Eugene Peterson on Pastoral Theology

Over coffee Darren and I were talking about pastoral theology and ethics. We had talked about Peterson's four important books on pastoral theology before and they came up again today. I thought I would post them here. Many pastors I know who have been in it for the long haul have said that Peterson helped shaped their theology of ministry and life heavily. All of his books have been special in my journey of faith and pastoring.

The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction

Pastor-teacher Eugene Peterson has written a book of wisdom and refreshment for busy pastors illustrated with engaging personal anecdotes and including poetic reflections on the Beatitudes and discussions of such themes as curing souls, the language of prayer, the ministry of small talk, and sabbatical.

Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work

Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work shows how five Old Testament books provide a solid foundation for much of what a pastor does: prayer-directing, story-making, pain-sharing, nay-saying and community-building. This book opens up to pastors a wealth of valuable practical-theological insights.

Under the Unpredictable Plant an Exploration in Vocational Holiness

In this book Peterson clarifies the pastoral vocation by turning to the book of Jonah, in which he finds a captivating, subversive story that can help pastors recover their "vocational holiness". Peterson probes the spiritual dimensions of the pastoral calling and seeks to reclaim the ground taken over by those who are trying to enlist pastors in religious careers.

Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity

Eugene Peterson issues a provocative call for pastors to abandon their preoccupation with image and standing, administration, success, and economic viability, and to return to the three basic acts critical to the pastoral ministry: praying, reading Scripture, and giving spiritual direction.