Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service

by Stephen Seamands

"As the Father has sent me, so I send you."Those of us called to Christian ministry are commissioned and sent by Jesus, just as he himself was called and sent by the Father. Thus we naturally pattern our ministries after Christ's example. But distinctively Christian service involves the Spirit as well, just as Jesus himself accomplished his ministry in the power of the Spirit. Thus the whole Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--gives shape to truly authentic Christian ministry.Though as Christians we all affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, many of us might struggle to explain how understanding the Trinity could actually shape our ministry. Stephen Seamands demonstrates how a fully orbed theology of the Trinity transforms our perception and practice of vocational ministry. Theological concepts like relationality and perichoresis have direct relevance to pastoral life and work, especially in unfolding a trinitarian approach to relationships, service and mission. A thoroughly trinitarian outlook provides the fuel for our ministry " of Jesus Christ, to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, on behalf of the church and the world."Essential reading for pastors, parachurch workers, counselors, missionaries, youth ministers and all who are called to any vocation of Christian ministry.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Leadership, Christianity, Religion, School

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2005

About the author

Stephen Seamands (Ph.D., Drew University) is professor of Christian doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. He also frequently speaks and leads retreats and seminars on such issues as emotional healing and spiritual renewal.

His books include Give Them Christ (InterVarsity Press, 2012), Christology and Transition in the Theology of Edwin Lewis (University Press of America, 1987), Holiness of Heart and Life (Abingdon, 1990), A Conversation with Jesus (Victor, 1994) and Wounds That Heal (InterVarsity Press, 2003).

Reviews

[Isaac Redinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone desiring to understand what a life of ministry means: a life devoted serving others not because of faith in God, but ministry that is serving others alongside and through God’s great love for them.

This book served me both as a practical guide for applying deep theology of the trinity to pragmatic ministry but also gave me space for deep work in myself, letting God address my places of unhealth within my heart, mind and theology. Reading this book I grew in my call of ministry, my understanding of the mystery of the trinity, and I was encouraged by Seamands’ continued reminder to let ministry above all things, be: to abide within the 3-fold identity of God.

[Kevin Matznick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been super impactful to me. It has really changed my perspective of doing vocational ministry. The main takeaway and a good way to wrap up the overall point of the book is that it is all “the ministry OF Jesus Christ, TO God the Father, THROUGH the power of the Holy Spirit.”

None of what we do in ministry is about us or because of us. We want to point everyone to God as we join in the ministry Jesus is doing and it’s all because of the Holy Spirit working through us. All the weight is lifted off me because I/we just get to partake in the Kingdom work rather than feeling like we need to DO the Kingdom work!

This book was super digestible. It was dense but understandable. Highly recommend it.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read on the Trinity. This is practical theology at its best. I love how rich this book was theologically but even more so how experiential and practical it was. What a rare thing to find for a book about the Trinity. I can see how this book may be one of the most influential books for how I see and do ministry.

[Blake Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. I wish I had read this book 5 years ago

[Callie Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book prompted me to ponder who I’m becoming. It reminded me of the importance of seeing myself and others as image bearers of God. I appreciate that the book revealed how childhood wounds can and will impact our ministry if they are not surrendered and healed by the Divine Healer. It is both sad and encouraging to hear stories of people in ministry realize their need for healing at an older age. I am grateful for the knowledge, hope, practicality, and opportunity for God to speak to me so intentionally throughout this read.

[Kit Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Due to studying the text for school (I chose it) I got to read 50% - 60% of the book
__
It was refreshing. More Pastoral than I expected, the author came through as a pastor Professor, ministering to other ministers.

Rich in Theology about the Triune Nature of God but not bogged down.

It’s a relatable book because the author shares his own weaknesses and points the reader to God’s character and grace.

[Olivia White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have read this book. It certainly opened my eyes and ushered a deeper understanding of the Trinity and the relationship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (which deepened my understanding of being made in the image of God and how marriage reflects the triune God). It was written so a layperson can understand. It is not over your head and laced with complicated vocabulary or 'over-philosophical.' It is both a practical and philosophical read, written for anyone.

[Evan Hoekzema · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read on the Trinity, and how it plays out into ministry philosophy. It helped take my understanding deeper from just using the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at the end of a prayer to understanding how ministry and our Christian life engages the Trinity in a foundational way.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does the Trinity have to do with ministry? According to this author, everything. In this very readable book the author shows how the Trinity shapes the way Christian ministry should look. A noce blend of theology and practical ministry.

[Chrissy Remsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for my doctoral programme

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The authors goal of making a book that is theologically rich & practical succeeded by leaps & bounds. It's beautiful & applicable. It will expand your understanding of the Trinity, a book I will absolutely be recommending alongside On the Holy Spirit by Saint Basil, and your understanding of how ministry should function & will function if you apply it.

[Roscoe Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the first theology book in some time that has actually shaped my application in an obvious way.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book accomplishes two things quite well. First it presents potentially heady theological concepts of the Trinity in a simple (not simplistic) way, filled with quotes and examples from Dr. Seamands's own life and ministry. Second, it takes the concept and askes the question: So what? Dr. Steve Seamands has a passion to push his students and readers beyond the mere knowledge of theology into the realm of appropriation and practicality. A great resourse for anyone involved in ministry at any level!

[Daniel Helms · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quote from the book: "Sometimes we can miss God's work by our very desire to do God's will!"

This book is about how the tri-unity of God impacts every area of our life not just the sacred, but the secular. The trinity is a part of the fabric of life and is weaved into every aspect. I mean without the trinity we can not even be relational beings. We can not do things for God without a relationship with God. We must understand how God works in relation to himself to be better servants of God.

[Kara Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the simplicity with in-depth explanation drawing upon experiences that resonated, whether applicable or not to my personal experiences. It gave significant insights into the full picture of the Trinity.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The doctrine of the Trinity has been described as the grammar of the Christian faith. A grammar is a set of rules governing a particular language. It tells us how to speak the language correctly and to properly convey our meaning. As the Christian grammar, trinitarian doctrine trine enables us to speak rightly about the God who is revealed in Scripture as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In fact, it is this doctrine that makes the Christian understanding of God distinctly Christian and not merely theistic."

Stephen Seamands. Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service (Kindle Locations 63-66). Kindle Edition.

Seamands builds a coherent worldview around the concept and truth of the Trinity that leads to a healthy and powerful trinitarian motivation for ministry.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really hard book for me to read. They were times where I had to read just three words at a time and let them soak in. Times when I had to re-read a paragraph two or three times to get its meaning. And, there were times when I was able to read page after page as quick as I would a beach-time summer novel. What really resonated with me is that the Trinity is a beautiful representation and foundation of how we as Christians are to interact with each other and with the world. I won’t soon forget the impact this book has made on my life and that it’s given me a new way of thinking About the why for the things that I do. I especially loved that the author used a visual representation of the Trinity as the North Star of remembrance for what the Christian faith should look like.

[Stephen Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book for pastors. It is densely theological, throughly practical, and authentically personal. Seaman’s is a very well-versed reader and also quite ecumenical...probably beyond what many will be comfortable with.

I’ve never considered ministry through a Trinitarian lens, and although much that is here was not new, it was a re-anchoring of truth in the essence of who God is, which makes the applications far more meaningful. I found myself highlighting and note taking constantly throughout for there is such good insight, and nearly all of this resonates with my heart for ministry.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Seamands demonstrates how to live out a practical view of trinitarian theology. A great read on the topic of what christian ministry is all about and what common pitfalls and obstacles to avoid. Presents a clear word of exhortation and encouragement in a day and age of nominal dependence upon the Holy Spirit among other topics. Some very compelling ways of articulating the christian call to ministry spoken from a personal experience.

[Justin Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read that included both depth of subject and readability that made it accessible to a wide variety of readers.

This book really encourages a better understanding of the Trinity, and how In Christian vocation, it is imperative to model our ministries and relationships to the likeness of the Trinity.

[Elizabeth Colón-Reiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an interesting and Illuminating read regarding the characteristics of the Triune God. This book has inspired me to join God’s mission. To know that I am not alone in doing God’s work that I have been called to reassuring, know THREE-IN-ONE: God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. “So I came to the edge, and he pushed me. And Together, we flew!”

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this book encapsulates my doctor of ministry studies (at ACTS seminaries) in a nutshell.
Christian Ministry finds its source in The trinitarian god, who is relational and missional in his essence. We are called to join him in his work!
Full of theological depth and practical insight, Seamands bridges the gap between academics and ministry.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Seamands explores the ways the Trinity shapes and affects our lives and ministries. Each chapter was biblical and inspiring. This would be an excellent book to work through with a group of pastors or elders. May our ministries grow out of, and be empowered by, the richness of God's own life.

[Rob and Lori Blount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging work.

I was very encouraged by Seamands work. The concern I have for the current state of the church is shared and the remedy is clearly illustrated. The magnitude of the shift required in church culture to achieve the divine call is not understated and delivered with hope.

[Kirsten Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book. I love how well Seamands explains all the different characteristics of the Trinity and I love his intentionality in connecting Trinitarian characteristics to ministry and vocation. This book is so important for anyone pursuing even the most vague form of ministry, or for anyone who is looking to dive deeper into the mysteries of the Trinity.

[Charles Robison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Makes a lot of true points but the entire book is about sourcing these books back to the trinity. None of this definitively defends the trinity. Most of these points could be seen from a Oneness perspective and still remain true. Many statements made are implicitly incongruent with trinitarian theology. Several things stated just didn’t make sense.

[Jon Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good perspective on Trinitarian theology and gave a lot of insight on ways to view it. It’s certainly worth reading if you want new perspectives or you’re looking for more opinions on what you already understand.

[Norman Falk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explores what ministry grounded in the doctrine of the Trinity might look like:

1. Relational personhood
2. Joyful intimacy
3. Glad surrender
4. Complex simplicity
5. Gracious self-acceptance
6. Mutual indwelling
7. Passionate mission

Such a great book.

[Tiffany Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Seamands dives into the Trinity and what Trinitarian Ministry looks like. With poignant and heartfelt stories and examples he explains how Christians should strive to live their ministry.

[Alex Senak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!