Pastor Theologian is a great book for pastors to read who have been out of seminary for any length of time. It reminds us that theological thoughts and writings don't have to remain in the the academic community.
The argumentation is very well constructed and definitely worth the read.

Often we hear that our Pastor is not a theologian. Rather, theologians reside in the Academy and deal with such lofty matters disconnected from real life and of little real importance to the wider church. A false dichotomy is set up between the choice to be a theologian, and that of choosing to be a pastor. However, tracing church history the division has not always been apparent.

The writers set out to show by tracing through the history of the church that those in, or called to the ministry do not have to make a choice between rigorous theological study and the pastorate. Examples are provided from Augustine, through the Reformers, and up to the present day.

However, the thrust of the book is to show that whilst in previous centuries there was not the separation of the two, in more recent times – especially since the Enlightenment – both vocations have been separated.
The book and the authors are clear in their intent and desire to see candidates appreciate that the pastorate can be a viable output for those of an academic disposition. At the same time the authors do appreciate that not every pastor will be a ‘theologian.’

One of the key emphasis that this reader enjoyed was their conviction that the pastoral community should be shaping and guiding the theological direction of the church; not the Academy. The authors are certainly not disparaging of the Academy, however they correctly have an estimable view of the church and that its pastors can serve the wider community by being its Theologians.

The book was an interesting and thought provoking read, and would certainly be of value to those considering Christian ministry or those thinking of Theological Studies in that it might convince them that they do not need to choose between the Church and the Academy. The book would also encourage those already in ministry who feel they are misunderstood as being too ‘academic’.

True to its title, the book communicates well the ancient vision. It would be a worthwhile title to recommend to those known to us with the same