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reeseg's review
4.0
The Pastor Theologian by Geral Hiestand and Todd Wilson is a book that relays to me that theology matters. Theology matters in the pulpit, just as much as it does in the university. I found the book helpful in challenging my conceptions of theology related to the pastorate. The book gave needed advice on how to schedule a time in a busy schedule to write theology. Hiestand and Wilson provided me with an inspiring and powerful book as to why theology must not be separated from the pastorate. The purpose of theology was never to be done in a way that did not serve the church. Separating theology from the pastorate was a massive blunder for the church. After reading this book, I have been enlightened and see that theology is for all people. Theology can and should be done in the pastorate, along with in the academy. Not separate, but completing complementary tasks for the glory of Christ and his people.
cjblackbird's review
4.0
I found that some of this book was more of a statement of, "I wish there were more people like Jonathan Edwards," than an argument as to why we need more "ecclesial theologians." The first few chapters especially leaned towards a negative view of both the American pulpit and the American academy, and provided at times a tough review of them. Their look back through history could've been an individual book in itself and seemed far too brief to really provide a sound defense of how the ancient pastorate model ought to be followed today. I think that taking a little more time to define the purpose of the pastorate, the academy, and theology as a whole would've lended itself to a stronger argument. While the last few chapters do look at what the authors believe are the purposes of these roles, noting them towards the beginning would've helped me, at least, better identify with where they were coming from.
The last several chapters, on the other hand, left me -- a college student training to become a pastor who also has a deep heart for theology -- challenged to the core. I loved the argument that was made for the ecclesial theologian so much that I immediately sent the title out to a few of my college friends, urging them to read the last 3 chapters. It's apparent that Hiestand and Wilson feel very strongly about the need for ecclesial theology to make a resurgence. I would highly recommend the book, especially the back-half, to any pastors, Christian professors, and students to read and reflect upon.
The last several chapters, on the other hand, left me -- a college student training to become a pastor who also has a deep heart for theology -- challenged to the core. I loved the argument that was made for the ecclesial theologian so much that I immediately sent the title out to a few of my college friends, urging them to read the last 3 chapters. It's apparent that Hiestand and Wilson feel very strongly about the need for ecclesial theology to make a resurgence. I would highly recommend the book, especially the back-half, to any pastors, Christian professors, and students to read and reflect upon.
ianmrowland's review
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
A short book used to outline the vision and passion that has birthed CPT (Centre for Pastor Theologians). It is a reasoned and well thought out plea for pastors to be more diligent in theological reading, thinking and writing, and for the academies to be lit ecclessially minded in their thinking and writing.
trinai's review
5.0
A sorely needed reminder
This book serves as a much needed reminder of the need for a robust theology shaped by the demands of the pastorate. If the church wants to see an impact on her members, the pastor theologians are needed to assist in showing the way.
This book serves as a much needed reminder of the need for a robust theology shaped by the demands of the pastorate. If the church wants to see an impact on her members, the pastor theologians are needed to assist in showing the way.
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