Pastor as Public Theologian, The: Reclaiming a Lost Vision

"The Christian body in America is immersed in a crisis of biblical illiteracy," researcher George Barna has said. Sadly, pastors are often at the forefront of this trend. Many pastors understand themselves to be counselors, leaders, and motivators, which are needed roles. Yet the fundamental reality of the pastorate is that it is a theological office. 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. The very heart of the pastor's work is to be a theologian mediating God to the people.Drawing on the depiction of pastors in the Bible, key figures from church history, and Christian theology, this book offers a clarion call for pastors to serve as public theologians in their congregations and communities. It is brief and accessible, making it easy for busy pastors to read, and includes a chapter from working pastors who illustrate the ideas presented.