Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders [Paperback]

Edward L. Smither (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009

Lauded for his thoughts, Augustine of Hippo (354-430) has influenced virtually every philosopher of the last fifteen hundred years. But his personal character and ministry are even more remarkable, for in a time when most monastery dwellers sought solitude, Augustine was always in the company of friends, visiting disciples and writing mentoring letters to those he knew.

Augustine as Mentor is written for modern day pastors and spiritual leaders who want to mentor and equip other evangelical Christians based on proven principles in matters of the heart like integrity, humility, faithfulness, personal holiness, spiritual hunger, and service to others.

Author Ed Smither explains, “Augustine has something to offer modern ministers pursuing authenticity and longing to ‘preach what they practice.’ Through his thought, practice, success, and even failures, my hope is that today’s mentors will find hope, inspiration, and practical suggestions for how to mentor an emerging generation of spiritual leaders.”

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Edward L. Smither is assistant professor of Church History and Intercultural Studies at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg, Virginia. He previously taught in North Africa and France and holds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from the University of Wales-Lampeter. Smither and his wife have three children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: B&H Academic (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805447075
• ISBN-13: 978-0805447071
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Edward Smither is Associate Professor of Global Studies and Church History at Liberty University. He earned PhD degrees in Historical Theology (University of Wales-Trinity Saint David) and Intercultural Studies (University of Pretoria). Smither and his wife Shawn have three young children and together they enjoy hiking, exploring the beaches and lighthouses of the North Carolina Outer Banks, and suffering as Redskins fans.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Informative, great foundation, makes you want to know more, October 15, 2009

By 

M. West ""bookworm"" (Japan) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders (Paperback)

I purchased this book for a Graduate writing assignment. However, it is now a treasured part of my personal library. The author presents Augustine in a way that makes you want to know more about him, as a leader, as a Christian, as a friend, and as a perpetual knowledge-seeker.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Enigma of Augustine, April 27, 2010

By 

M. Olmstead (St. Paul, MN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders (Paperback)

Great book for leaders or anyone interested in Christian maturity.

The man known to many as Saint Augustine represents one of the great puzzles of history. Why did this one-time man of the world forsake everything to become a monk? Even the casual student of history knows that he had a spiritual conversion and that he was a great scholar whose writings endure. But these things do little to explain his humble return to Africa, his decision to start a monastery, or the longevity and effectiveness of his ministry. Dr. Smither points--as an explanation of this enigma--to Augustine's desire to impact the lives of others while garnering for himself a sort of incubator of Christian maturity. His church leadership, cultural and historical impact, and his great contribution to theology can be better understood when we view Augustine as Mentor.

4.0 out of 5 stars Important subject, good but long book, November 27, 2011

By 

Dean Moore (highlandville, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Augustine as Mentor: A Model for Preparing Spiritual Leaders (Paperback)

I purchased this book as a part of a graduate course, and found it to be very well documented, and worthwhile. Often remembered for his thoughts and writings, Augustine of Hippo has influenced virtually every theologian and philosopher of the last fifteen hundred years. But his ministry methods stand out in a time when many were seeking solitude, Augustine was always in the company of people, his friends, other clergy, he was often visiting disciples and writing mentoring letters to those he knew. This book brings that out for us to use today.
Dr. Smither does put in quite a bit of useful detail, that will be useful if you are putting together a mentoring group, or just looking for some examples. But there are a lot of examples, so its not a quick read.
If there is a downside, the epilogue is very short. In my opinion this could have been a chapter unto itself. Genuine mentoring in the church is greatly needed today, so this is a great resource.