Paul as Pastor

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Paul as Pastor demonstrates the critical nature of Pauls pastoral care to his identity and activities. Despite the fact that Paul never identifies himself as a pastor, there is much within the Pauline letters that alludes to this as a possible aspect of Pauls vocation and commitments, and this has been a topic of relative scholarly neglect. The contributors to this volume consider the household setting of Pauls pastoral practice, the evidence of Acts and a survey of themes in each of the letters in the traditional Pauline corpus. Additionally, three chapters supply case studies of the Wirkungsgeschichte of Pauls pastoral practice in the pastoral offices of the Anglican Communion in the denominations Ordinal, and in the lives and thought of Augustine of Hippo and George Whitfield. As such Paul as Pastor provides a stimulating resource on a neglected and critical dimension of Paul and his letters and an invaluable tool for those in pastoral ministry and those responsible for their training.

Reviews

Has much to offer the working pastor and preacher. * ANVIL: Journal of Theology and Mission *
It is striking that Paul is remembered and valued more as a theologian than as a pastor, despite the fact that he wrote almost all his letters primarily as a pastor, dealing with the problems which his churches confronted and the challenges which they posed to his understanding of the gospel and its outworking at community level. This volume will help set the record straight, with a sequence of thought-provoking, stimulating and some excellent treatments. * James D. G. Dunn, Durham University, UK *
Most scholars would acknowledge that Paul's missionary purpose goes well beyond producing converts to the making of mature disciples. Most would also affirm that all of Paul's theology is task theology - theological truth brought to bear on specific situations in the life of the church. If both these are true, then Paul is not only a theologian and a missionary, but also (and especially!) a pastor. This volume brings together an exceptional array of scholars to deal with this important topic in Pauline studies. It is a welcome and much needed addition to the corpus of Pauline studies. * Mark L. Strauss, Bethel Seminary, USA *
No doubt some will think a volume titled Paul as Pastor is looking for potatoes in a bean field, but not so. The contributors deftly probe various dimensions of the apostle's shepherding ministry manifested in his letters and Acts, demonstrating that Paul had a pastor's heart, a pastor's pattern of life and work, and a pastor's impact on local communities of faith. Applying this particular lens to reflection on the New Testament not only makes a unique contribution to an underserved theme in biblical studies, it promotes right thinking about our approaches to ministry in the twenty-first century. * George H. Guthrie, Regent College, Canada *
Brimming with insights directly relevant to Christian pastoral ministry, this is no dry academic tome but a careful guide into the pastoral heart of Paul. Paul as Pastor strikes the right balance in appreciating Pauls missionary preaching alongside his pastoral care and devotion to the early Christian communities in which he ministered. These essays are sure to be of encouragement to ministers in the church. * Darian Lockett, Biola University, USA *
This book definitely contributes to an understanding of Paul as a pastor ... highly recommended, not only for those who might want to delve deeper into Pauls pastoral character, but also for those who might be interested in the connection between practical theology and NT scholarship. * Neotestamentica *

Author Bio

Brian S. Rosner is Principal of Ridley College, Australia, where he also teaches New Testament. Andrew S. Malone is Lecturer in Biblical Studies at Ridley College, Australia and is Dean of Ridley Online. Trevor J. Burke is Tutor in New Testament in the Cambridge Theological Federation, UK.