Recently I read the book, Pastoral Ministry According to Paul by James W. Thompson. It was a pretty good book based on Thompson's interpretations of several of the Christian New Testament books written (and dictated) by the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul is considered one of the greatest leaders of his time and left for us many of his letters and writings that help guide many Christians in their faith. Whether you realize it or not, the Apostle Paul has had a tremendous influence on you if you are a person of of Christian faith.
Here are some of my notes and thoughts on the book I would like to pass along to you.
Enjoy.
Thesis: “ministry is participating in God’s work of transforming the community of faith until it is ‘blameless’ at the coming of Christ” (pg 19-20)
Support for Thompson’s Thesis:
- “Paul’s portrayal of a community that lives in the “now” between God’s creative act of establishing the community and the “day of Chris” is a constant feature in his leaders and the central feature of his pastor theology” (pg 59).
- “Paul’s ultimate aim is to create a community that is shaped by the crucified Christ to abandon normal human self-seeking and look to the needs of others” (pg 82).
- “Paul’s challenge is to ensure the transformation of the community as the prelude for his offering the ‘sacrifice of the Gentiles (15:16), and his work will be complete only listeners responds to his pastoral vision” (pg 116).
- “Paul declares a pastoral theology of transformation that corresponds to the pastoral theology of the other letters. His pastoral theology is ecclesial, cruciform, and eschatological” (pg. 148).
Two Strengths of Thompson’s Argument:
- The first strength I have observed from James W. Thompson’s argument about Paul’s pastoral ministry is the extremely in-depth theological research and exegetical research he does throughout the entire book. He has clearly looked at the text of Paul’s letters through the historical context and literary context of that time to make the various above observations.
- The second strength I observed is how Thompson clearly shows us the difference between Paul’s pastoral ministry priorities and those current everyday 21st century pastors of America. He writes that in “the present era, the minister is ultimately measured by the ability to organize, build, and manage a complex organization” (pg 9). He then goes on to lay out the pastoral priorities of Paul according to his letters of the New Testament. I believe this is a strength of his argument because he shows us something we might need to reconsider, change, or adapt.
Question for Thompson and why it is important to me:
How do Paul’s pastoral ministry priorities measure up with the needs and demands of today’s pastors?
There are so many demands for a pastor to be a great leader, communicator, financial steward, etc. With these demands, how do I as a leader balance these different areas and the importance of all of them? A pastor has tremendous responsibility, and I believe it is important that we know how a pastor is supposed to balance this ministry wise.
Ways Pastoral Ministry According to Paul helps me in thought and practice concerning pastoral ministry:
- This book has helped me to realize part of my goal as a future leader (and possible pastor) is to help people be as the Apostle Paul and Thompson says, “Blameless at his coming.” Whether I do that by teaching others or by cultivating community groups where transformation can take place, I know that the end goal is helping people to be “blameless at his coming.”
- From what I understand, Paul was not successful 100 percent of the time in getting his pastoral vision accepted by the people he wrote to and served. That is encouraging to me because I need to realize that I don’t have to be perfect 100 percent of the time.
My thoughts and feelings about Thompson’s thesis:
I believe this is a great book for young people with a heart to be a pastor to read. It gives future pastors a clear picture of how Paul did his ministry and provides a goal to shoot in their own ministry of serving others. I believe it helps future pastors realize that the basis of all their work in ministry is to help others participate in transformation and be blameless when Jesus returns. That new paradigm for future pastors is very important as they engage in community, schedule their time, and encourage the people they pastor to engage with lost people in the community. Thompson’s book helps future pastors aim for all the right things.
Question: What are your thoughts about Thompson's writings regarding the Pastoral Ministry of Paul?
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