Title: The pastor as public theologian : reclaiming a lost vision /
Authors: Vanhoozer, Kevin J.; Strachan, Owen
Year: 2015
Subjects: Pastoral theology.; Christianity and culture.; Christianity and culture; Pastoral theology
Abstract: Many pastors today see themselves primarily as counselors, leaders, and motivators. Yet this often comes at the expense of the fundamental reality of the pastorate as a theological office. The most important role is to be a theologian mediating God to the people. The church needs pastors who can contextualize the Word of God to help their congregations think theologically about all aspects of their lives, such as work, end-of-life decisions, political involvement, and entertainment. Drawing on the depiction of pastors in the Bible, key figures from church history, and Christian theology, this brief and accessible book offers a clarion call for pastors to serve as public theologians in their congregations and communities. The church needs pastors to read the world in light of Scripture and to direct their congregations in ways of wisdom, shalom, and human flourishing. The Pastor as Public Theologian calls for a paradigm shift in the very idea of what a pastor is and does, setting forth a positive alternative picture. In addition to pastors, this book will be invaluable to seminary students training to be pastors and to their professors. It includes pastoral reflections on the theological task from twelve working pastors.--Publisher
Contents: Introduction: Pastors, theologians, and other public figures / Kevin J. Vanhoozer -- Part 1. Biblical theology and historical theology. Of prophets, priests, and kings: a brief biblical theology of the pastorate / Owen Strachan -- Of scholars and saints: a brief history of the pastorate / Owen Strachan -- Part 2. Systematic theology and practical theology. In the evangelical mood: the purpose of the pastor-theologian / Kevin J. Vanhoozer -- Artisans in the house of God: the practices of the pastor-theologian / Kevin J. Vanhoozer -- Conclusion: Fifty-five summary theses on the pastor as public theologian / Kevin J. Vanhoozer.