The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction (Paperback)

~ (Author) "A HEALTHY noun doesn't need adjectives..." (more)
Key Phrases: apocalyptic pastor, willed passivity, pastoral vocation, Jesus Christ, Tinker Creek, Annie Dillard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 179 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802801145
• ISBN-13: 978-0802801142
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #26,125 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #6 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Theology > Pastoral Theology
  #10 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Ministry & Church Leadership > Pastoral Counseling
  #21 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Ministry & Church Leadership > Church Administration

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for the Busy Pastor who Shouldn't Be, September 24, 2003

By	Brian G Hedges (South Bend, Indiana) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

The Contemplative Pastor - the first book I have read by Eugene Peterson - is a helpful study not in sermon preparation or church growth strategies or qualifications for eldership (the kind of stuff I usually read), but on the pastor's heart and the pastoral art.

Peterson describes the term "pastor" with three unusual adjectives: un-busy, subversive, and apocalyptic (a chapter is devoted to each term), and then charts a course for shepherding people in the mundane.

Peterson's poetry is sprinkled through the book, concluding with numerous poems at the end. Unfortunately, his poetry is not all that good. To me, it just seemed like the throwing together of pretty words without much rhyme or reason.

But there are some jewels to be mined here - especially Peterson's job description for the un-busy pastor who devotes his time to prayer, bringing messages from God, and listening to his people, his meditation on "the middle voice" in relation to prayer, and his chapter "The Ministry of Small Talk."

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A refreshing walk with a fellow pastor, January 4, 1999

By A Customer

Eugene Petersons reflections on the struggle of Christian ministry touched cords in my heart. The pain, the joy, the doubts and fears are explored as if we were talking with a fellow worker in the vineyard.

I wish I had read this book before entering ministry. Some of the dark times would not a felt so dark knowing that another had asked the same questions.

Practical, interesting and a refreshing book to read.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be Required Reading By All Student Preachers!, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

If you are a pastor, thinking of going in to the ministry, seminary student etc. BUY THIS BOOK! Peterson's insights are just exactly what I needed someone to tell me 15 years ago when I entered the ministry. This is part of three or four books Peterson has written for pastors and if they have only half of the depth of this one they are all super. Peterson's books to pastors all have cumbersome titles but buy 'em, they're great. Worthy reading! The others are: 'Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work' 'Under the Unpredictable Plant' 'Working the Angles' Check this great pastor's pastor out. You will not be disappointed!