Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls

Recovering the Wisdom of Early Christian Figures to Effectively Shepherd Modern Churches

In addition to the regular demands of preaching and shepherding, modern pastors feel undue pressure to entertain congregants and increase attendance numbers. Often, churches resort to the latest business models to keep pace. But true, life-giving guidance lies in Scripture and the wisdom of those having come before us.

Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls helps pastors to embrace a classic, biblical vision of ministry through the study of selected pastoral virtues and early church figures. Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory the Great both referred to ministry as “the care of souls.” Calling for a “return to the sources,” professors Coleman M. Ford and Shawn J. Wilhite ponder what a scriptural vision of ministry is, how patristic voices help inform this vision, and how pastors today can cultivate this pastoral vision in their churches. Each chapter examines an important pastoral topic―such as humility, the sacraments, and contemplative theology―and brings it to life through a constructive model and profiles of early church fathers. Encouraged by the patristic wisdom of Irenaeus, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, and more, readers learn a simple and slower model for pastoring that they can emulate as they care for their communities. A slower pace of life may, in fact, help pastors cultivate the soil of souls more richly and, as a result, return to ministry as “the care of souls.”

Applicable: Enriches the spiritual and ministerial practices of modern pastors through ancient church wisdom, pastoral reflections, and examples from Scripture Theological and Historical: Features detailed profiles of church fathers, including Ambrose of Milan, Augustine, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, and others Written for Students and Pastors: Ideal for college-level courses, as well as new or seasoned ministers

1. Opening Credits
2. Foreword by Ray Ortlund, Renewal Ministries
3. Introduction: The Contemporary Pastor and the Classical Tradition
4. Part 1: The Virtues and Spiritual Life of a Pastor | Chapter 1: The Humble Pastor and Basil of Caesarea
5. Chapter 2: The Spiritual Pastor and Gregory of Nyssa
6. Chapter 3: The Sacramental Pastor and Ambrose of Milan
7. Chapter 4: The Skilled Pastor and Origen of Alexandria
8. Part 2: The Theological Vision of a Pastor | Chapter 5: The Biblical Pastor and Irenaeus of Lyons
9. Chapter 6: The Christ-Centered Pastor and Athanasius of Alexandria
10. Chapter 7: The Theological Pastor and Augustine of Hippo
11. Chapter 8: The Trinitarian Pastor and Gregory of Nazianzus
12. Part 3: The Ministry of a Pastor | Chapter 9: The Contemplative Pastor and Gregory the Great
13. Chapter 10: The Preaching Pastor and John Chrysostom
14. Conclusion: Theology and Ministry for the Future
15. Closing Credits