WiseReader

This article first appeared in ChristianWeek (June 6, 2008). 

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Christian bloggers, journalists, authors, pastors and theologians - their single-string harps playing monotonously similar tunes - lament the biblical illiteracy of Christians today. Whether or not biblical illiteracy is at its lowest point in Christian history, I cannot say, but there seems to be ample evidence supporting the contention that today’s Christians are far less biblically informed than they ought to be.

In his stimulating article, “The Poverty of Love” (Christianity Today, May, 2008), Bradley Nassif writes about the early 4^th century Christian community of desert fathers and mothers whose passionate love for God translated into vibrant discipleship. I was surprised at Nassif’s claim that the literacy rate of these desert communities was a mere 4 percent as compared to 75 percent today. Though he does not say, I’m assuming the 75 percent refers to our contemporary Christian community.

Having highlighted this sharp contrast in literacy rates, and I do not know the source of his information, Nassif notes:

There is more Bible knowledge available now than at any other time in human history.

Given the apparent crisis of biblical ignorance among Christians today, Nassif’s observation is startling. But I think the operative word here is available. Without doubt, contemporary Christians - certainly so in North America - have a glut of resources from which to draw. But, are Christians making good use of the best available resources?

Rather than promote the latest formulaic “Five Steps to a Healthy Biblical Literacy” style book, I’m asking Christian pastors and leaders to encourage readers toward something a bit more solid. For example, reading a good Bible commentary series would direct Christians back to the source of spiritual life and health - the living and enduring Word of God.

One particularly good series with its

unqualified commitment to biblical authority, clear exposition of Scripture, readability, and practical application (publisher’s blurb)

is the Preaching the Word series, edited by R. Kent Hughes, Senior Pastor Emeritus of College Church, Wheaton, Illinois and published by Crossway Books.

The newest volume in the series, 1 & 2 Peter and Jude, is written by David Helm, a member of the pastoral staff of Holy Trinity Church in Chicago. Helm has written a warm, pastoral commentary encouraging Christians to “hold fast to their identity in Christ, ground themselves in the truth, live lives worthy or their calling, and vigorously contend for the faith.” Could there be subjects more pertinent to contemporary Christian living than these?

The ongoing series now stands at 24 volumes, covering 8 OT books, 20 NT books and an extended discussion of the Sermon on the Mount. The majority of volumes are written by the series editor, R. Kent Hughes, but among the other contributors are well-known expositors like Philip G. Ryken, Raymond C. Ortland Jr., and Ian M. Duguid, all currently serving in pastoral charges.

Brian Chapell, President of Covenant Theological Seminary (Tennessee), and author of the acclaimed Christ-Centered Preaching (Baker, 1994), says this is one of his favorite commentary series.

The focus upon explaining the text with preaching as its goal makes the series resonate with the priorities of the pulpit. No academic aloofness here, but down to earth, preacher-to-preacher meat for God’s people. (Disclaimer: Chapell wrote one of the commentaries currently published in this series.)

Why would a commentary series focused on the needs of pastors be a wise choice for the average Christian? In my view, any commentary providing good biblical exegesis with solid application in what Chapell describes as “down to earth … meat for God’s people” will be readily accessible to any serious Christian reader. And if sitting under the public ministry of pastors committed to this kind of teaching is helpful, it can only be good if Christians are supplementing their Sunday intake with daily doses of solid Bible teaching through commentaries of this kind.  

There are of course many worthy commentary series, too many to cover in a column of this nature. I recommend Crossway’s Preaching the Word series as a starting point because of Crossway’s demonstrable commitment to publishing biblically sound, evangelical material. Pastors committed to a robust, evangelical theology, sympathetic to reformation truths can confidently recommend this series to their people.

Check out the available volumes in this series at Crossway Books.

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Purchase the books mentioned is this article by clicking on the title(s) below.

1 & 2 Peter and Jude: Preaching the Word Series
By David R. Helm / Crossway Books & Bibles

Christ-Centered Preaching, 2nd Edition
By Bryan Chapell / Baker

Describing a high percentage of pastors as losers, the presenter at a recent church leadership seminar declared,

“If your church is not growing, you are sinful.”

As I listened, I reviewed my own pastoral journey - a journey spanning more than thirty years, involving congregations in three countries. Was I one of the “losers?” Had the presenter been able to read my thoughts, I’m quite certain what he would have concluded.

The challenge to be perceived as successful is huge for today’s pastor. The prevailing view is that successful leadership produces an ever-expanding holy trinity of bodies, buildings and budgets. Surely this gives struggling pastors more than a few sleepless nights. However, despite current fascination with various business models, baptized with a handful of Scriptural texts, there are still proponents of a pastoral leadership model truly immersed in Biblical principles.

One such proponent is Eugene Peterson. Whenever I think about pastoral leadership I invariably turn to Peterson’s Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity (Eerdmans, 1987). Though published twenty years ago, it is available from the publisher or through outlets such as ChristianBook Distributors. It is one of the best books I have read on the subject.

Peterson masterfully cuts through the veneer of popular leadership theory, revealing it to be little more than sheer ambition masquerading as divinely-given vision. Twenty years ago, Peterson observed:

“Pastors … have metamorphosed into a company of shopkeepers, and the shops they keep are churches. They are preoccupied with shopkeeper’s concerns - how to keep the customers happy, how to lure customers away from competitors down the street, how to package the goods so that the customers will lay out more money. Some of them are very good shopkeepers. They attract a lot of customers, pull in great sums of money, develop splendid reputations. Yet it is still shopkeeping; religious shopkeeping, to be sure, but shopkeeping all the same.”

Little has changed in two decades. However, Peterson’s book is no rant, but rather a carefully crafted presentation of biblically-rooted pastoral leadership. Biblical pastoral leadership is built on three principles: prayer, Scripture, and providing spiritual direction. Speaking with God, listening to Him in Scripture, and guiding parishioners in their spiritual sojourn is what true pastoral leadership is all about.

Visionary thinking, prophetic action, courageous decision-making - these are the ingredients most likely topping the list of desirable traits in contemporary pastoral leadership. “The prayerful pastor leading people in worship draws, at best, a yawn,” Peterson muses.

When discussing the place of the Bible in pastoral work, Peterson clarifies the distinction between reading the Scriptures and listening to them. He contends for contemplation - for meditating on the text, not simply reading it in order to prepare the next sermon. He devotes an entire chapter to contemplative exegesis.

Whether or not they practice these things, most evangelical pastors will acknowledge the importance of prayer and Scripture in pastoral work. When it comes to spiritual direction, however, do not be surprised if the crowd thins.

Spiritual direction takes place, Peterson says, when “two people agree to give their full attention to what God is doing in one (or both) of their lives and seek to respond in faith.” It involves such things as teaching people to pray, helping them discern God’s gracious presence in life’s events, sharing in the search to understand the dark times. All pastors do this from time-to-time, but Peterson believes it has been “pushed to the periphery of ministry.” Spiritual direction involves the kind of work that my seminar presenter summarily dismissed as “being a chaplain.”

Peterson grabs the attention of colleagues in pastoral ministry, hoping to convince them that

“pastoral work has no integrity unconnected with the angles of prayer, Scripture and Spiritual direction.”

He effectively makes his case, and because he writes from the context of personal experience in pastoral work, we should pay attention.

Peterson continues to write excellent books on spiritual theology, but on the theme of pastoral leadership Working the Angles remains my favorite. Other Peterson titles addressing pastoral work include: Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness (1992); The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction (1993); and Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work (1992). All are published by Eerdmans and available for purchase.
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This article first appeared in ChristianWeek (September 15, 2007).<

Click on the titles to purchase these books now from Christianbook.com. (Book descriptions are taken from the Christianbook.com web site.)

Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity
By Eugene Peterson
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

With characteristic insight and wit Peterson reminds us that the success of our ministry does not rest on either cutting edge methodology or the ability to administer programs, but on our ability to listen. Thus, he encourages us to return to the regular practice of listening to God in prayer, listening to the revelation of Scripture and listening to the stories of our neighbors. Working the Angles does not reveal an unknown secret of pastoral ministry, but encourages us to return to a basic practice and rhythm of pastoral life.

Under the Unpredictable Plant
By Eugene Peterson
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Is your pastoral work becoming more like a job than a calling? In this engaging book, Peterson draws from his own pastoral experiences and the story of Jonah to help you recover your “vocational holiness.” You’ll learn how to become a spiritual director instead of a program director, to be more creative in your ministry, and to recapture the joy of serving the Lord. 197 pages, softcover from Eerdmans.

The Contemplative Pastor
By Eugene Peterson
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Are you caught in the business of preaching, teaching, and ”running the church”? Then Peterson, a ”pastor’s pastor,” will speak words of refreshment and wisdom to your heart! His chapters begin with poetic reflections on the Beatitudes and then address themes such as curing souls, praying with eyes open, the language of prayer, the ministry of small talk, and sabbatical—all illustrated with engaging personal anecdotes. Several poems on the incarnation finish the work. A timely book for pastors who want and need to get back to the basics. 192 pages, softcover from Eerdmans.

Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
By Eugene H. Peterson
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

How can you improve your effectiveness as a pastor? Most current literature stresses up-to-date training and new techniques stemming from the behavioral sciences. But Peterson instead calls for a return to an “old” resource—the Bible! This treasury of practical theological insights shows how five Old Testament books provide a solid foundation for pastoral ministry. 241 pages, softcover from Eerdmans.

Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading
By Eugene H. Peterson
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

A provocative challenge to read the Scriptures on their own terms—as God’s revelation—and to live them as we read. Countering the trend toward subjective personal interpretation, Peterson suggests an alternative approach, offering fascinating insights on the nature of language, the ancient practice of lectio divina, and the role of translations, including The Message.

The Jesus Way, Volume 3
By Eugene H. Peterson
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Continuing his spiritual theology series, Peterson considers the path Jesus preached compared to the road the American church has practiced. His extensive study of Old Testament characters reveals how the focus of current Christianity—consumerism, celebrity, and charisma—obliterates what’s unique in New Testament faith. A stunning analysis of a personal Christ vs. an impersonal church. 288 pages, hardcover from Eerdmans.

The famed 19^th century Baptist preacher, C.H. Spurgeon is reputed to have warned his students against spending too much time with books and journals. Neglecting prayerful study of the Scriptures for the thoughts of men could lead them to become mere “warehouses of other men’s thoughts.” Wise counsel indeed, though we cannot forget that Spurgeon had a multi-thousand volume library of his own. North Americans stagger under the flood of reading material available to them - books, magazines, journals, not to mention the virtual tsunami of online text available for the browsing. While I always give the nod to books - they provide substantial treatments of their subjects (well, most do!) - the well-produced journal is adept in keeping readers current in their particular areas of interest. Here are a handful of journals I have found worthwhile.

Since January, 1979, I have observed the dispensational discussions (from classic to progressive) of the past through my subscription to Dallas Seminary’s Bibliotheca Sacra. And though my subscription has never lapsed, I cannot say the same for my dispensationalist roots. If you are in the market for a conservative, evangelical journal with dispensational, premillennial sympathies, I recommend Bibliotheca Sacra . Another excellent journal taking a similar theological stance is The Master’s Seminary Journal published by the seminary of that name and led by John MacArthur. Both journals will provide hours of substantial reading for pastors and serious Christians. There are of course, journals of every theological persuasion, and you can discover many of them with a growing number of past issues now available online for free. The McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry  will be of interest to Canadian Baptists. Beginning with volume one in 1998, it appears that the entire series is available online.

Through my involvement with Jewish evangelism, I have discovered two journals devoted to theological concerns from a messianic Jewish perspective: Mishkan and Kesher.

The better known journal, Mishkan, is published by the Pasche Institute of Jewish Studies in cooperation with the Caspari Center in Israel. The journal covers a wide range of topics related to Jewish missions, particularly in Israel, as well as significant theological issues surrounding the interface of Christianity with Judaism. Written at a level accessible to any serious reader, this is an excellent journal for those interested in how the gospel has fared in its birthplace.

Kesher  is a journal devoted to theological developments within the messianic Jewish movement. Published by the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, it is a public voice for Messianic Judaism. By definition, this is a movement of “Jewish congregations and groups committed to Yeshua the Messiah” and who embrace the “covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, and renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant.”

Kesher is a polemical journal promoting Messianic Judaism as the best course for Jewish believers, while Mishkan takes a broader stance, seeking to cover the entire spectrum of Christian ministry within Israel. Though Messianic Judaism is a relatively small movement, Christians should become familiar with its main tenets and leaders. Prominent Christian leaders such as Bill McCartney (think Promise Keepers), and now the founder and director of Road to Jerusalem  have embraced the theological/philosophical underpinnings of Messianic Judaism - an endorsement bound to influence significant numbers within the evangelical church.

Readers interested in missions may find the Evangelical Missions Quarterly  a good choice. For the most part, articles are written at a popular level and cover all areas of concern to the worldwide missions movement. The website has a handful of sample articles to help you determine whether or not you want to subscribe.

The International Bulletin of Missionary Research  is an academically-oriented journal that covers Christian missions from the widest possible perspective. I particularly enjoy the biographical studies often found in this journal. Abstracts of articles can be found on their web site.

And finally, the Denver Journal , an entirely free online journal of reviews covering important books in biblical and theological studies, is a site well worth visiting regularly. Checking out prospective book purchases here may help you save your hard-earned dollars - or spend them if you like a review.

Happy journaling.

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A version of this article first appeared in ChristianWeek.