In Light of the Gospel

Timmy Brister has posted a great list of books on Pastoral Ministry. I have a few that I would suggest that are not on his list. If you are interested in locating some of these books, leave a comment. I know where you can get some that are out of print.

Older Works

• William G. Blaikie, For the Work of the Ministry
• Patrick Fairbairn, Pastoral Theology
• Thomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology [Of the older books, this would be at the top of the list in regard to an Old School Presbyterian minister who served at one congregation for over 45 years. There is a lot of practical wisdom in this book.]
• John Brown, ed., The Christian Pastor’s Manuel
• William S. Plumer, Hints and Helps in Pastoral Theology

Recent Works

• Eugene Peterson–read anything you can by him. He is one of the best writers in the area of pastoral theology. Start with Contemplative Pastor or Subversive Spirituality. If you find these helpful, buy the rest of the series: Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity, Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work, Under the Predictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness.
• Thomas C. Oden, Classical Pastoral Care (4 vols)
• Derek Tidball, Skilful Shepherds: Explorations in Pastoral Theology [This book is very good. It has three sections: biblical, historical, and contemporary. The Biblical section is one of the best biblical theological examinations of pastoral ministry that I have read.]
• Andrew Purves, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation[This is a must have book. Purves examines pastoral theology in light of Christology specifically the Reformed traditions emphasis on union with Christ and the way that works out in pastoral ministry. He is addressing the disconnect between the gospel of Jesus Christ and pastoral care because pastoral theology has often become secularized in both its methods and goals.]