levels; (2) personal conduct in ministry individually, with the congregation, and the world; (3) and mutual encouragement and accountability. The authors also give two examples written by other ministers who have crafted their own rule, employed it, revised it, and are now moving on with it.
Even if you don't use the exact format found in "A Pastoral Rule for Today," you will find - with the authors, and myself - that "a disciplined way of life" helps "keep us grounded in the principle calling of a pastor: to be faithful to God and God's will for us and the people we serve" (5). And on the chance you may not be happy with one of their samples, as I was not with Newman, nevertheless you will still gain some grist for the mental mill as you conceptualize your own patterns of piety. I highly recommend the book.
My thanks to IVP Academic. I requested the book from the publishers, and they sent it to me with no further strings attached other than "please write an honest review". Hence, all herein is openly and candidly my own assessment.
"The Pastoral Rule for Today" is focused on delivering to clergy a guide for shaping and molding their days, weeks and months in ways that will enhance and maintain their communion with God through "prayer, studying Scripture, theological reflection, and service to the world" (1). The authors do this by introducing readers to seven major Christian thinkers throughout the centuries, and their unique emphases that inform pastors in their ministry: Augustine and friendship; Benedict and obedience; Gregory the Great and holiness in order to serve; Calvin and mutual supervision; Wesley and carefully chosen words; Newman and serious study; and Bonhoeffer and being physically present to others. As each chapter looks to each of these thinkers, it gives a survey of their life and accent, and then pulls out how that particular priority applies in ministry and to a devotional discipline.
The final two chapters map out an extended version of a pastoral rule that might fit many or most ministries. The proposed rule that Burgess, Andrews and Small tease out covers (1) the personal disciplines of daily Scripture reading, prayer, theological reading/reflection, and self-care at various levels; (2) personal conduct in ministry individually, with the congregation, and the world; (3) and mutual encouragement and accountability. The authors also give two examples written by other ministers who have crafted their own rule, employed it, revised it, and are now moving on with it.
Even if you don't use the exact format found in "A Pastoral Rule for Today," you will find - with the authors, and myself - that "a disciplined way of life" helps "keep us grounded in the principle calling of a pastor: to be faithful to God and God's will for us and the people we serve" (5). And on the chance you may not be happy with one of their samples, as I was not with Newman, nevertheless you will still gain some grist for the mental mill as you conceptualize your own patterns of piety. I highly recommend the book.
My thanks to IVP Academic. I requested the book from the publishers, and they sent it to me with no further strings attached other than "please write an honest review". Hence, all herein is openly and candidly my own assessment.
June 2, 2019
This book is designed to bring pastors back to our core work. A trio of authors, John Burgess, Jerry Andrews, and Joseph Small, take seven historical characters to remind us of what ministry is supposed to look like. This work was an initiative by the Presbyterian Church (USA) and certainly has the flavor of that body throughout the book. Since I’m not a Presbyterian, I found myself at odds with the authors on some of their conclusions. On a more important note, however, I did pause to reflect on some areas of my own ministry that I feel was truly profitable for me. The biographical section on the historical theological figures was enjoyable as were several of the ultimate admonitions for those in ministry. Sometimes the path by which they reached those admonitions was something not particularly scriptural to my mind. Further, the authors seem to have an overblown reverence for the monastic lifestyle. While taking the time to truly meditate on God’s word and remove yourself from the hustle of life is of the utmost value, monastic life has not led to a superior spirituality in many documented cases. It is, then, with a caveat that I recommend this book.
The historical figures used to illustrate what the authors call pastoral “rule” were Augustine, Benedict, Gregory the Great, John Calvin (no surprise), John Wesley (a little bit of a surprise), John Henry Newman (a questionable choice for some of us), and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (one of the best chapters in the book). The introductory chapter on why pastors need a “rule” was intriguing. Augustine was used to describe that monastic life while Benedict was used to illustrate obedience “in the context of community”. That obedience as well as what was shown in the life of John Calvin turned out to be the most overtly Presbyterian chapters in the book as it pushed a church hierarchy that fits well with their system. As I read it, I couldn’t help but think of its lack of scriptural support. Gregory the Great was mined to show the importance of disciplined prayer. The chapter on John Wesley was extremely timely for our generation as it showed the importance of choosing your words carefully. While I’m not a big fan of John Henry Newman, the principal shared about the need for serious study of the Scripture was well taken. The chapter on Bonhoeffer, who wrote Life Together, had the best insights on community in the book. The concluding chapter on making a contemporary pastoral rule had many helpful insights.
As I said above, this book did get me to thinking about some things that needed addressing in my own life and ministry. You can add a star if you are Presbyterian or hold to the author’s overall views about ministry. Worth pondering!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The historical figures used to illustrate what the authors call pastoral “rule” were Augustine, Benedict, Gregory the Great, John Calvin (no surprise), John Wesley (a little bit of a surprise), John Henry Newman (a questionable choice for some of us), and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (one of the best chapters in the book). The introductory chapter on why pastors need a “rule” was intriguing. Augustine was used to describe that monastic life while Benedict was used to illustrate obedience “in the context of community”. That obedience as well as what was shown in the life of John Calvin turned out to be the most overtly Presbyterian chapters in the book as it pushed a church hierarchy that fits well with their system. As I read it, I couldn’t help but think of its lack of scriptural support. Gregory the Great was mined to show the importance of disciplined prayer. The chapter on John Wesley was extremely timely for our generation as it showed the importance of choosing your words carefully. While I’m not a big fan of John Henry Newman, the principal shared about the need for serious study of the Scripture was well taken. The chapter on Bonhoeffer, who wrote Life Together, had the best insights on community in the book. The concluding chapter on making a contemporary pastoral rule had many helpful insights.
As I said above, this book did get me to thinking about some things that needed addressing in my own life and ministry. You can add a star if you are Presbyterian or hold to the author’s overall views about ministry. Worth pondering!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 23, 2020
A Pastoral Rule For Today writes with simplicity about the spiritual practice of writing and keeping a rule of life. Geared towards those in full time ministry, particularly pastors in reformed settings, the book walks through the lives and practices of church fathers to demonstrate and inspire what keeping a rule may look like today. For instance, there is a chapter on theological friendship with a study of Augustine, holiness is explored through Gregory the Great, and physical presence is demonstrated through the life of Bonhoeffer. In a world where pastors are expected to be CEOs, therapists, preacher, teacher, and administrator, this book invites and paves the way for readers to carve out practices that will feed their inner life.
My one critique is that this book solely looks at white men as examples (such is the reality for much of the Western Church’s history). However, I took a class with John Burgess, one of the authors, that used this book alongside supplemental readings from MLK, Evelyn Underhill, Elizabeth Johnson, and Dorothy Day to great affect. There is still room for more diversity but it helps to read this book in conversation with others.
My one critique is that this book solely looks at white men as examples (such is the reality for much of the Western Church’s history). However, I took a class with John Burgess, one of the authors, that used this book alongside supplemental readings from MLK, Evelyn Underhill, Elizabeth Johnson, and Dorothy Day to great affect. There is still room for more diversity but it helps to read this book in conversation with others.
November 20, 2019
Protestant clergy generally do not have pastoral rules to follow. We may have ethical standards to affirm, but likely not a rule that guides one's ministry, including our spiritual lives. This book attempts to offer a guide to creating one. The three authors, all Presbyterian clergy, one of whom is a theology professor, take us into the writings and lives of several key figures from history, beginning with Augustine, and moving from there to Benedict, Gregory the Great John Calvin, John Wesley, John Henry Newman, and finally Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They introduce us to the figures (whom most if not all clergy should be well aware of) and then share with us how these figures envisioned ministry, whether they wrote a specific rule or not.
Interesting and thought-provoking.
Interesting and thought-provoking.
March 8, 2021
Although this book promises more than it delivers, it is worth reading especially in a day where there are so many demands on pastors. It grew out of a reflection by the Presbyterain Church (USA) named “Re-forming Ministry.”
Since a “rule” often sounds like a practice that must be followed, the title makes this book sound like one more burden added to the lives of already overworked pastors. But the authors argue that what they are talking about is more like that lined paper your teacher used to teach you to write. Remember it? There were lines that you were to write your letters on and those lines were supposed to help you develop an excellent penmanship (they never quite worked for me). So a rule of life as it is used in A Pastoral Rule is a guide that “gives us a set of criteria for measuring our faithfulness to the gospel. A pastoral rule delineates basic rhythms and practices that define the life of a pastor.” In that sense, there is certainly something for pastors to explore in this work.
The authors examine the lives and ministry of seven famous “pastors” throughout church history. For each of them, they identify one practice that can guide pastors today. So, for example, in Augustine it is “theological friendship” and in Wesley it is “choosing your word carefully.” For each of the seven they present the individual and the aspect of his practice under consideration.
There is a lot to learn in this book, especially the emphasis that pastors should not be “one rangers” but involved with others with whom they practice and are accountable for living out these practices in life. In a time when pastors are often isolated and lonely, despite being in prominent leadership, this emphasis is very important. Integrating even some of what the authors present into life with others can make a major contribution to pastoral mental health.
Despite the positive contribution of this work, there are some clear limitations. First, in some chapters the authors seem to wander from the specific practice that is underconsideration. When one writes about Calvin, for example, there is so much that can be said about his life and work. Sometimes the authors do not keep a clear concentration on just the practice they are to be presenting but wander into a more general description of the man and his ministry. Second, and of more importance, it is hard to argue that most of these men were “pastors” in the sense of being the leader of an individual congregation. Their lives were so unique, that it is difficult to apply the lessons from them to the average pastor today. Most of them were celebat. Some lived in monastic or closed communities. All of them were able, sometimes unwisely, to have a greater concentration on their ministry than most contemporary pastors will. So there are relevant questions about just how much pastors today can live out in their own lives the practices that are presented here. And third, while the authors clearly are about developing a pastoral rule, it does not appear that any of them have come close actually living out in a pastorate the activities of which they write. So while all that they consider is worthwhile, it is not clear how much of it is actually possible for most pastors.
Despite the limitations, this is a book worth considering. The pastorate is often a lonely role where it is hard to persevere in the practices that can encourage spiritual health, especially in community. The Pastoral Rule for Today should help people in ministry reflect on some very important matters.
Since a “rule” often sounds like a practice that must be followed, the title makes this book sound like one more burden added to the lives of already overworked pastors. But the authors argue that what they are talking about is more like that lined paper your teacher used to teach you to write. Remember it? There were lines that you were to write your letters on and those lines were supposed to help you develop an excellent penmanship (they never quite worked for me). So a rule of life as it is used in A Pastoral Rule is a guide that “gives us a set of criteria for measuring our faithfulness to the gospel. A pastoral rule delineates basic rhythms and practices that define the life of a pastor.” In that sense, there is certainly something for pastors to explore in this work.
The authors examine the lives and ministry of seven famous “pastors” throughout church history. For each of them, they identify one practice that can guide pastors today. So, for example, in Augustine it is “theological friendship” and in Wesley it is “choosing your word carefully.” For each of the seven they present the individual and the aspect of his practice under consideration.
There is a lot to learn in this book, especially the emphasis that pastors should not be “one rangers” but involved with others with whom they practice and are accountable for living out these practices in life. In a time when pastors are often isolated and lonely, despite being in prominent leadership, this emphasis is very important. Integrating even some of what the authors present into life with others can make a major contribution to pastoral mental health.
Despite the positive contribution of this work, there are some clear limitations. First, in some chapters the authors seem to wander from the specific practice that is underconsideration. When one writes about Calvin, for example, there is so much that can be said about his life and work. Sometimes the authors do not keep a clear concentration on just the practice they are to be presenting but wander into a more general description of the man and his ministry. Second, and of more importance, it is hard to argue that most of these men were “pastors” in the sense of being the leader of an individual congregation. Their lives were so unique, that it is difficult to apply the lessons from them to the average pastor today. Most of them were celebat. Some lived in monastic or closed communities. All of them were able, sometimes unwisely, to have a greater concentration on their ministry than most contemporary pastors will. So there are relevant questions about just how much pastors today can live out in their own lives the practices that are presented here. And third, while the authors clearly are about developing a pastoral rule, it does not appear that any of them have come close actually living out in a pastorate the activities of which they write. So while all that they consider is worthwhile, it is not clear how much of it is actually possible for most pastors.
Despite the limitations, this is a book worth considering. The pastorate is often a lonely role where it is hard to persevere in the practices that can encourage spiritual health, especially in community. The Pastoral Rule for Today should help people in ministry reflect on some very important matters.
February 22, 2022
This compilation of biographical sketches has some chapters that are stronger than others. The chapter on Augustine was powerful, and Benedict's chapter was thought provoking in a truly different manner of church life expression within monastaries, and their codes of living and conduct.
John Henry Newman was a fascinating character to me, because he was so rigorous in his writing disciplines, and focus on his belief in his calling to write. I resonate with that. Yet I had never heard of this guy! Maybe the writing shouldn't actually have been such an obsession for him. It seemed like he made a good deal of enemies, or ostracized a number of people by disregarding them, and natural friendship/ relationships in favor of his time in study.
The conclusions that came throughout the study were meant to formulate a pastoral rule for today. Really, they boil down to three, all of which I could whole-heartedly support. Focus on Word and Prayer (that goes back to Acts 6 for pastors), time of quiet reflection, rest, and thought (this is sorely needed in today's pastoral climate), and accountability/ friendship with other pastors. This also lacking in most places. Most pastors operate in lonely, isolated fields. Collaboration and fellowship is difficult however because it takes prioritizing, and most pastors never allow themselves the time, then lament the fact they are lonely.
Overarching these is a call to be disciplined. Have a plan, and keep trying to bring that to fruition.
John Henry Newman was a fascinating character to me, because he was so rigorous in his writing disciplines, and focus on his belief in his calling to write. I resonate with that. Yet I had never heard of this guy! Maybe the writing shouldn't actually have been such an obsession for him. It seemed like he made a good deal of enemies, or ostracized a number of people by disregarding them, and natural friendship/ relationships in favor of his time in study.
The conclusions that came throughout the study were meant to formulate a pastoral rule for today. Really, they boil down to three, all of which I could whole-heartedly support. Focus on Word and Prayer (that goes back to Acts 6 for pastors), time of quiet reflection, rest, and thought (this is sorely needed in today's pastoral climate), and accountability/ friendship with other pastors. This also lacking in most places. Most pastors operate in lonely, isolated fields. Collaboration and fellowship is difficult however because it takes prioritizing, and most pastors never allow themselves the time, then lament the fact they are lonely.
Overarching these is a call to be disciplined. Have a plan, and keep trying to bring that to fruition.
July 17, 2019
As a pastor, I sometimes ask myself, what am I ‘really’ called to do? I do all sorts of things but what is the essence of my ministry? What defines my ministry?
We pastors wear many different hats everyday. We are administrators, graphic designers, social media coordinators, printing machine troubleshooters, property managers, social workers, hospital/school chaplains, professional comforters, preachers and so on.
But if we are everything, then what are we really? Because of such diversity of tasks, our view of ministry can become blurry and muddy. We can lose the sight of the crux of our glorious call. We can ask ourselves ‘Well, what am I meant to be doing’?
If you are asking these or similar questions, this book is a gem! Like an excellent tour guide, this book takes us on a journey to the ancient history. It gently guides us through ancient ways to pastoral ministry and on the way, it helps us to uncover and glean wisdom from ancient pastoral rules. The hope is that as we look at these ancient pastoral rules, we will come to see their true value in our contemporary world.
This book builds on the lives and work of figures such as Augustine, Calvin, Wesley, and Bonhoeffer and using their insights, offers a contemporary rule for today that is momentously advantageous for pastors.
This books needs to be read and re-read!
I thank InterVarsity Press for providing me with an advance copy.
We pastors wear many different hats everyday. We are administrators, graphic designers, social media coordinators, printing machine troubleshooters, property managers, social workers, hospital/school chaplains, professional comforters, preachers and so on.
But if we are everything, then what are we really? Because of such diversity of tasks, our view of ministry can become blurry and muddy. We can lose the sight of the crux of our glorious call. We can ask ourselves ‘Well, what am I meant to be doing’?
If you are asking these or similar questions, this book is a gem! Like an excellent tour guide, this book takes us on a journey to the ancient history. It gently guides us through ancient ways to pastoral ministry and on the way, it helps us to uncover and glean wisdom from ancient pastoral rules. The hope is that as we look at these ancient pastoral rules, we will come to see their true value in our contemporary world.
This book builds on the lives and work of figures such as Augustine, Calvin, Wesley, and Bonhoeffer and using their insights, offers a contemporary rule for today that is momentously advantageous for pastors.
This books needs to be read and re-read!
I thank InterVarsity Press for providing me with an advance copy.
May 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book for two reasons. First, because of the history lesson. It looks at several well-known Christians from the earliest centuries to more recent generations, and explores their contributions to the pastoral ministry and life. Secondly, it effectively makes the case for the need for a pastoral rule - a particular set of principles that will benefit the longevity and joy of every pastor who diligently follows one. There is a bit of the differing traditions of the authors that make their way into the chapters, but nothing too dramatic. The Pastoral Rule for Today that they offer in the back is a bit more simplified than I would think it needs to be if I'm tracking with the points they've been making though the whole book. But this can be sharpened and specified according to one's own need and preferences. Overall, I found this book both encouraging and informative, and am thankful to have read it.
January 25, 2020
I came to this book with an open mind. Reading outside of my denominational lines is hard at times, especially when I disagree with the theological and cultural assumptions the authors work with. However, as I worked through this book I became more aware of the greater tradition and purpose purposes by the authors as relevant to my denomination and ministry. The authors have pushed me to live an examined life, or, more accurately, an examined ministry. The thoughtful questions and reflections have spurred on more thought provoking questions in my own mind and a deeper desire to reclaim the spirituality of the ministry.
December 11, 2023
Extremely good read for pastor’s who are looking for a more disciplined way of living the Christian life. We get exhausted way too quickly with all the things we have on our plate, so these PCUSA pastors help us look to the ancient fathers for a better way to live as pastors.
Because they are PCUSA pastors who wrote this book there are some cultural terms and themes that occur throughout the book that good ole baptist boys would not enjoy.
Because they are PCUSA pastors who wrote this book there are some cultural terms and themes that occur throughout the book that good ole baptist boys would not enjoy.
December 17, 2019
Although I enjoyed and benefited from the first seven chapters (which surveyed the "rules" and patterns established by past giants from Augustine to Bonhoeffer), it is the eighth chapter that makes this book especially helpful. The pastoral rule proposed by the authors is an excellent stimulus for thinking through what life in ministry should look like in a modern context.
August 11, 2023
A unique look into the world of pastoral rule. Appreciated how Burgess focused on some of the church's spiritual giants and how they ordered their lives. Would recommend.
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June 19, 2025If you work in ministry and want to create a pastoral rule for your life, this is a helpful book that looks at the formal/informal rules that 6 notable figures in church history had.
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