The Relational Pastor: Sharing in Christ by Sharing Ourselves

by Andrew Root

One of the Academy of Parish Clergy's "Top 10 Books for Parish Ministry" When is the last time you asked yourself hard questions about why you were pursuing certain relationships in your ministry? Could it be that the end game for many of us is not relationship per se but loyalty, adherence, even submission? The sheep in our flock become the means to our end: pastoring becomes less about the people of God and more about maintenance of the status quo―and, if we are willing to recognize it, the elevation of our pastoral status. Here practical theologian Andy Root dissects relational ministry as we have come to understand it and searches for the seed of a more wholesome, more pastoral understanding of the relationships for which God has prepared the church: the place where, when two or more are gathered in his name, Christ is present.

Genres: Christianity, Leadership, Theology, Church, Christian, Faith, Prayer

255 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2012

About the author

Andrew Root joined Luther Seminary in 2005 as assistant professor of youth and family ministry. Previously he was an adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington D.C., and Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, N.J.

Root received his bachelor of arts degree from Bethel College, St. Paul, Minn., in 1997. He earned his master of divinity (2000) and his master of theology (2001) degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif. He completed his doctoral degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2005.

Root's ministry experience includes being a gang prevention counselor in Los Angeles, youth outreach directed in a congregation, staff member of Young Life, and a confirmation teacher. He has also been a research fellow for Princeton Theological Seminary's Faith Practices Project.

Root has published articles in the Journal of Youth and Theology, The International Journal of Practical Theology, and Word and World.

He is a member of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry and the International Bonhoeffer Society.

Reviews

[Trevor Limberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I underlined way too much in this book (especially considering it was a copy from my college's library - oops)! Root continues his radically moving, crucial approach of the theological turn in ministry; expanding specifically in his thoughts on vulnerability and relationships are absolutely crucial as a pastor. Having studied under one of Root's PhD students, I felt a special connection to this book as I read through the whole thing in a day and used much of it in my senior thesis on the importance of empathetic relationships.

[Rose Schrott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the readability of this book is 3 stars — Root tends to be a bit repetitive and I found the structure of his argument to be a little disjointed. However, I give this book 4 stars because the idea Root is communicating is new and desperately needed. In this book he explores how ministers (he writes for clergy but the concept is for all) can focus on being with the person in a pervasive culture of individualism. While I may not re-read the book anytime soon, I do think that I will return to Root’s ideas when it comes to rethinking church and defending that thought.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should have finished this book many years ago, when I first started it, in 2015. It can be difficult at some places (due to the way Root uses terms like ‘person’, which makes sense but is sometimes hard to communicate with people who haven’t read his work). But distinguishing between persons and individuals in ministry is helpful because of the definition of persons as in relationship. In this era Root asserts that the job of the pastor is to attend to relationships, and to genuine sharing between persons.

[Ryan Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had been on my read list for a long time. As an “older” Root book, I think his newer works resonate a little more with me. A lot of his thoughts here are embedded into those, so it probably gave me a skewed perspective on it. Regardless, a great resource for pastors.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was all good content and I really like Andrew Root and his theology, but the book got a little long for me. I had already read Revisting Relational Youth Ministry which I enjoyed more.

[Dean Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Speed read as I have to return it to its owner. Some very helpful thoughts and some challenging ideas on what ‘incarnational ministry’ really is.

[Kevin Casto · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book that expanded my understanding in my studies for becoming a pastor.

[Sean Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

Root is at least a thousand times smarter than the average person. He is clearly well-read, articulate, and intelligent. At parts, it seems that Root may stumble over his own intelligence in this book.

His thesis is clear enough and captured well in the subtitle: "sharing in Christ by sharing ourselves". He sticks with the agenda and is frequently borderline redundant in his efforts to summarize.

When I say that Root may "stumble" over his intelligence here's what I mean: The language in this book seems primarily philosophical rather than biblical. I feel that Root draws more from neuroscience, history, and philosophy than from Scripture. While appreciate what these fields add to the conversation, the biblical engagement on this topic seemed a little half baked.

I recommended the book to someone when I was about halfway through. I now feel slightly embarrassed and may go back and say, "Yeah, just read the first half..."

[David Cowpar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful book.

It talks about how a pastor has to think of their congregation not as individuals, fuelled by their desires in this individualistic world in which we live, but as people. People who are their relationships.

The argument goes that God did not make us to be individuals but people who are our relationships and this is most perfectly seen in the hypostatic union- Jesus as completely God but also completely man. He is the point of contact between humanity and God.

The book ends with a chapter of some practical examples of how this Lutheran-Presbyterian congregation have implemented seeing the congregation as people who are their relationships and not as individuals.

Well worth a read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wrote a rather lengthy review on my blog. Here I will just say that I've added this to my essential bibliography for pastoral ministry. Root really focuses in on the importance of personhood, relationships and the hypostatic union (are you intrigued yet?). Read my whole review at: http://thoughtsprayersandsongs.com/20...

[Ben Gresik · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most inspiring parts of this book were the first and last quarters. The examples and stories told illustrate the author's point much more clearly than his language in the middle. That being said, the theology included is helpful if give sufficient time for reflection. I'd recommend to other pastors or seminary students with the encouragement to avoid stopping in the middle.

[Eric Clapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of overlap from Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry, but I appreciated the connections made to pastoral ministry as well. It definitely added more depth to my understanding of the pastoral role.

[Joel Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text leaves me thinking about the form that ministry should take. We certainly should be more concerned with sharing ourselves than seeking relationships just to grow the kingdom. I am pondering much right now.

[Aaron de neui · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dissapointing. Thought it would be more practical. Seemed like many more lofty words and theological concepts that were necessary.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great principles! Pastor must move from influencing individuals to caring for the persons. I like the concept of personalism. The author does get a bit repetitive in my reading.

[Chris Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good, but most of the concepts I had already read in Revisiting Relational Youth Ministry. Overall a good, and I think necessary thought provoking read for people in ministry.

[Mmetevelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective. Has profound things to say about the burn out factor in clergy. Presents wonderful images, but could use more practical applications.

[Jamie Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book was not at all what I intended based upon the title and the description it was still an interesting read and I did gain some value from it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected - I would invite anyone to enter into its pages setting aside expectations and leave being filled