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Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word: A Model of Faith and Thought
Jonathan Edwards has been recognized as the most influential evangelical theologian of all time. Before his death at the age of fifty-four, he had sparked a new movement of Reformed evangelicals who played a major role in fueling the rise of modern missions, preaching revivals far and wide, and wielding the cutting edge of American theology. He has never gone out of print, and Christians today continue to flock to seminars and conferences on him. In this biography of the great preacher and teacher, historian Douglas Sweeney locates for us the core and key to Edwards' enduring impact. Sweeney finds that Edwards' profound and meticulous study of the Bible securely anchored his powerful preaching, his lively theological passions and his discerning pastoral work. Beyond introducing you to Edwards' life and times, this book will provide you with a model of Christian faith, thought and ministry.
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2009
About the author
Douglas A. Sweeney
29 books5 followersDouglas A. Sweeney is professor of church history and the history of Christian thought and chair of the department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He is the author of The American Evangelical Story.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 13, 2014
A good, short biography of Jonathan Edwards. For in-depth analysis, read George Marsden. For a basic introduction, this would be a good place to start.
May 8, 2020
This book is great for people trying to get a start on the immense ministry of Mr. Edwards. I had the pleasure of meeting the author of this book this semester. Dr. Sweeney has done extensive work on Edwardsian studies through Yale. This is the type of book that primes the pump to peak the interest of those who want to do more studying of Edwards writings and ministry. I had to read this book along with all of Edwards major writings for a seminar class on the man himself. Jonathan Edwards thoughts have continued to impact the kingdom of God for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you are interested in learning about America’s greatest thinker, then I suggest you start with this book.
October 18, 2018
Just read marsdens biography of Edwards, it’s written better and provides a more nuanced viewing Edwards spiritual life. Like Murray’s bio Sweeney falls prey to idolizing him.
November 14, 2022
Good intro biography. Bit light on his theology sadly
January 5, 2026
A fantastic introduction to Edwards from a world-renowned scholar, but written for a first encounter with this giant of the faith.
March 28, 2026
An inspiring read for all those who desire to be pastor theologians. A wonderful book.
January 21, 2012
Having never read a biography of Edwards, Jonathan Edwards and the Ministry of the Word seems to have been a good place to start. I had high hopes for this book--mostly from my anticipated love of all things Jonathan Edwards. And Sweeney did not disappoint. He brings together two seemingly important parts: what actually happened and why it mattered. He puts Edwards' story not only where it belongs in history, but also in terms of the theology that would have been prevalent and why Edwards was different. Sweeney sums his purpose in the preface:
The book is ordered not only as it happened, but also thematically--with two chapters devoted to "the things that mattered most to Edwards himself" (study of Scripture and theological passions). (18)
Sweeney sets the stage with an introduction to the early-to-mid 1700s, and starts with chapters on Edwards' early life and call to ministry. "Ministers were supposed to be the smartest people in town, local sources of practical wisdom on the events and cultural trends beyond New England's narrow borders." (39) And it seems Edwards was no exception. Edwards' conversion at an early age, his "Resolutions" on holy living, and study at Yale prepared him for his ministry (even if he sometimes wished he could regain the zeal from his conversion).
Edwards was a preacher--he took over for his grandfather--with a focus on the Word. Services at the time were centered around a the Scriptures, including a one- to two-hour exegetical sermon. He was able to devote so much time to his study and sermons because his wife (Sarah) and slaves (a black eye, as Sweeney admits) cared for his house and 11 children. As a preacher, Edwards sought to have, as Sweeney described it, "a love affair with Scripture." (84) All people, he said, should devote themselves as much to studying the Scriptures as they do digging in mines of gold. (85) "Edwards' God was real and powerful." (105) That was evident in all that he did and preached.
And his sermons demonstrated that power, as they were focused on the gospel message and the God behind that message. Hellfire and brimstone were not exempt from those messages--and neither was Edwards' understanding of the end times--but the messages were focused not on despair but on hope in the God that saves.
And that God was powerful not only on paper, but in Spirit as well. Though singing hymnody was not a traditional part of the Puritans' corporate services, Edwards discovered the revitalizing power of hymn singing in his congregation's Sunday fellowship nights, and soon embraced them as (an occasional) part of the congregational worship. Further, in all that he did, the Holy Spirit proved extremely important to Edwards--perhaps, as Sweeney says, the defining feature of his ministry. (117) That power was evident in the Great Awakening that engulfed Edwards' congregation (and region) with the preaching of George Whitfield.
Sweeney leaves the narrative of Edwards' life briefly to outline Edwards' theology and several dual beliefs (where Edwards held seemingly contradictory beliefs in balance), such as God's sovereignty and man's choice in salvation. I found this chapter extremely helpful, as it provides the basis for the second purpose of the book, describing the importance of Edwards' theology.
Edwards was eventually ejected from his church, a big deal for preachers at that time--especially one with a higher salary than any other pastor in western New England. (139) Several issues were involved, but Sweeney highlights the "Bad Book Controversy" and Edwards' changing the church's policy on membership and sacraments.
Sweeney next focuses on Edwards' stance on (and inspiration for) missions--an Indian Mission is where Edwards went after Northampton. His Life of David Brainerd, written not long before being fired in Northamton, was a "blockbuster" (173) for that purpose.
Finally, Edwards ended his service on earth as president of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton) after being inoculated for smallpox.
Though much more could be written on the life of Jonathan Edwards--and more has been written, much of it by Sweeney--this 200 page primer on the life of Edwards is a fantastic starting reference for someone trying to figure out (or remember) who Jonathan Edwards was and why he mattered.
[F]ew have written books on Edwards aimed at fellow Christians, people looking for a state-of-the-art discussion of his life in order to use him as a model of Christian faith, thought and ministry.
This is such a book. I have written it with Christians at the forefront of my mind: pastors, students and everyone else who wants a brief, accessible book, full of essential information and explicitly Christian comment on the most important founder of the evangelical movement. (17)
The book is ordered not only as it happened, but also thematically--with two chapters devoted to "the things that mattered most to Edwards himself" (study of Scripture and theological passions). (18)
Sweeney sets the stage with an introduction to the early-to-mid 1700s, and starts with chapters on Edwards' early life and call to ministry. "Ministers were supposed to be the smartest people in town, local sources of practical wisdom on the events and cultural trends beyond New England's narrow borders." (39) And it seems Edwards was no exception. Edwards' conversion at an early age, his "Resolutions" on holy living, and study at Yale prepared him for his ministry (even if he sometimes wished he could regain the zeal from his conversion).
Edwards was a preacher--he took over for his grandfather--with a focus on the Word. Services at the time were centered around a the Scriptures, including a one- to two-hour exegetical sermon. He was able to devote so much time to his study and sermons because his wife (Sarah) and slaves (a black eye, as Sweeney admits) cared for his house and 11 children. As a preacher, Edwards sought to have, as Sweeney described it, "a love affair with Scripture." (84) All people, he said, should devote themselves as much to studying the Scriptures as they do digging in mines of gold. (85) "Edwards' God was real and powerful." (105) That was evident in all that he did and preached.
And his sermons demonstrated that power, as they were focused on the gospel message and the God behind that message. Hellfire and brimstone were not exempt from those messages--and neither was Edwards' understanding of the end times--but the messages were focused not on despair but on hope in the God that saves.
And that God was powerful not only on paper, but in Spirit as well. Though singing hymnody was not a traditional part of the Puritans' corporate services, Edwards discovered the revitalizing power of hymn singing in his congregation's Sunday fellowship nights, and soon embraced them as (an occasional) part of the congregational worship. Further, in all that he did, the Holy Spirit proved extremely important to Edwards--perhaps, as Sweeney says, the defining feature of his ministry. (117) That power was evident in the Great Awakening that engulfed Edwards' congregation (and region) with the preaching of George Whitfield.
Sweeney leaves the narrative of Edwards' life briefly to outline Edwards' theology and several dual beliefs (where Edwards held seemingly contradictory beliefs in balance), such as God's sovereignty and man's choice in salvation. I found this chapter extremely helpful, as it provides the basis for the second purpose of the book, describing the importance of Edwards' theology.
Edwards was eventually ejected from his church, a big deal for preachers at that time--especially one with a higher salary than any other pastor in western New England. (139) Several issues were involved, but Sweeney highlights the "Bad Book Controversy" and Edwards' changing the church's policy on membership and sacraments.
Sweeney next focuses on Edwards' stance on (and inspiration for) missions--an Indian Mission is where Edwards went after Northampton. His Life of David Brainerd, written not long before being fired in Northamton, was a "blockbuster" (173) for that purpose.
Finally, Edwards ended his service on earth as president of the College of New Jersey (later Princeton) after being inoculated for smallpox.
Though much more could be written on the life of Jonathan Edwards--and more has been written, much of it by Sweeney--this 200 page primer on the life of Edwards is a fantastic starting reference for someone trying to figure out (or remember) who Jonathan Edwards was and why he mattered.
February 14, 2012
Jonathan Edwards is long known as the greatest theologian America has ever produced. This book doubles as a brief biography of Edwards and a case for the centrality of the word of God.
Thesis: This book on Jonathan Edwards shall be used to engage the attention of Christians, advancing the ministry of the Word around the world.
Sweeney has written this book for pastors and lay people—it is not at all difficult to understand. If you want to know more about Jonathan Edwards, but are intimidated by the several-hundred page biographies about him, this is a decent place to start. He offers a look at Edwards from birth to death, and highlights the significant events of his life. He describes some of the minute details that were characteristic of Edwards as well (e.g. taking a horse ride into the woods for some time of meditation). He deals truthfully with the sad fact that Edwards did own slaves. He shows the love he had for his wife, his children, and his congregation.
What’s more, Sweeney handles the subject of Jonathan Edwards interestingly—he takes a look at his life with the lens of the his focus on the Word of God. Sweeney describes how Edwards centered his life around Scripture—he read it, studied it, questioned it, meditated upon it, preached, loved it; anything which can be done as a Protestant Christian with the Word, Edwards did. This interesting perspective allows the reader to see how the word of God impacts every area of life and deserves our full attention. Sweeney does not simply pull and strain segments of Edwards’ life to portray this out of context, but keeps everything in perspective—a difficult, but much appreciated thing to do.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Edwards. Or to anyone who is interested in the place of Scripture in life.
But I certainly recommend this book to pastors. Be encouraged, learn from great men, and please, please, learn from the word of God.
Thesis: This book on Jonathan Edwards shall be used to engage the attention of Christians, advancing the ministry of the Word around the world.
Sweeney has written this book for pastors and lay people—it is not at all difficult to understand. If you want to know more about Jonathan Edwards, but are intimidated by the several-hundred page biographies about him, this is a decent place to start. He offers a look at Edwards from birth to death, and highlights the significant events of his life. He describes some of the minute details that were characteristic of Edwards as well (e.g. taking a horse ride into the woods for some time of meditation). He deals truthfully with the sad fact that Edwards did own slaves. He shows the love he had for his wife, his children, and his congregation.
What’s more, Sweeney handles the subject of Jonathan Edwards interestingly—he takes a look at his life with the lens of the his focus on the Word of God. Sweeney describes how Edwards centered his life around Scripture—he read it, studied it, questioned it, meditated upon it, preached, loved it; anything which can be done as a Protestant Christian with the Word, Edwards did. This interesting perspective allows the reader to see how the word of God impacts every area of life and deserves our full attention. Sweeney does not simply pull and strain segments of Edwards’ life to portray this out of context, but keeps everything in perspective—a difficult, but much appreciated thing to do.
I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Edwards. Or to anyone who is interested in the place of Scripture in life.
But I certainly recommend this book to pastors. Be encouraged, learn from great men, and please, please, learn from the word of God.
April 18, 2016
Pastoral Biographical Reflection on Edwards' Life & Ministry of the Word
A biography of Edwards "aimed at fellow Christians, people looking for a state-of-the-art discussion of his life in order to use him as a model of Christian faith, thought, and ministry" especially is it concerns Edwards ministry of the word and the lessons that we can learn in order to advance the power of God's Word in our contemporary world" (17).
This book aims to help the reader better understand not only Edwards himself, but also the world and culture in which he lived, and in this is succeeds! Dr. Sweeney writes with an especially pastoral and frequently poetic tone. My favorite part of the book is the seven theses at the end of the book, written by a scholar who has spent the bulk of his professional career reflecting upon the life of Edwards and the legacy that he leaves to those of us who are willing to learn from it today.
I also appreciated how Sweeney combined key aspects of Edwards theology, joys sorrows, and reflections upon Edwards throughout the book, placing the discussion of them at key points within the biography, rather than splitting the book into several parts. The result is a well-rounded biographical tour of his life thought, giving the reader a variety of biography, theology, and legacy, and allowing the reader to see how Edwards thinking developed throughout his life.
This book is very well written, and I give it four stars not for its content, but only because of my personal subject interests.
A biography of Edwards "aimed at fellow Christians, people looking for a state-of-the-art discussion of his life in order to use him as a model of Christian faith, thought, and ministry" especially is it concerns Edwards ministry of the word and the lessons that we can learn in order to advance the power of God's Word in our contemporary world" (17).
This book aims to help the reader better understand not only Edwards himself, but also the world and culture in which he lived, and in this is succeeds! Dr. Sweeney writes with an especially pastoral and frequently poetic tone. My favorite part of the book is the seven theses at the end of the book, written by a scholar who has spent the bulk of his professional career reflecting upon the life of Edwards and the legacy that he leaves to those of us who are willing to learn from it today.
I also appreciated how Sweeney combined key aspects of Edwards theology, joys sorrows, and reflections upon Edwards throughout the book, placing the discussion of them at key points within the biography, rather than splitting the book into several parts. The result is a well-rounded biographical tour of his life thought, giving the reader a variety of biography, theology, and legacy, and allowing the reader to see how Edwards thinking developed throughout his life.
This book is very well written, and I give it four stars not for its content, but only because of my personal subject interests.
August 6, 2012
Fast, engaging, and extremely edifying.
This book offered a concise summary of Edwards' life, times, and theology and followed with a handful of considerations (lessons) for the church today, for example:
... the importance of working to help people gain a vivid sense, an urgent impression, of God’s activity in our world.
... true religion is primarily a matter of holy affections.
... keeping an eschatological perspective on our lives.
... theology can and should be done primarily in the church, by pastors, for the sake of the people of God.
... even the strongest Christians need support from others.
... the necessity of remaining in God’s Word.
This book offered a concise summary of Edwards' life, times, and theology and followed with a handful of considerations (lessons) for the church today, for example:
... the importance of working to help people gain a vivid sense, an urgent impression, of God’s activity in our world.
... true religion is primarily a matter of holy affections.
... keeping an eschatological perspective on our lives.
... theology can and should be done primarily in the church, by pastors, for the sake of the people of God.
... even the strongest Christians need support from others.
... the necessity of remaining in God’s Word.
February 3, 2014
This was a thoughtful biography of a man I knew too little about. I appreciated how much of Edwards own words were embedded in the text. That allowed me to see a bit of Edwards heart and mind through his own words. Edwards wrote so much, it can be a bit challenging to know where to start reading; this book laid a nice groundwork for me and gave me some ideas about where to go next.
Edwards challenges me to live with an eternal focus. I especially love how much pleasure he took in communion with God. He loved the Lord with his mind, certainly, but he loved the Lord with his heart, too. I desire for my deepest pleasures to be found when I seek satisfaction in Him.
Edwards challenges me to live with an eternal focus. I especially love how much pleasure he took in communion with God. He loved the Lord with his mind, certainly, but he loved the Lord with his heart, too. I desire for my deepest pleasures to be found when I seek satisfaction in Him.
November 5, 2009
WOW!! Great book! Wonderful insight into who Edwards was. Great quotes all through.
"Oftentimes in reading it, every word seemed to touch my heart. I felt an harmony between something in my heart, and those sweet and powerful words. I seemed often to see so much light, exhibited by every sentence, and such a refreshing ravishing food communicated, that I could not get along in reading. Used oftentimes to dwell long on one sentence, to wee the wonders contained in it; and yet almost every sentence seemed to be full of wonders."
You must read this!!
WadeC
"Oftentimes in reading it, every word seemed to touch my heart. I felt an harmony between something in my heart, and those sweet and powerful words. I seemed often to see so much light, exhibited by every sentence, and such a refreshing ravishing food communicated, that I could not get along in reading. Used oftentimes to dwell long on one sentence, to wee the wonders contained in it; and yet almost every sentence seemed to be full of wonders."
You must read this!!
WadeC
March 6, 2012
This was a fascinating book on Jonathan Edwards. I didn't know much about him before this other than his sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. Really learned a lot about him and want to learn more and read some of his sermons and works. The author ended the book with 7 theses for discussion to reflect on what we can learn from his life.
One sentence really struck me: He loved the Lord with his mind. As more of a thinker than a feeler, this was really interesting and convicting.
Would definitely recommend this book.
One sentence really struck me: He loved the Lord with his mind. As more of a thinker than a feeler, this was really interesting and convicting.
Would definitely recommend this book.
April 24, 2016
Good little book on Edwards. Written by a leading Edwards' scholar but at a popular level. Whilst it covers a lot of familiar ground it has two notable strengths. One, it is very good at setting Edwards' life in the context of colonial New England. Two, it is perhaps the best treatment of Edwards as a flesh and blood human being I have read. A good read for anyone interested in finding out more about Edwards' life. Substantial footnotes offer plenty of scope for further reading.
August 29, 2012
Terrific biography by Sweeney. Excellent starting point for those interested in learning about America's Greatest theologian. Well researched with plenty of footnotes and suggested resources for further in-depth study of any of the topics and themes covered. Highly recommended.
Currently Reading
July 11, 2009Biographical and fawning. So far, so good though, since I like the guy and the historical nature of his ministry.
January 2, 2013
This is my first book on Jonathan Edwards. It probably was a good pick, but I would have wated to read more biographical information.
October 29, 2014
Easily accessible writing style. A very human look at Edwards, Sweeney does a good job avoiding hagiography. This could function concise version of the magisterial Edwards biography done by Marsden.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews