"The Good Shepherd" : Meditations on Christian Ministry in Today's World

by Lesslie Newbigin

Book by Newbigin, Lesslie

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Bishop James Edward Lesslie Newbigin was a British theologian, missiologist, missionary and author. Though originally ordained within the Church of Scotland, Newbigin spent much of his career serving as a missionary in India and became affiliated with the Church of South India and the United Reformed Church, becoming one of the Church of South India's first bishops. A prolific author who wrote on a wide range of theological topics, Newbigin is best known for his contributions to missiology and ecclesiology. He is also known for his involvement in both the dialogue regarding ecumenism and the Gospel and Our Culture movement. Many scholars also believe his work laid the foundations for the contemporary missional church movement, and it is said his stature and range is comparable to the "Fathers of the Church".

Reviews

[Chris Hatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful little book with short meditations of the work of a pastor

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is now out of print, but you can find the whole thing on line. It is an excellent little book of practical pastoral theology. I love the balance Newbiggin brings to his writing. He will state that the church needs to do more of one thing, but then balance it by giving the positive aspects of the opposing view. Brings a lot of fresh thoughts and perspectives to pastoral ministry. The only downside is that the book is a collection of devotionals he presented verbally to ministers in India. There are a few chapters that have examples that apply only in the original context and not universally. Overlooking that one negative, this is a quick and valuable read for all ministers.

[Sam Beethoven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small and profound reflections on ministry, from theological education to social justice to church disunity to private prayer. Worth picking up and re-reading every couple of years or so.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

While things about this book of addresses to pastors are tied to the particularities of India in the late 60s and early 70s, it is a book of general wise counsel about ministry for pastor and laity alike. Newbigin talks of the balance between social action and conversion, between the church for its members and the church for the world. He calls ministers and their congregations to deep spiritual lives of prayer, maturation, and real abiding in Christ. He wants the church to be active outside itself for the benefit of the world. And he writes so beautifully and confidently, with words of wisdom and intimacy, as well as deep challenge to any church or individual complacent on the way. It is a remarkable series of 30 short devotional talks that almost to a one tore at my own complacency.

"We have been too timid, too anxious to make sure that we preserve intact what has been committed to us. We are unfaithful servants, because the treasure committed to us has been given not that we should hoard it, but that we should risk it in the commerce of the world, so that it may make profit for the Master. It is true that when we do this we risk loss. But the Master is not afraid of taking risks, and if we share his Spirit we shall have a like boldness."

[Andrewzakhari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seasoned Reflections on pastoral ministry from a legendary bishop and missionary. The book consists of a series of short sermons addressed to pastors in Madras, India. Some topics include: private prayer, pastoral care, social justice, mission, and christian worship. Newbigin speaks volumes in few pages, and he cuts deeply with his exhortations -like a surgeon not like a butcher. I am glad I read this book while I was in Seminary.