Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Spiritual Care. Translated by Jay Rochelle. Fortress Press, 1985. Referenced in: Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a classic on spiritual care written by Diettrich Bonhoeffer, the prolific leader among Christians in Germany who was imprisoned by the Nazis and executed for his stalwart resistance to Hitler. It is easy to get the
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community. Harper, 1978. Referenced in: Ecclesiology Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com Summary It is hard to overstate the influence of this book as an expression of the meaning of Christian community. Virtually all responsible works on pastoral theology, missiology, or ecclesiology written since Bonhoeffer either reference him directly
Knowles, Michael P, We Preach Not Ourselves: Paul on Proclamation. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008. 266 pp. $28.00. Knowles teaches preaching at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. This book is an exposition of Paul’s self-understanding as a preacher and minister as he reveals himself in 2 Corinthians 1-6. The book is divided into six
Ajith Fernando, Jesus Driven Ministry. Crossway Books, 2007. Referenced in: Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a thoughtful series of devotional reflections encouring ministry that exhibits the characteristics of Christ. From the Publisher Author Ajith Fernando believes that much ministry failure results from neglect of the basics of the faith. Too often today’s church is
Abraham J. Malherbe, Paul and the Thessalonians: The Philosophic Tradition of Pastoral Care. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2011. Referenced in: Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com Summary Some of the richest imagery Paul used of his pastoral role is found in 1 Thessalonians, particularly in chapter 2. This brief volume by Malherbe describes these images well, particularly in
Steven Walton, Leadership and Lifestyle: The Portrait of Paul in the Miletus Speech and 1 Thessalonians. New York: Cambridge, 2007. Referenced in: Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com This is an adaptation of Walton’s dissertation. Those with the skill sets in languages and theology will benefit. From the Publisher This book offers a clear, thoughtful portrait of early
Thompson, James W, Pastoral Ministry According to Paul. Baker Academic, 2006. Referenced in: Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com Summary This a refreshing theology that looks to the letters of Paul to discover a unifying center to guide ministry. It looks upon Paul fundamentally in pastoral terms (though admitting that Paul never uses this term to refer to
Efrain Agosto, Servant Leadership: Jesus & Paul. Chalice Press, 2005. Referenced in: Biblical and Spiritual Foundations of Leadership Pastoral Theology Servant Leadership LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a substantive theological work based on the author’s dissertation. Agosto considers the social situation surrounding Jesus and Paul, and how this influenced their interactions. He reflects liberation theology with
John A. Berntsen, Cross-Shaped Leadership: On the Rough and Tumble of Parish Practice. Alban Institute, 1999. Referenced in: Pastoral Theology LifeandLeadership.com Summary In the introduction, Berntsen says, “This book is an essay on the vocation of the leader. It is a theology of the vocation of leadership for parish practice. It is written from the
Andrew Purves, The Resurrection of Ministry: Serving in the Hope of the Risen Lord. IVP Academic, 2010. Prequel: Purves, The Crucifixion of Ministry Referenced in: Pastoral Theology Strengthening and Renewing the Ministry Call LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a companion volume to Crucifixion of Ministry, both written by Andrew Purves, one of today’s most respected pastoral
