Pastor Craft

This book has grown out of a ministry that has spanned nearly four decades. It is built around the conviction that theology does matter for theology has to do with words from God, words spoken back to God and words spoken to the world. Luther once remarked something to the effect that the cross alone is our theology. Before Luther there was the Apostle Paul who came to the Corinthians with "the word of the cross" (1 Cor. 1:18) determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (see 1 Cor. 2:2). In essays, sermons, and homiletical studies this volume seeks to continue that apostolic aim. A significant portion of this book is devoted to sermons. Sermons, of course, are written to be preached rather than published. None the less, there is value in reading sermons. Such reading is a way of meditating on God's Word. This reading might also prompt other preachers to explore an overlooked dimension of a text for their proclamation. Sermons are never generic; they always have a context. Many of these sermons were preached in Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne where the author has served as a professor since 2000. These sermons are preaching for future preachers, equipping them in the way of Luther's oratio, meditatio, and tentatio for the burdens and joys of the pastoral office. There are occasional sermons from conferences, funerals, and ordinary congregations. Over the years, Prof. Pless has preached at over thirty ordinations or installations of pastors. A sampling of these sermons are included. They bear the imprint of the bond that exist between professor and student. More importantly they promote Jesus Christ as the Lord who calls men into the ministry and enlivens and sustains them there with His Gospel for the good of His flock. The remainder of the book is devoted to essays in pastoral theology covering the range of the author's interest from Hermann Sasse to vocation, liturgical practice to the Small Catechism, challenges to confessional Lutheranism in North America to the office of the ministry. Many of these essays originated at conferences both in the USA and abroad. The contents of this volume flow from the pulpit, desk, and podium of a man who seeks not novelty or creativity but faithfulness to the word of the cross.

This publication, arising from a study of the spirituality of Roman Catholic priests and pastoral workers (m-f), provides fascinating new information regarding the personal situation, lifestyle and pastoral development of pastors in Holland.

The author retired on June 11, 2017, on the sixtieth anniversary of his ordination to the Presbyterian ministry in the First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Philadelphia. Over the course of some forty years, serving congregations in Minnesota and Pennsylvania, each month he contributed an editorial for the monthly congregation's newsletter. This book contains what he considers to be the best hundred or so of those writings. Within these pages, you will find reflections on history; the traditional "hatch, match, and dispatch" columns; some humor ("The Twelve Days of a Lenape Valley Christmas"); some spiritual insights into temporary personal setbacks (auto breakdown, open-heart surgery); as well as challenges to better investments of time, talents, and treasure; and, undergirding it all, inspiration for a deeper walk with Christ. May these Spirit-inspired very human words draw you closer to fellowship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I AM THAT I AM. I am The LORD Jesus Christ who was born of blood and water through a chosen virgin. I am Jesus who was crucified, died, and risen from the grave. I am alive forever and I have the keys. I have the power to forgive sins. I AM GOD alone and there is none else. Therefore, by my name, I forgive you of all your sins. You are forgiven. I love you, and nothing or anyone will never change the truth that I am love. Know in your heart right now, that I Jesus love you, accept you, and forgive you. Believe and receive my mercy which endureth forever. By my mercy, grace, and goodness you are forgiven. It does not matter what you have done, who you did it to, who you did it with, how dark the deed, or how many times you have done it. All that matters right now is that you believe in me, The LORD God. It is I, the Holy One of Israel who forgives you of all your wrongs, sins, and shortcomings. You will never be able to "work your way into heaven, work your way into eternal life, or work your sins away." You enter into my rest only by my Son, Jesus Christ whom I sent to earth to be the atonement Lamb in your place. My Word and blood shed upon the cross at Calvary, Jerusalem is washing over you right now and cleansing you; making you right with me, thus making peace with me the Father. Know and understand that it is I, the Holy Spirit who will keep you in my grace because I live and dwell in you when you believe in me. Trust in me the LORD God. I am meek and think good thoughts towards you whom I love, accept, and forgive. Come unto me, and I will give your thirsty souls rest. 1 John 2:12.; Daniel 9:9; Luke 7:47-48; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:12-15; 2 Corinthians 2:7; Colossians 2:13 and Colossians 3:13; 2 Chronicles 714; Psalm 130:4; Psalm 86:5; Psalm 32:1; Romans 4:7; Luke 6:37; and Ephesians 1:7.

This book has grown out of a ministry that has spanned nearly four decades. It is built around the conviction that theology does matter for theology has to do with words from God, words spoken back to God and words spoken to the world. Luther once remarked something to the effect that the cross alone is our theology. Before Luther there was the Apostle Paul who came to the Corinthians with "the word of the cross" (1 Cor. 1:18) determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (see 1 Cor. 2:2). In essays, sermons, and homiletical studies this volume seeks to continue that apostolic aim. A significant portion of this book is devoted to sermons. Sermons, of course, are written to be preached rather than published. None the less, there is value in reading sermons. Such reading is a way of meditating on God's Word. This reading might also prompt other preachers to explore an overlooked dimension of a text for their proclamation. Sermons are never generic; they always have a context. Many of these sermons were preached in Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne where the author has served as a professor since 2000. These sermons are preaching for future preachers, equipping them in the way of Luther's oratio, meditatio, and tentatio for the burdens and joys of the pastoral office. There are occasional sermons from conferences, funerals, and ordinary congregations. Over the years, Prof. Pless has preached at over thirty ordinations or installations of pastors. A sampling of these sermons are included. They bear the imprint of the bond that exist between professor and student. More importantly they promote Jesus Christ as the Lord who calls men into the ministry and enlivens and sustains them there with His Gospel for the good of His flock. The remainder of the book is devoted to essays in pastoral theology covering the range of the author's interest from Hermann Sasse to vocation, liturgical practice to the Small Catechism, challenges to confessional Lutheranism in North America to the office of the ministry. Many of these essays originated at conferences both in the USA and abroad. The contents of this volume flow from the pulpit, desk, and podium of a man who seeks not novelty or creativity but faithfulness to the word of the cross.

Today's pastors -- often expected to be multitasking marvels who can make their churches "successful" -- are understandably confused about their role. Craig Barnes contends that the true calling of a pastor is to help others become fully alive in Christ, to be a "minor poet," or poet of the soul. As such, pastors are to read the major poets of Scripture and history in light of the dust and grit of daily parish life. The Pastor as Minor Poet eloquently calls pastors to search for a deeper understanding of what they see -- both in the text of Scripture and in the text of their parishioners' lives. A critical part of this poetic vision involves discerning key subtexts beneath these texts, which allows pastors to preach the heart of the Word and to understand the hearts of their people. Written with a seasoned pastor's depth of understanding and a poet's sensibility and sensitivity, this book will minister to and inspire pastors everywhere.

How might practice theories and engagement with practice contribute to and advance theological study of religion and religious life and practices? This volume explores and discusses how theological engagement with practice, theoretically as well as empirically, might profit from theories of practice developed in disciplines such as philosophy, sociology, education and organisational studies during the recent decades, but so far scarcely employed within theology. In part I, the volume unfolds key components of practice theory, especially as they have more recently been developed within sociological practice theories, reflect on their significance and potential with regard to theology. In part II, these perspectives are employed in the study of concrete religious practices - established as well as experimental religious practices, and collective as well as individual ones. By unfolding connections between theology and practice theories, and reflecting on practice theories' analytical and theoretical potential for theological study of religion, the book will be of interest for any scholar in the study of contemporary religion and practical theology.

This book is a collection of letters from pastors and professors of theology meant to encourage young men who either desire to be pastors or are interested in theology and want to learn more. Each letter is a topic in theology that either relates to the Office of the Holy Ministry or is a doctrinal topic that is helpful for all Christians to know.