Concerning the True Care of Souls

by Martin Bucer

We want to demonstrate to all the pious children of God, who from their hearts pray for the future of the kingdom of Christ, our own duty in this so deplorable scattering of the church.

The fact that all people have been made by God and are God s creatures should therefore be reason enough for us to go to them, seeking with the utmost faithfulness to bring them to eternal life.

This is why we have undertaken the writing of this little book concerning all these matters, inserting various quotations from the word of God and, insofar as the Lord has given us grace, explaining them. From these every Christian can thoroughly learn what sort of fellowship the church of Christ is, how Christ the Lord alone rules, what ministry he requires in that rule and how this ministry is to be ordered and performed, in relation to all those who are brought to the church of Christ and wish to be kept and built up in it.

We have throughout set out the spiritual quotations, so that the Christian reader can himself see the foundation of the word, consider it and lay it up in his heart. For there are not a few who, as soon as anything is said about church discipline and order, are always crying out that we want to bring back the traditions and bondage of men; and so we do not wish to put forward anything other than the obvious and certain teaching and clear undoubted command of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Genres: Theology, Counselling, Ecclesiology, Church History, Church, Leadership, Christian

218 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Martin Bucer was a Protestant reformer based in Strasbourg who influenced Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anglican doctrines and practices. Bucer was originally a member of the Dominican Order, but after meeting and being influenced by Martin Luther in 1518 he arranged for his monastic vows to be annulled. He then began to work for the Reformation, with the support of Franz von Sickingen.

Reviews

[Jordan Shirkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to imagine how a 500-year-old book could seem so relevant today. Bucer lays out a practical and compelling vision of the role of elders/pastors/“carers of souls” and how they ought to care for the flock God has entrusted to them. Issues of holding ourselves accountable to avoid and stomp out corruption and how to practically care for people seem especially poignant in the midst of crises effecting the American Church today.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very impressed with Bucer. It is dated (polemic against Rome and bashing the papacy) BUT it is so relevant to today at its core! Very surprised that after reading so many books on the subject, this one which was written 500 years ago still brings valuable insights to the table, not even hinted elsewhere. Profoundly scriptural, and challenging to Evangelical individualism and 'I know best-ism' of our day.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite good!

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when we are inundated with books on pastoring and leadership, I try from time to time to listen to voices from different periods in church history to hear how they understood and applied the Scripture in their time. Bucer's book was one that kept coming up in what I was reading and so I finally landed a copy. There is much wisdom here, particularly in how he differentiates the different groups of people in the church that a pastor is called to minister to. There is also a great chapter at the end that contains instructions for how the church should regard the pastor. It is definitely a product of its time - i.e. Bucer is constantly contrasting his position with the excesses and abuses of the Roman Catholic Church - but they are nevertheless still valuable to us in understanding that period, but more importantly, it is a good reminder that everything that we do should be persistently brought under the teaching of Scripture.

Strongly recommend this book for pastors and church leaders.

[Timothy Crockett · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok book! I really didn't like the format. I found the italics to be somewhat annoying. The author or editor italicized the introductory comment and the scripture text. Perhaps for some, this isn't an issue, but for me, it was distracting. It was 217 pages long and otherwise read pretty easily.

The main thrust of the book focused on the role, calling, and pastoral function within the context of a local church. He covers several important areas, including what the church is, its government, and the importance and right way to carry it out.

A lot of time was spent on church discipline, something that is often missing today or, if practiced, is often abused. He walks us through the importance of restoring those who have wandered, those who have shown repentance and are seeking to be reconciled to the church.

He takes us through the importance of elders and how they are to be chosen. This is a process that should not be treated lightly. I fear that many leaders, elders, and deacons alike have been placed into those roles prematurely. This has wreaked havoc in some churches.

There is also a strong call for evangelism. In light of the misinformation concerning Calvinism/Reformed theology, I find this encouraging and helpful. The author cites Calvin, who encourages in no uncertain terms the importance of pastors and their need to evangelize.

All in all, not a bad book, and I would recommend it for the insight it gives into the area of pastoral care.

[Justin Lonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

16th century pastoral wisdom. Rich and challenging.

I especially appreciate his emphasis on pastors and elders knowing their congregations well enough to care for their deepest needs correctly, and even on ensuring representation in leadership of the diverse backgrounds and walks of life of the community—"it is better to take those who may be lacking in eloquence and learning, but are genuinely concerned with the things of Christ. It is for this reason that the ancient well-ordered and apostolic churches chose their elders from people of all classes and types...on the basis of their common sense and experience" (57).

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucer was tightly knit to Scripture and it shows. This book hails from a time when pastors didn't punt to the therapy industry but actually strived to serve their people with biblical counsel. Most helpful and challenging was Bucer's recommendations for "penance," courses of action to help people repent and grow out of serious sins.

[Jonathan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating read. Encouraging in the sense of thinking specifically about applying 1 Thess 5:14 and helping sheep to grow in faith through the ministry of the Word. Strange in the extensive and positive treatment of penance as a help against present and future sins.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chapter on guarding the healthy sheep was worth the price of the book. Bucer holds forth a high view of ministry. What a grand task the minister has!

One gripe I have with the book is that the notations are confusing and they make the book difficult to read at times. But the content is great.

[Wes Bredenhof · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Reformation classic and valuable on many levels.

[J. Rutherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Bucer, a significant reformer from Strasbourg (d. 1551), greatly influenced the Church of England, along with the Reformed and Lutheran traditions. Yet, until recently, his book on pastoral ministry has not been available in English. Peter Beale has done us a great favour translating Concerning the True Care of Souls from the original German. Concerning the True Care gives tremendous insight into the Reformation church life, both Bucer’s understanding of and criticism of the priesthood at this time and his understanding of biblical ministry. Concerning the True Care is remarkably timely for our own age, when charges of impropriety or the lack of serious interest in church “discipline” (on which, see below) among pastors seem ubiquitous. I will summarise the argument of Concerning the True Care and then offer some notes on the translation and editorial work.

Summary
Bucer’s primary concern in Concerning the True Care is the need for pastoral discipline. Bucer is concerned that the priesthood was no longer giving the personal soul care and shepherding needed by Christ’s sheep. Pastoral “discipline” describes the concept of personal care. For Bucer, the Gospel minister had significant responsibilities towards their flock, and the flock had the corresponding rights to expect from their ministers. He summarises his intent in this way, “to demonstrate to the all the pious children of God, who from their hearts pray for the future of the kingdom of Christ, according to the measure of our faith, our own duty in this so deplorable scattering of the church, so that they may thoroughly understand what the church of Christ is, what rule and order it must have, who its true ministers are and how they are to exercise their ministry in the care of souls and the pastoral office for the true salvation of Christ’s lams; so that we may at last be a true and rightly ordered church of God and the body of Christ, which we have to be or else be eternally cast out form Christ the Lord and his kingdom” (xxxiii).
Concerning the True Care is divided into twelve chapters, the thirteenth providing a summary. Chapters 1-5 give a broad ecclesiology within which the specific role of pastoral discipline will be exercised. After sketching the nature of the church in Chapter one, Bucer then describes the rule of Christ over his church, which is primarily a polemic against the Catholic church of his time. Chapter 3 then describes how Jesus manages his church. Christ’s rule is exercised through ministers of the word: “All power and the whole work in this matter belong to Christ our dear Lord; but ministers are his instruments, through whom he effects and fulfils this work of his in his elect” (23). Chapter 4 describes the sorts of ministers Christ uses to exercise his rule (elders, deacons, etc.), and Chapter 5 the qualifications for an elder and how they are to be installed. The high bar set for the minister is a challenge, but an important one to hear: because ministers are the means by which Jesus exercises his rule, it is of the utmost importance that they are fit for this role. He sets the bar high because of the corruption confronting him, “there must really be nothing on earth of greater importance laid upon us than the question of how we are to deal with this corruption of the church speedily and effectively” (54). As a summary, he writes, “The purpose and aim in all this is that people should choose those who are truly skilled and also zealous for the work of the Lord, and those who can be trusted and who have the confidence of the church” (59).
Chapters 6-12 then address Bucer’s central concern, true soul care or pastoral discipline. Chapter 6 describes “the principal work and activity of carers of souls and ministers” (i.e. elders/overseers). Tasked with providing “for Christ’s lambs everything the Lord has promised to them in his office of Shepherd” (69, Bucer’s gloss), the minister has five tasks for “the pastoral office and true care of souls” (70). These five tasks correspond to a taxonomy of four types of sheep, derived from Ezek 34:16 (German, Vulgate, LXX): there are the lost sheep, who need to be sought; the stray sheep, who need to be restored; the hurt and wounded sheep, who are to be bound up and healed; the weak sheep to be strengthened; and the healthy and strong sheep to be guarded and fed. The lost sheep are those who “God has elected to his kingdom but do not yet recognise Christ our Lord and are entire strangers to his church” (70); the stray sheep are “those who have been with the flock of Christ and involved in the Christian life, but have gone away from it” (71). The hurt and wounded are those caught up in sin.
In Chapters 7 – 11, Bucer then examines each type of sheep and goes through the appropriate means to address them where they are at. Bucer’s treatment of each type of sheep is pastorally rich, wise, and not overly specific. The reader will benefit greatly from Bucer’s wisdom. There are two aspects of his treatment that deserve further consideration, which we will give below. Chapter 12 finishes the body of the book by addressing the obligations of the sheep to their ministers, namely, obedience. He argues that “obedience and respect on the part of the congregation towards those who are put over them to teach and discipline them are absolutely essential in the church” (202); indeed, “[Christ] will regard [the failure to listen] as nothing other than contempt for himself” (203). “Those who listen to them listen to him, and those who despise them despise him and the Father” (204). Because ministers bear such authority, they are held to such a high standard throughout the book.

Reflections
From a contemporary, Western perspective (though certainly not a historical one), two aspects of Bucer’s argument in Concerning the True Care will prove provocative. On the one hand, Bucer grants a significant role for the civil magistrates in the spiritual discipline of the sheep. Rulers are “responsible to direct and employ all their power and ability as much as possible in order that the Lord’s lambs which are still lost and wandering might be sought with all diligence and truly brought to him” (80). They are not, of course, to minister the word, perform the sacraments, or apply church discipline themselves (80), but “rulers will see to this correctly when they follow [the ancient examples] in providing for the church’s ministry and care of souls in such a way that the churches are not injured and harmed by wolves and hirelings, but have their faithful and industrious ministers” (81). So they are to ensure that the church has faithful ministers, including deposing those who are unworthy (15), and they are to “see to the education and discipline of all the young people and encourage the teaching and fostering of godliness” (81). Finally, they will protect against false teaching and prevent their people from despising the ministry (81). The role Bucer grants to civil authorities is far different from most political theology today; it is worth letting his vision confront ours (though I would register significant disagreement on this point).
When it comes to the care of the wounded and hurt sheep, who Bucer identifies as those caught in serious sin, Bucer indicates that “penance” is the appropriate remedy. For Bucer, penance is discipline imposed by the elders upon the wounded sheep, whether or not they express repentance, in order to communicate to this and the rest of the sheep the seriousness of their sins. As his margin note on 129 reads, “Penance is a medicine for present and future sins, not past ones.” Penance does not justify, but it does reform and lead to holiness. He uses the example of Ambrose prohibiting Theodosius from the Lord’s supper to illustrate this discipline (136-137). This form of discipline is distinguished from what we would call “excommunication,” which is used for false sheep (183-189). I did not find Bucer’s biblical case for penance convincing; the biblical data cited is better interpreted in different ways (e.g. with reference to false sheep, unrepentant sin, or personal sorrow without an external cause such as ecclesiological discipline), and he relies heavily on tradition to fill in what isn’t clear from the Bible. However, though I disagree that penance is a command from the Lord, Bucer makes a convincing case that true sorrow for sin is necessary, not merely empty words. Furthermore, he argues compellingly that the pastor’s job is to guide the sheep into such true sorrow. However, he doesn’t make the case that ecclesiological discipline is a necessary or even the best way to do so; there may be cases where the penance he proposes is pastorally wise, but I would not want to make it a rule based on the argument Bucer makes.

Notes On the Translation
Beale’s translation is readable and seems to catch the spirit of the text (it reads as a Reformation-era book). David F. Wright’s historical introduction helpfully sets the context of Bucer’s ministry and the Reformation in Strasbourg. In Reformation-era manuscripts, authors would occasionally provide marginal summaries of main points or paragraphs in their writings; it appears that Bucer did so for Concerning the True Care. Beale has italicised these marginal notes and placed them in the main text preceding the pertinent paragraph. To the modern reader, this suggests they are headings, but this was not quite their function. However, the chapters were preceded by German translations of the key texts for that chapter. These were given their own marginal summaries that sketched the significance of these passages for the chapter. Beale has presented both the text and its gloss in italics at the beginning of each chapter.

Conclusion
Concerning the True Care of Souls is exceedingly rich in theological and practical wisdom for pastoral ministry. It is a clarion call in our age for ministers of the Gospels to be faithful shepherds of their sheep. They cannot outsource this role; it is theirs from God. I hope that many pastors today will pick up Beale’s translation and work through it carefully. You will be richly blessed, challenged, and edified in doing so.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Bucer (1491-1551) may not be as well-known as John Calvin and Martin Luther, but he deserves our appreciation for his work in the Reformation. He is a first-generation Reformer that has left his imprint upon several branches of the Protestant tradition. He pastored in Strasbourg, was known for championing Protestant unity between differing factions, sheltered John Calvin during his exile from Geneva, and worked with Thomas Cranmer on The Book of Common Prayer. He was in many ways a pioneer and a servant of the Lord whom Protestants should know better than they currently do.
In Concerning the True Care of Souls Bucer sets out to present a theology of pastoral care. From its earliest pages we see his concern for faithfulness and unity among the church’s leaders. In writing this book he is seeking “anything else, other than the true increase of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus and its genuine and authentic fruit” (xxxviii). The nature of the church is spiritual, its life flows from Christ through his Spirit and word, and so its shepherds must take care how they discharge the duties of their office. They are servants, after all, not vicars nor regents; to claim that rule for yourself is to be an antichrist (13).
In his definitions of the church Bucer emphasizes saving faith as its defining mark. Those who “scatter and devastate Christ’s sheep” are “opposed to Christ” and “are not members of the church” (14). Would he consider the Roman Catholic church a true church? This book does not answer, but Bucer does not shy away from condemning “the pope and his men.” They “admit there are many abuses among them, but do not want to do anything to remedy them” (14).
Christ is the one who rules his church, he “rules and feeds us from heaven,” but he executes this work among the church through his ministers (21). This work does not belong to them, but it is the work of Christ and therefore they must pay attention to how they serve. “Those who regard the church’s ministry as insignificant and invalid” are in “pernicious error” (22). The ministers of the church are the instruments of Christ himself (23).
We do not find in this work a divine-right system of polity, but Bucer does land strongly on several questions of church structure. He shows that the terms pastor, elder and bishop are interchangeable, based on the apostolic witness found in the New Testament. He endorses plurality of elders, “several elders as bishops, not just one” (35), while at the same time recognizing the need for a leader as “presiding elder (36-37). Elders are to be chosen by the people whom they are to pastor, with the approval of other ministers (64-65).
He comments extensively on the choice and installation of elders. He praises marriage as a help and advantage for elders, criticizing not only the papist custom of his day, but also some of the church fathers’ understanding without reticence. Bucer loves the purity of the church, and values highly the biblical qualifications for elders. There are things which may be tolerated in other Christians, but not in the ministers of the church. The choice and ordination of ministers “has sadly fallen into decay under the papists,” therefore we should pray ‘your kingdom come’ and take up the hard work of “[dealing] with this corruption of the church speedily and effectively” (54). He is also realistic, allowing that some churches may not have elders who fulfill all the qualifications immediately, nevertheless they should choose those who strive to meet them. The bar should not be lowered, because it is set by the Word of God. Unfit ministers should be deposed.
There are five main tasks of the care of souls: evangelism of the lost, restoration of the apostate, reformation of the fallen, building up the feeble, protecting the persevering. As in all his other observations, he bases this list on Scripture (Ezekiel 34:16 in this case). He then dedicates a chapter of significant length to each of them.
In his section on the hurt and wounded, he spends a surprising amount of time on the topic of evangelical penance. “Penance” is not a term we use often in Protestant circles, but Bucer shows that we can have a place for it. He does not mean it in a Roman Catholic way - evangelical penance assumes that the Christian is completely and perfectly justified before God. It is “not a satisfaction for past sins, but a medicine against present and future sins” (131).
Bucer’s penance is not a human invention, he has no desire to introduce anything the Lord has not commanded (144), it is not intended towards forgiveness of sins which is found only in the blood of Christ (129). The penance he has in mind is the public demonstration of sorrow and the set of practices that teach sorrow and contrition over sin. The “proper use of penance” is introducing the person “to a deeper, but believing contemplation of his evil” (127). True repentance requires some sort of manifestation of sorrow, in line with the godly sorrow Paul speaks of in 2 Corinthians 7. “Humiliation and sadness for sin should precede complete pardon by the church and full communion with the saints” (135). This expectation of penance should not be overbearing, when men show conviction of sin, a broken heart and a contrite spirit they should be received into communion without delay (136).
His view of the pastoral office is high. Ministers should be obeyed and respected by their congregations because they wield the spiritual sword, the word of God (202-205). Yet at the same time, our allegiance and obedience should be to Christ, and to ministers only insofar as they fulfill the work of his kingdom (209). We are to avoid becoming the slaves of men.

[mpsiple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. Bucer divides "sheep" into categories and discusses how the pastor cares for each one. Lots of scripture to support his developments, but not my favorite writing (probably 3 1/2 stars).

[Jubilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Bucer was a German theologian in the 16th Century. Bucer joined the Reformation after hearing Martin Luther’s Heidelberg disputation and later became known as the leader of the reform movement in Strasburg, Germany. Martin Bucer and John Calvin were strong influences on each other and together stand out as two of the most significant figures of the Reformation. Much can be said about Martin Bucer, but the purpose of this essay is to reflect on Concerning the True Care of Souls, Bucer’s beautiful treatise on the roles of church leadership and their responsibilities towards God’s sheep.
Bucer begins by explaining the church’s nature, Christ’s rule within His holy church, and the work He does through His ministers. He explains that there are two kinds of ministry: those who impart the word, implementing discipline, and those who care for the temporal needs of the sheep. Both are critical roles within the church. God has specially assigned gifts to His ministers so that the burden of care is shared among many. This is a point that particularly stuck out to me. I have come to observe so many churches that are led by one man. This has often raised questions and concerns in my mind. There are so many dangers that arise when one individual is taking on the care of an entire church, regardless of the number of members. This opens the door for a lack of accountability, the burden is too great for one man, but most importantly, this did not seem to accord with what I understood Scripture to teach on church leadership. I was encouraged by Bucer’s comments on the subject. Caring for God’s people is a perpetual job that demands the skills and gifts of many. Scripture shows us that God desires the appointment of many to His service. Despite the small congregation in Crete, Paul appointed several elders to care for them, just like how many bishops were appointed by the Holy Spirit at Ephesus. The care of the church is meant for God’s people to engage in together.
Bucer devotes chapter five to the character of church elders and how they should be selected. He shows from texts of Scripture that the elders who are chosen must have a reputation of godliness not just of themselves but in their households. Additionally, they must be gifted in teaching and leadership and should stand out as especially gifted in virtuous traits. Those who disciple the church must live a life above reproach because they are not only the ones who teach and guide the people in godliness, but set an example of it. Bucer answers another question for me here. Many take the command in Timothy and Titus of elders being the husband of one wife to include divorce or remarriage, but with cultural context, he explains that there were many who had come into the church at the time with multiple wives at the same time. This was a sinful practice, therefore those in ruling had to be married to one woman only. This, to me, is a very important point. The Bible is full of examples of polygamous marriages of godly men whose households are full of strife and disorder. Elders must show discipline within their own homes, not just the church, and if their family is in chaos, they are unfit to rule. Further, marriage is designed to be a blessing and can promote an elder’s ministry to greater godliness. The banning of marriage altogether from church leaders is equally as detrimental.
Seeking lost sheep is one of the most important roles of the ministers of God’s people. Bucer says that even though God has not revealed those He has predestined, He has commanded to preach the gospel to every living person. The image of God within a person is enough for them to be sought out and pursued into God’s sheepfold. We are not to discriminate between God’s people, but to pursue their hearts for Him, relentlessly until they show themselves to despise Him; but the fight must not be given up lightly.
In chapter nine, Bucer discusses the importance of penance from those who have committed a grievous sin and then returned to the church. This word has a great deal of association with the practice of the Roman Catholic church, but here he is referring to formal acts of repentance required by the church to prove the heart of the sinner and to prevent against future sin. The purpose of it is not to atone for sin, but as a medicinal cure against future sin. Penance is done through fasting, prayer, and abstaining from the table. In the Old Testament, penance was done by the whole church together for the sins of one member. This struck me as particularly interesting. Even in our sin, God does not leave us alone. We grieve over our sins as a body, together before God. Bucer emphasizes the importance of public repentance and penance and the severe lack we have of it in the church today. He exhorts church leaders to return to this Biblical practice but also warns against the potential harm that can come if it is abused or handled incorrectly. Penance should be immediately followed by comfort and love from the brethren. It is a medicine, not a judgment.
Concerning the True Care of Souls was both encouraging and convicting, perhaps one of my favorite theological books I have read. Bucer writes with so much pastoral love and yet a firm command of righteousness. He takes his thoughts straight from Scripture and the examples we have from our ancient church fathers. He not only shows what must be done within the church but also what must not be done and where the church has stumbled. Although I will never be in pastoral leadership, this book has given me so much guidance on what to seek in godly leaders and in a godly church. The love that God has for us is apparent in the beautifully designed system of care that He has put in place for His people. Although Christ has ascended to be with the Father, He has been faithful in leaving us with the Holy Spirit, but also love and care through men, guided by the Holy Spirit.

[Alex McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Bucer’s “The True Care of Souls” was my most recent addition to my summer of ecclesiology. Let me begin by saying it is a crime and a tragedy that this work isn’t more widely available. It’s hard to find and seems at least, like it’s in limited print. Even more so, it’s a shame that this work is almost impossible to find in paperback.

This was a delightful read from the very beginning. Bucer has provided a concise pastoral theology on the different types of sheep the pastor will have in their congregation.

Thanks to Nathaniel Hawthorne, here in the 21st century, the Puritan has been etched into the American imagination as a gaunt, stern-faced gentleman wearing a tricorn hat and sending witches to the gallows and heretics to be burned at the stake. It’s odd coming to this book having grown up with an image of Disney’s adaptation of Claude Frollo as the chief among the Puritans; because, Bucer is anything but this. Bucer is kind and gentle. He encourages pastors to love and to seek the lost sheep.

To Bucer, the pastor's main job is to care for his sheep. The pastor hasn’t done his job until he has cared for all of his sheep, and that is a never-ending, ever-evolving role. The book is split into three major sections.

Section one (chapters 1-5) provides a broad ecclesiology and focuses specifically on the pastor’s general duties to the congregation. Notably, this section is largely a polemic against the Catholic Church and its ecclesiology. Bucer also notes that ministering to souls requires various types of shepherds (pastors, elders, deacons, the government, etc.).

Section two (chapters 6-11) reaches the main point of the text. Bucer identifies four different types of sheep loosely based on Ezekiel 34. There are the lost sheep, who need to be sought; the stray sheep, who need to be restored; the hurt and wounded sheep, who are to be bound up and healed; the weak sheep, who need to be strengthened; and the healthy and strong sheep, who need to be guarded and fed. In this section, Bucer examines each type of sheep and describes how the pastor has specific duties to each.

The last section (chapter 12) examines the flock’s duties to their pastor.

The modern reader is going to be shocked at several aspects of this text. The first is the weight Bucer places on the government in the true care of souls. Coming from a R2K background, I was a little shocked when I first read this. However, upon reflection, it felt incredibly Kuyperian, and I was glad to take the advice. The second is that Bucer thinks the primary form of church discipline is withholding the Supper. While I certainly agree, it’s difficult reading about excommunication in our 21st-century pluralistic society. Finally, the most jarring aspect is that Bucer believes the primary role of the TE is to care for souls. For much of modern American evangelicalism, the primary function of the pastor is to deliver a Sunday message. For Bucer, that role is only secondary to the true care of souls and is employed merely as a means to the larger goal.

I’m glad to have read this. If you find a link to an affordable paperback copy, please drop it in the comments. I foresee visiting this often for the rest of my life.

[Stephen Mulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin Bucer will challenge many modern readers with his discussion of the authority and discipline of the church. But I found his thoughts to be very edifying for thinking through the expanse and limits of pastoral authority and discipline. For Bucer, all authority in the church is derived from Christ's authority. Christ alone is to be followed and obeyed, and any obedience given to men, is to be offered to them so far as they are obedient to Christ (15, 152, 209). "The power and work of the church's ministry belongs not to ministers, but to Christ the Lord" (21).

Bucer spends a huge section of this book talking about penance (i.e., repentance). The modern reader may find that discussion difficult in sections, but as I read him call penance a punishment, I see him defining that as not a legal punishment, but as a means to encourage repentance. As Bucer talks about the necessity and end of penance, he is constantly driving at restoration (not being cruel, nor making people ashamed for the sake of them being ashamed). "Penance is not a satisfaction for past sins, but a medicine against present and future sins, because it is intended to purge and purify the remaining lusts and sinful desires and thus to protect against future transgressions." (131).

That being said, I do believe Bucer goes farther than I believe is wise at points. He positively uses the example of a father not speaking to his wayward son, or not allowing him into his sight, until he shows enough repentance. I believe that militates against Jesus' instruction in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I'm also uncomfortable with his witholding of forgiveness - I grant that forgiveness should only be given if it is truly asked for, without conditions, or excuses. But there is a need to grant forgiveness if it is asked, even prior to fruit being shown (Jesus' instruction to forgive up to seventy times seven). Of course, trust doesn't have to be offered, and consequences can still remain, even though that sin has been forgiven. I also have questions about to what extent the church has the authority to prescribe the exact steps of repentance. Bucer seems to argue that the church can go to the extent of calling for fasting and public weeping (119). Those things are prudent and should accompany true repentance, but it seems much better for this to proceed from the heart of the penitent and not demanded externally from the church. Thankfully, Bucer seems to argue against the use of temporal punishments by the church (125).

Finally, it is helpful that Bucer notes the dangers with discipline. He urges caution noting that "penance and church discipline must be carried out with such spiritual wisdom and moderation that those who have sinned are not thereby driven away from the church, or caused to put on a hypocritical show of penance, or even cast into despair, but instead kept and built up in the church." (144-145).

[Ben Chidester · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exposition of pastoral care that offered a fascinating look into the reform efforts and convictions of a prominent early Reformer, trying to discern how to properly restore pastoral care and governance in the church. Even now, I suspect pastors and church leaders could still benefit from the insights and wisdom in Bucer's "little book". (Ex: Bucer notes the proneness of congregants to criticize sermons and gives admonitions for them to heed the ministry of the Word carefully - it was somehow encouraging that this is not merely a modern issue.)

Given that Bucer, a first-generation Reformer, had no guide before him in this reform, it is fascinating to see how he evaluates certain historic practices. It is encouraging how similar his vision for pastoral care is to most of the modern-day, but some of his evaluations will certainly give something to think on. Most notably is his long argument for the reintroduction of the proper practice of penance (notably not as a means of satisfaction for sin, but as a means of correction and demonstration of sincere repentance). Church discipline is, in general, not a topic we give much consideration to nowadays, but I suspect that if one thinks on it earnestly, Bucer's vision for discipline will not be found so stark as might initially be thought.

Overall, I was encouraged by the care of a Reformer like Bucer not merely for the restoration of true doctrine, but for the true care of the flock as well.

[Mark Gring · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, reformed, practical guide to church government, positions, roles, and expectations. Bucer front-loads each chapter with multiple scriptural references and then goes back to those references when he writes the chapter about the specific part of church government. It is reasonably well-structured and presented.
This is my first book by Bucer and although I find great value in it, I also found reading it to be a bit "plodding." This is not a detraction of the book as much as my difficulty reading some of the reformers from this time period. (Although, I do not find the same difficulties reading Calvin). My best analogy here is...reading Calvin has a similar fervor, for me, of reading Plato. Reading Bucer was more like reading Aristotle's Rhetoric or Cicero's De Oratore--packed with good ideas and useful/practical things but a bit on the dull side. C. S. Lewis's admonition to read 4 old books for every "new" one is a good admonition. It may just help me to appreciate some of the other authors more, I guess.

The longest chapter in the book, by far, is Chapter 9: "How the Hurt and Wounded Sheep are to be Bound Up and Healed" (pp. 97-162). This chapter will surprise you. It has much less to do with how to deal with those who are "hurting" from our modern, therapeutical perspective. This is a chapter on overt, public discipline of those who openly and publicly transgress God's laws and his biblical exhortation about about they should be treated. This is not a read for the "faint of heart." This chapter, more than any of the others, challenged my understanding of helping the hurting sheep. One example may be helpful here. For the sin of murder, adultery, and a couple of other sins, he recommends that there MUST be repentant weeping and wailing--public lament about the sin. Then, there should be clear evidence of repentance that starts with: being bared from the Lord's Supper, 40 days of "fasting" (bread and water only), followed by the next three years of a similar fasting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. In addition to this there should be an open attempt to show repentance by the sinner involving committing him/herself to alms giving, helping the poor, and overt public contriteness. He gives the example of Ambrose forbidding communion to Theodosius for quite an extended time, after he killed 7k people (both those innocent in and guilty of an uprising in Thessalonica) in a fit of anger. Ambrose demanded full public repentance, restitution to the families of those innocent of the crime but killed anyway, and ultimately a written commitment to several countries under his control promising to hold any guilty person, convicted of a crime, for 30 days before executing them--something that was later worked into parts of general "Roman Law" and adopted by several countries.

Overall, this is a good book worthy of reading. It is solid reformed and Biblical theology applied to Church ecclesiology. Bucer is aware of potential pitfalls and potential abuse by church leadership and church members and warns against both. Otherwise it is a practical biblical guide on the roles of the deacons and elders in a local church. We need more church people reading this.

[Blake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martin Bucer wrote “Concerning the True Care of Souls,” so that the church “…may thoroughly understand what the church is, what rule and order it must have, who its true ministers are and how they are to exercise their ministry in the care of souls…” Bucer defines the church, the rule of Christ in His church, how to shepherd with discipline and encouragement. He discusses choosing of elders, the work of elders, church discipline and care of the flock.

Weaknesses: He confuses Israel and the church; misapplies passages ; gives government authority over the church; adds penance to Scripture; and encourages congregational rule.

Strengths include his high view of Christ as Lord and His power and work in His church ; his views on qualifications of elders and deacons; rebuke of the marriage ban for priests; his concern about the church’s weak attitude on sin in the church ; and his concern regarding extremes in preaching and practicing penance.

Bucer is an example for Biblical counselors, taking sin seriously, his care for sheep, weak and strong, and his wisdom and moderation when confronting sin.

[Albertus Minimus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent work on pastoral theology. Martin Bucer systematically analyzed OT and NT passages to explain God’s design of His rule and discipline for the church.

Bucer uses a contrast of Ezekiel 34 as a framework to describe the work of pastors/elders concerning those under their care. He spends about a third of his material on “How the Hurt and Wounded Sheep Are to Be Bound Up and Healed”. These “are those who remain in the church and communion of Christ, but fall into open and notorious sins and abuses”. He focuses on penance (which is frowned upon nowadays) or what he calls “medicine for the soul”, and what are the parameters surrounding its proper dispensation. I found it eye-opening and very helpful. This, I believe is something that churches badly need.

The book is a very good resource for all Christians, even for those not involved in ministry.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvelous. There's no wonder this was the text for Reformation era pastoral theology. Some may disagree, but I particularly found his longest chapter, on public penance in the church, quite helpful. True, it may conjure up antiquated images of confessional chambres in the Romanist Church, but one must understand the context Bucer was writing in. Public penance and repentance is a dead tool in the Reformed churches of the present; but, one cannot get over how St. Ambrose had Emperor Theodosius of Rome stand with other penitents in the church and called for repentance from God. Were our national leaders to do that still imagine how the world would be! Excellent book! Fellow ministers and men training for it; please read this book!

[Jon Pentecost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bucer provides a wonderful description of the role of pastors, and the necessity for churches to exercise discipline. While I don't agree with all the ways he frames things, his depiction of the need for church discipline is deeply pastoral, loving, and theologically robust.

His arguments for the need for a plurality of elders based off of the diverse ways God gifts the church was moving and powerful. A great book for highlighting the dignity and solemn duty of pastoral work, and the centrality of the church in a Christian's life.

[Harold Guptill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Bucer’s work is clearly a work from a pastor. He discusses many points of how pastors are to care for the souls of everyone. Yes, people in the church, but also those in the community. He is to help guide all to eternal life with Christ. I appreciated and will dwell on his lengthy chapter about “How the Hurt and Wounded Sheep Are to be Healed.” He discusses how the job of the pastor is to help them become fully restored in the Lord.

[Jacob McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich and thorough content. A must-read for all elders.

"... seeing that [Christ's lambs] are deprived of nothing which contributes to their continual growth and increase in godliness." (69)

"Penance is not a satisfaction for past sins, but a medicine against present and future sins, because it is intended to purge and purify the remaining lusts and sinful desires and thus to protect against future transgressions." (131)

[Jacob Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I do not agree with everything in this book, it was a still a good and beautiful read. It is important to be well read in writings of Church History to see where our heritage comes from and this book is still extremely applicable today. Pastors are called to be shepherds and Bucer provides a good exegesis of scripture to support that.

[James Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book written by the reformer Martin Bucer dealing with several important topics relating to the selection and duties of ministers/pastors/priests. Interestingly many of the issues he's concerned with in the 15th/16th centuries are issues the church continues to face to day. In my view, this book should be mandatory reading for all who are called to minister in/lead churches.

[Kevin V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drawing upon Scripture, Bucer offers in these pages clear, direct, and practical direction on what pastoral care ought to look like. What Bucer writes here remains as relevant today as it always has been—mining as he does from the teaching and example of Christ’s apostles. Glad to have read this. I know that I will be served by reading again.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I actually finished this book last month but forgot about it
I think I was supposed to like this more than I did. It was helpful and made some really good points, especially about carrying for the injured and straying within the flock, but this was not a favorite read of the term. I should probably try reading it again because I’m pretty sure the issue is me.

[Cody Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is more like 4.5 stars. While I disagree with Bucer's views about the civil government's role in regulating religious doctrine and practice, this book is an excellent treatment of a Word-centered pastoral ministry.

[Alexander Proudfoot · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alright examination of pastoral care. Much of Bucer's approach is too tied to the establishment view of church-state relations to be beneficial in my current context. The theological work Bucet does here is alright, but not anything you wouldn't fine in other, contemporary works.