Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity [Paperback]

Eugene H. Peterson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1987

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 137 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co (May 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802802656
• ISBN-13: 978-0802802651
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Peterson, now retired, was for many years James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. In addition to his widely acclaimed paraphrase of the Bible, The Message (NavPress), he has written many other books.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It will rock pastors out of thier ecclesiasical comfort zone, June 18, 1998

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[e-mail] (Ames, Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity (Paperback)

Peterson effectively cuts to the heart of pastors who too easily fall into clerical complcency. He focuses on the areas of prayer, scripture, and spiritual direction. He compels us to think of who we are, far more that what we do. It is convicting and motivating. Well written and timely.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of the Matter, September 26, 2001

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Betty Mulloy (Waukesha, WI USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity (Paperback)

The power, longevity and effectiveness of a church lies in large part on the leadership of its pastor(s). It shouldn't be about his or her administrative skills or ability to jump at every whim a member of the congregation brings forward. It should be about the spiritual life and leadership of the pastor. This isn't about perfection. It's about relationship with God. As a lay person who is active in the local church and works in a ministry to pastors, my heart delights in a pastor who puts God first and everything else in its proper place. You see, when the pastor's hunger for God is alive and well and being fed I can see it, and I have a role model to follow. When the pastor's life demonstrates the results of intimacy with Christ, I am motivated and encouraged.

As a lay person, I was brought up short because for too long I have measured my pastors by the to do list he accomplishes and the teaching she does. I have not always allowed them the space to do the most important things - being the guardian and teacher of the word and sacrament, abiding in Christ through prayer, and being the spiritual director I need rather than the quick answer to a problem I bring forward. I stand corrected.

My hope is that this book crosses the desk of every pastor in America, to renew his or her call to ministry, to give permission and encouragement in keeping the promises of ordination and installation. It will radically change the pastorate and the Church it ministers to.

Well done, Pastor Peterson. Thank you for your honesty, your leadership, and your willingness to be real and tell it like it is.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hits the Nail on the Head for Pastors of Integrity, January 26, 2001

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rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity (Paperback)

This is a marvelous writer who has walked the talk of a pastor of integrity. I remember reading his "Five Smooth Stones" in sem and marveling over the wisdom this man wordsmiths so succinctly for the rest of us to consume and feed on.

So it continues with this account of what angles really a pastor is about: prayer, the Word and spritual direction. Acts 6:4 certainly prescribes to Peterson's analysis as well.

This is a direct challenge to the CEO mentality in the church today. Marketing the church has taken over in too many places. The necessary corrective is offered here. As he poignantly writes: "This isn't the only task in the life of faith, but it is your task. We will find someone else to do the other important and essential tasks. This is yours: word and sacrament." Amen.