Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry

by William H. Willimon

Ordained ministry, says Willimon, is a gift of God to the church--but that doesn't mean that it is easy. Always a difficult vocation, changes in society and the church in recent years have made the ordained life all the more complex and challenging. Is the pastor primarily a preacher, a professional caregiver, an administrator? Given the call of all Christians to be ministers to the world, what is the distinctive ministry of the ordained? When does one's ministry take on the character of prophet, and when does it become that of priest? What are the special ethical obligations and disciplines of the ordained? In this book, Willimon explores these and other central questions about the vocation of ordained ministry. He begins with a discussion of who pastors are, asking about the theological underpinnings of ordained ministry, and then moves on to what pastors do, looking at the distinctive roles the pastor must fulfill. The book also draws on great teachers of the Christian tradition to demonstrate that, while much about Christian ministry has changed, its core concerns--preaching the word, the care of souls, the sacramental life of congregations--remains the same. Ordained ministry is a vocation to which we are called, not a profession that we choose. To answer that call is to open oneself to heartache and sometimes hardship; yet, given the one who calls, it is to make oneself available to deep and profound joy as well.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Leadership, Nonfiction, Church, Christianity, Christian

392 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2002

About the author

The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he led the 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors in North Alabama. For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Eric Keel · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were definitely some nuggets in this book, but overall this book pushes the dangerous ideas of Karl Barth alongside the straddling of liberal theology. There are much better books on pastoring. Read them instead.

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong overview of the work of pastoral ministry, focusing on what pastors are for, what they do, and who they must be. The fingerprints of Ambrose, Augustine, and Luther, as well as Bonhoeffer and Hauerwas, are all over. Chapter 7, on how the pastor's role as counselor must demonstrate care that is Christian, was outstanding. Missing chapters, however, would address the pastor as shepherd, defending against wolves and false teaching, and the pastor as judge, outlining the minister's role in making ethical judgments especially in the context of judicial acts of ecclesiastical discipline.

A sample of the refreshingly brisk tone: "A person emerged from church a few Sundays ago, muttering, 'I know that you would not intentionally hurt anyone, but I was pained by what you said in your sermon.' I thought, Where would you have gotten the notion that I don't want to hurt you? I'm a preacher. Pain comes with the job!" From page 137.

[Zia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read because the other does have some really good points. I also think this is a book you can cherry-pick and not fully ready to be equally as benefited.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book!

Ministry implies I am “compelled” because it is God's idea not mine (1 Cor 9:6), and we learn to surrender, be submitted to the yoke He offers and allow Him to dictate our future as He wills (2 Cor 3:17; Acts 5:29).

But our sense of calling is confirmed by the church community (e.g. Acts 13:1-3). It is in context to community that we the corporate body of Christ witness to the world.

One must overcome the guilt of giving away work and realise that what is a burden for the pastor is a blessing for someone else.

Pastoral care has always been the ministry of all believers unto each other. However, the prevalent anti-clerical attitude of this postmodern era has devalued the calling and gifting of those men and women who have been given representative appointment. William Willimon asserts that pastoral care (as encompassing the wider role of pastoral ministry) is by nature “representative” since ministry is both an act of God and an act of the church, and thus representative of both.

Ambiguity and misunderstanding about the representative nature of pastoral care results in damage being done to the unique quality of the pastoral vocation when it is conflated with the mandate of all Christians to follow Jesus. Those who are called by God and the church to lead in ways defined by 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4:11-13 do so in order to empower all believers in their obedience to Christ.

Willimon claims that pastors live in the gap between this high and noble Trinity dimension, and the gritty earthly realm of fallen humanity. Closing that gap is the great challenge and privilege of pastoral ministry.

Willimon emphasises that simply to care for people is not the goal of pastoral ministry. Rather, to care in the manner of Christ is what distinguishes pastoral carers from therapists. The ministry of pastoral care is an act of God and is his idea before it is ours.

Pastoral care must be grounded in theology, not only for the benefit of the recipients, but also for the carers themselves. Willimon speaks from experience when he says, “Time and again, amid the challenges of the pastoral ministry, this divine, more-than-subjective authorisation is a major means of pastoral perseverance.”

Pastoral carers need to believe that they are in ministry because it is ultimately God's idea, rather than their own sense of occupational advancement.

Willimon, William H. Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

To my mind there are two major voices that shape pastoral ministry in the protestant tradition: William Willimon (author of this volume) and Eugene Peterson. Peterson is someone I have read a lot; I have read with appreciate Willimon articles and sermons (I did read both Resident Alien books that he co-authored with Stanley Hauerwas). This was a real treat, to delve into some of his pastoral literature.

This book explores the various dimensions and roles that pastor are to perform if they are to serve the church well and fulfill their calling. Willimon has lived in the literature and distills wisdom from various sources. This is going to be a major resource of pastoral theology that I shall keep returning back to.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A biblical and historical look at the role of the pastor in the Christian church. I really like this way of thinking about it, one that trusts that throughout the history of Christianity, God has been providing a way for the people of God to receive care, instruction, and grace through the ministry of pastors. Works through the different aspects of pastors' roles one by one. A GREAT read for any present or future pastor.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wesley, borrowing from German Pietists, created a movement based upon small groups—-face-to-face accountability groups where ordinary eighteenth-century English people met together, challenged one another, prayed for and forgave one another. Thus was created the Wesleyan revival in England.

Willimon, William H. (2009-02-01). Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry (p. 129). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.

A memorable quote (among many) from Willimon.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars, not because I agree with everything the author says, but because the book is masterfully written, well-researched, is backed by years of experience as well as scripture, systematic theology, church tradition, and theological giants. I congratulate Willimon on this book. It is a very good piece of writing.

[Jeremy Serrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read for the soon to be pastor and the already ordained. It is comprehensive in its philosophy/theology of pastoral ministry. I wish this book were required in seminary in leadership class, but also as the book to study while on internship. I would recommend this book to anyone involved in word & sacrament ministry.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on pastoral ministry out there.

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Theology of Ministry class. A helpful reminder of both the purpose and tradition of "pastor". Was as rejuvenating as it was informative.

[Buddy Draper]

This book was for my Ministry Essentials class. I was a little surprised how much I enjoyed this book and the perspective of this United Methodist pastor.

[Garry Mcclendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book

I really enjoyed reading this book. It has opened my heart to the real purpose of a pastor. I found everything I read in this book to be encouraging.

[Rick Brookens]

Read chapters 1, 2, 13, 14.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read! William Willimon paints a fine picture of what ministry is all about.

[Bogdan Javgurean · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his book Willimon gives the reasoning for why pastors are needed and then
proceeds to describe who they are through the various roles they have. Pastor as leader of worship, priest, interpreter of Scripture, preacher, counsellor, teacher, evangelist, prophet, missionary, leader...
Willimon’s book was very helpful in understanding who the pastor is in a holistic way. Even though he probably didn’t mention all the roles of the pastor, the book still provides a wide understanding of the various aspects of pastoral work. The structure of the book served me well in that my mind could focus on one role of the pastor at a time and reflect about my own ministry through that lens.
One of the significant things I marked down was the survey of the names the New Testament gives to ministers. The words that describe pastors can be translated: butler, waiter, servant, slave, someone who serves under authority, someone who speaks on behalf of someone. This emphasizes the service oriented direction of ministry. It brings down the image of the charismatic leader to the lowliest position. The one who wants to be first should be a servant of all, a servant of the servants of God.

Willimons survey of the “Contemporary Images of Ministry” was also very helpful as they stand in sharp contrast to the biblical image of the servant. It is good to look these idols straight in the eye and know what to look out for and defend against in my personal ministry. The false contemporary images Willimon mentions are: media star, political negotiator, therapist, manager, resident activist, rebel.
Throughout all the book a tone of distinguishing the pastor from other callings is noticeable. Willimon tries to show how the pastoral calling is special. In chapter seven he talks about what is the role of the pastor as counsellor. Willimon explains how this counselling is different from simple therapy and what it means for the pastor to bring Christ into the counselling session.

[Justin Ruszkiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book from Willimon. Each chapter offers something to chew on when it comes to ministry wisdom and pastoral leadership advice. The interludes felt a little too random, wish there were less of them. Overall the book was really solid! Not too difficult of a read, honestly.

My favorite chapters include:
(5) The Pastor as Interpreter of Scripture: A People Created by the Word
(6) The Pastor as Preacher: Servant of the Word
(14) The Pastor as Disciplined Christian: Constancy in Ministry

Those chapters were phenomenal, I'll be revisiting those.

Rating: 8.25/10, four stars!

[Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can see this book being useful for many pastors. I’m not a pastor myself, and I think the author is a little full of himself and the job of a pastor in general. Perhaps I’m being too critical. I simply don’t think pastors are the most important people on the planet. I get the impression this author disagrees. And as with so many books, I wonder whether this one need be so damn long.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book by a prominent Methodist theologian on ordained ministry. It was actually quite uplifting and edifying at times, and I will surely revisit it sometime. While I dont see eye to eye with Willimon on many things, it is refreshing to see a Methodist scholar with a backbone!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book. Even the parts that you strongly disagreed with were thought provoking and made one consider the costs.

[Audrey Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have book for any pastor.

[Nicholas Quient · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful and largely helpful. Highly recommended.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though not a wasted read, there are much better books on the role of the pastor.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like much of Willimon’s teaching, there are rabbit trails galore in this treatise on pastoral ministry. But the thing about Willimon’s rabbit trails is that they always lead to somewhere interesting. Willimon’s love for the local church and those who serve it shine brightly in these pages. You won’t find many specifics on the day-to-day of ministry here, but how hard are those to name? Willimon offers us a 30,000 foot view of the unique task of shepherding the church of God. He does so better than most.

[Fr. Thomas Reeves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for clergy seeking to pastor with integrity, authenticity, and honesty regarding the challenges and joys of pastoring...especially within a Protestant milieu. Some of the final chapters on the calling of the clergy, ordination, the long view on ministry, etc. will be a great comfort and reminder for those who seek to pastor in keeping with the calls of the Gospel and the Kingdom of God.

The author shows experience, theological and historical competence as well as nuance in application to life and pastoral leadership. The author also exposes the reader to some seemingly helpful books for further study and consideration.

The Author is at his best when he is not trying to legitimize Wesley or the anti-intellectual revivalism and pietism of Methodism. That said, he largely focuses on solid historical sources and solid theological influences of the 20th century.

However, I did find his chapter on preaching disappointing and typically Protestant...i.e., worship is seen as an event that is really about preaching that is dependent on a creative orator/leader instead of the historic idea of corporate worship as a spiritual discipline for both congregation and preacher (the main reason I give this book a 4-star rating instead of a 5) .

While it is important for clergy to be competent in knowledge and growing as communicators (stewardship), parishioners should be coming to worship their God and desirous to learn (faithfulness), not looking for excuses not to listen with an expectation to be titillated. When we succumb to this consumerist tendency we do not challenge our people to greater growth and thoughtfulness but enable their self-centered default settings and laziness. This approach to preaching has a long history in Protestant and Puritanical/pietistic preaching (although, I believe that Luther and Calvin would have chafed at it).

In the end, I recommend this book and will continue to refer to and use it in my future ministry and development.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent in style, content, and integrity. It covers the various roles that ordained ministry must take on and seasons that with references to the author's experience and others. Willimon delves into Scripture, the history of Christianity, the early church father's, and biographical snippets of greats of the faith. Altogether, this book is outstanding. Every seminary should require this for reading, and every pastor/ordained minister should read it more than once. It is impressive.

[Kate Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

An ok-ish introduction to the pastoral task, though definitely from an old white guy. Definitely feels dated and condescending.

Some notes for me to remember what I was unsettled by: he's short-sighted and an enlightened sexist. He views two converts (in Acts) as a failure; he thinks the separation between public and private is modern (which is ancient, as any woman can tell you), he talks up women in ministry but asks us to "forgive Paul's paternal" language (which is definitely maternal language that I'm grateful for).

[Allen Bramlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The depth and aim that Willimon writes with is powerful! I read this for a seminary class and was simply delighted, though I at first thought we would have benefited more by reading Eugene Peterson. However, after reading the book and seeing the purpose behind the book come to life in its pages, I am grateful for having read it. I highly recommend this for every pastor and person called to ministry!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ FEB 2013

A must read for any minister or elder. Especially for anyone new, but a great reminder for anyone who has been at this a while. Willimon poses a question that seems to be a good way to start and evaluate ministries or decisions about starting/stopping or changing ministries:

"what sort of disciples are being formed by [fill-in-the-blank]?

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Book for a class!
This is a toolkit style book. Way too much in it to fully grasp in a fast read.
It is written by a United Methodist so not 100% in agreement with everything theologically etc...
It isn't way off but it is something that you'll be able to critic and argue with due to the small theological differences or choice of Bishops etc...