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The Pastor: A Memoir (2011)

by Eugene H. Peterson(Favorite Author)

4.36 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0061988200 (ISBN13: 9780061988202)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

HarperOne

review 1: First, some concerns. Eugene Peterson's blend of ecumenism and mysticism is problematic and often irritating. He has no problem associating in his "company of pastors" with Christian and Jew and from conservative to liberal. He praises Reformers like Luther and Calvin while then embracing the dangerous, experience-based mysticism of John of the Cross and Teresa of Avila.That said, his insights into Scripture and pastoral ministry are refreshing and spot on as he counters the commercialization of American Christianity. In this, his words are prophetic and needed in today's church culture. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:“the most effective strategy for change, for revolution—at least on the large scale that the kingdom of God involves—comes from a minority workin... moreg from the margin."“The vocation of pastor(s) has been replaced by the strategies of religious entrepreneurs with business plans.” “The Holy Spirit forms church to be a colony of heaven in a country of death.”“I don't want to end up a bureaucrat in the time-management business for God or a librarian cataloguing timeless truths. Salvation is kicking in the womb of creation right now, any time now. Pay attention.” “You are at your pastoral best when you are not noticed. To keep this vocation healthy requires constant self-negation, getting out of the way. A certain blessed anonymity is inherent in pastoral work. For pastors, being noticed easily develops into wanting to be noticed. Many years earlier a pastor friend told me that the pastoral ego ‘has the reek of disease about it, the relentless smell of the self.’”
review 2: Peterson is a poet and writes like one--descriptive and imaginative. Peterson is a pastor at heart and this book helped to affirm my calling as pastor. Though I have served in different roles both here and overseas, I see now that I have served out of a pastoral calling. And I feel fulfilled to continue to serve God that way for the rest of my days. A part of that pastoral life for me is to be a companion to others in their spiritual journey with Jesus. I look forward to small ways that I can encourage others along the Way! less

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