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The Augustinian Pastor: Deep Wisdom for Modern Ministry
Can embracing Augustine as a role model and mentor transform pastoral life and ministry? In this book, Joseph Sherrard invites readers to encounter Augustine anew--not merely as a theologian or philosopher but as a pastor and mentor.
After more than a decade of ministry, Sherrard encountered Augustine afresh; he found that Augustine's writings and sermons came alive when he heard them in the voice of a fellow pastor shepherding his flock. Sherrard discovered a mentor who had walked the road before Augustine understood the complexities of ministry, navigating the challenges of his own complicated times while guiding his people through church conflict and forming them for the ordinary work of love.
Sherrard weaves together the story of Augustine's life and his various writings to offer pastors a deep well of wisdom for their ministry today. He considers who the pastor is and how that informs the various things the pastor does. The book explores topics such as pastoral friendship, a rule of life, pride and humility, preaching, discipleship, and the church community. Each chapter ends with a section on how readers might implement Augustinian principles, providing concrete suggestions for specific ministry practices.
With a foreword by Esau McCaulley, this book offers timeless wisdom, insight, and encouragement for the work of pastoral ministry.
After more than a decade of ministry, Sherrard encountered Augustine afresh; he found that Augustine's writings and sermons came alive when he heard them in the voice of a fellow pastor shepherding his flock. Sherrard discovered a mentor who had walked the road before Augustine understood the complexities of ministry, navigating the challenges of his own complicated times while guiding his people through church conflict and forming them for the ordinary work of love.
Sherrard weaves together the story of Augustine's life and his various writings to offer pastors a deep well of wisdom for their ministry today. He considers who the pastor is and how that informs the various things the pastor does. The book explores topics such as pastoral friendship, a rule of life, pride and humility, preaching, discipleship, and the church community. Each chapter ends with a section on how readers might implement Augustinian principles, providing concrete suggestions for specific ministry practices.
With a foreword by Esau McCaulley, this book offers timeless wisdom, insight, and encouragement for the work of pastoral ministry.
240 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 24, 2026
Rich meditation on Augustine’s pastoral theology, written with verve and poignancy from a fellow undershepherd of Christ’s flock.
August 19, 2026
Good exposure to the pastoral side of Augustine's writings by a specialist in the field. Sherrard also brings a pastor's heart to the study and is constantly asking what the lessons for modern ministry are and how to apply Augustine's insights. It's not universally interesting, but he does a good job not getting bogged down in technical matters. Sherrard writes as one pilgrim guiding other pilgrims along the way, and as such the book is highly encouraging. Worth returning to again.
July 22, 2026
Well done!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews