The Augustinian Pastor: Deep Wisdom for Modern Ministry

Summary

Can embracing Augustine as a role model and mentor transform pastoral life and ministry? In this book, Joseph Sherrard invites listeners to encounter Augustine anew—not merely as a theologian or philosopher but as a pastor and mentor.

After more than a decade of ministry, Sherrard encountered Augustine afresh; he found that Augustine's writings and sermons came alive when he heard them in the voice of a fellow pastor shepherding his flock. Sherrard discovered a mentor who had walked the road before him: Augustine understood the complexities of ministry, navigating the challenges of his own complicated times while guiding his people through church conflict and forming them for the ordinary work of love.

Sherrard weaves together the story of Augustine's life and his various writings to offer pastors a deep well of wisdom for their ministry today. He considers who the pastor is and how that informs the various things the pastor does. The book explores topics such as pastoral friendship, a rule of life, pride and humility, preaching, discipleship, and the church community. Each chapter ends with a section on how listeners might implement Augustinian principles, providing concrete suggestions for specific ministry practices.