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The Pastor as Minor Poet: Texts and Subtexts in the Ministerial Life
"Today's pastors -- often expected to be multi-tasking marvels who can make their churches "successful" -- are understandably confused about their role. Craig Barnes contends that the true calling of a pastor is to help others become fully alive in Christ, to be what he calls a "minor poet," or a poet of the soul. As such, pastors are to read the m...more
Paperback, 138 pages
Published
December 1st 2008
by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
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Having read this book, I have now started to regard my own “reverend mister,” and all pastors, differently. I judge them differently, too: not on the basis of how “successful” they are — how well they run a meeting, make me chuckle during a sermon, model a pious life, or offer sincere smiles to each visitor at the church door after the service — but by how well they are able to awaken in me a deeper awareness both of God’s everlasting truth and of the spiritual subtexts buried (sometimes quite d...more
This is a must read for the seminarian, and then a must read again no more than 5 years later.
The two sections of the book revolve around the call and craft of the Minor Poet - namely, the parish pastor. Although admittedly at times M. Craig Barnes hold the bar rather high, he also makes it clear that it is a job never perfectly done and the goal of Minor Poet is more a journey than a destination.
I found this book both challenging and comforting as the reflections on his...more
The two sections of the book revolve around the call and craft of the Minor Poet - namely, the parish pastor. Although admittedly at times M. Craig Barnes hold the bar rather high, he also makes it clear that it is a job never perfectly done and the goal of Minor Poet is more a journey than a destination.
I found this book both challenging and comforting as the reflections on his...more
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This book was surprisingly good. You have to get past a few things -- like the fact that Walter Brueggemann liked it, or the occasional mainline denominational angst that peeps out here and there. It is that kind of thing that makes Brueggemann such a trial to read, but then, Brueggemann is a severe case. And because Barnes is a mainliner you have to work your way around the periodic pastoral "he or she" stuff. But set all that aside . . . "Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. ...more
The author approached pastoral ministry and theology through a new lens that I had not considered beforehand. I was nervous when he compared pastors to poets because I don't consider myself a poet by any stretch of the imagination but he pleasantly surprised me. The premise is that pastors are called to be poets who focus on the poetry of grace that flows through life and life this up for those who we shepherd. It was a fascinating read that I couldn't put down. It encouraged me and challeng...more
Very thought provoking, encouraging, convicting, reassuring, ... the adjectives could go on and on. I am forever learning how to come alongside what God is doing in the lives of those around me (and without doubt within me).
I struggled with a few aspects of this book. Barnes perspective is certainly mainline. His constant references to committees and Sunday school made me feel disconnected from him as a pastor, but I found some of his insights to be priceless. The middle lagged, but the final three chapters were worth the book. In all I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to other pastors.
This book is excellent. I’m reading through it with a friend, but I went ahead and read the whole thing. Barnes’ take on the pastoral ministry-- and how we might approach it-- is extremely helpful.
Pam
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A different way of looking at ministry. A way that spoke to me. It is very honest about the joys and frustrations of living a pastoral call.
Insightful treatment of postmodern pastoral theology. A fresh fruitful exploration of the poet metaphor as it is applied to the parish pastor.
Barnes's realistic vignettes describe well the demands of parish ministry; the book would provide a good basis for reflection and discussion with "inquirers" and "candidates" under care. If you dive into it, you may feel it's one part devotional journal, one part pastoral care primer, and one part homiletics textbook. The pieces are tied together with the image of pastor as "minor poet," among and for the people of a particular congregation.
A rather whiny start almost robbed me of the helpful insights this book has to offer. If you start this and get annoyed, stick with it.
can i give it six stars? read this if you are in ministry of ANY kind, pastoral or not.
Really great...other than the he/she nonsense, as though it were legitimate for women to be pastors.
If only more pastors were also minor poets the transformation of the gospel would penetrate far beyond conversion, reaching the mundane of everyday, our superficial existences could be put aside as the spiritual state of our hearts is exposed, and we would constantly be trained to "put on Christ" as we are glorified and perfect in his name. Preachers and pastors should read this book.
A refreshing overview of the role of pastor. Beautifully written and easy to understand, it is also thought provoking. This book will live with me for quite some time. The analogy of pastor as poet in ministry is fitting in so many ways. I'm looking forward to discussing this book with colleagues.
Craig's a great writer. I enjoyed the final chapter the most as it dealt with writing sermons. I agreed with almost all he said. I'd love to hear him preach! A must read for pastors.
My adult Sunday School class read this together, and I think it is an excellent book for a pastor and congregation to work through together.
I loved this book. If I ever get to teach a preaching or theology of ministry course, this would be one of the primary textbooks.
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