As a middle-aged pastor I picked up my old copy and re-read it. Once again, placing my little commentaries in the margins, "He was right! Boy, was I dumb! Amen! Ouch! Preach it Brother! etc."

I think it took me a little while to catch on. This book is a classic. Every pastor should own a copy. No pastor should judge the book until he or she has spent a few years behind the sacred pulpit. I have no qualms about recommending this book.


A good addition to your pastoral library   March 15, 2002
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Oden begins following through with his agenda for theologian's office first laid down in his book, Agenda for Theology (now published under the title, After Moderny, What?), by providing biblically oriented resources for the pastoral office. Oden unpacks the role of the pastoral office that it holds within the church by distilling the best ideas of the two millennia of ecumenical Christian thinking concerning what pastors are and do. Pastoral Theology provides the foundational building blocks of the pastoral office essential to the practice of ministry. Oden's book is primarily geared forthose who are interested or planning on entering the pastoral office. This book is also an informative resource for those interested in understanding what the clergy do and what pastoral care encompasses. For the American evangelical, this book (which now seems to have become a series of books) as well as "Biblical Eldership" (Alexander Strauch, 1995) and John MacArthur's "Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry" round out the pastoral library by presenting the Wesleyan, Brethren, and Reformed views of the teaching office within the church. I hold Oden's work the best of the bunch purely from the standpoint that he takes the time to include a historical survey of the teaching office throughout his work.


Excellent Use of the Christian Tradition   March 8, 2001
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

In today's Church, there often appears to be a conflict between those who are doctrinally strong and those who "care about people." Thomas Oden does an excellent service by showing that a Christian (especially a Pastor or Pastoral Counselor) can and should use the resources of the Christian tradition as a tool of compassionate ministry. Oden demonstrates that Church writers and theologians from the Apostolic, Patristic, Medieval and Reformation eras had a sound grasp of human psychology, and that their insights are valid today. One does not have to turn to secular or feel-good New Age spirituality to connect with individuals. The Christian tradition does have the answers if one is willing to look for them. Another strength of Oden's book is his ecumenical focus ... writers from Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant traditions are consulted.


Well written, meaty summary of essential pastor stuff!   May 26, 1999
 4 out of 13 found this review helpful

I confess I did not read the whole book, but what I read I really liked, and I plan to read the rest soon. The book was well written, well laid out, and thoroughly covered important topics. Pastors of all kinds should read it and wrestle with the issues. Should be on all our shelves!