The Pastor As Public Theologian Part Two
The author stated, “To think theologically means understanding God, the world, and ourselves in relation to what is in Christ” (Vanhoozer, 2015, pg.111). This statement really resonated with me because it sums up one of the main themes I have learned in my seminary journey. I learned the importance of what it means to dig deep for an understand of God. I learned Christian history and the role the global world must play into the decisions I make in my ministry. And I learned that by thinking theologically about myself in relation to what is in Christ, then and only then will I be able to contextualize the Word of God in my ministry. I must be able to think theologically and be able to instill the importance of this thinking in all aspects of my own work and life and others’ daily lives.
This book solidifies my belief that ministries need more leaders to work hard to be both a pastor and a scholar. What disturbed me was reflecting on how incredibly difficult this calling is for a church or parachurch leader. The reading made me reflect back on pastors I had experienced in my life. Regardless of how hard they tried to be both, they either ended up being neither or leaned more strongly one way or the other in their ministries. Vanhoozer used great biblical illustrations of this throughout the book.
Discussion Question
Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan argue that the pastorate has been and should be fundamentally a theological office. How do pastors have more confidence that Scripture that is carefully taught and applied will help the congregation focus on theology rather than the cultural currents of the day? And how does a pastor instill theology and apply it to the cultural climate of the day in light of COVID-19?
