The Pastor As Public Theologian Analysis

The Pastor as Public Theologian is an important and imperative book which is ultimately incomplete. Vanhoozer and Strachan (hereafter referred to as “the Authors”) have an axeto grind and one that is worth grinding. Nevertheless, the simple fact of having an agenda means that certain facts and imperatives will be overlooked (whether intentionally or accidentally).

The authors assert that the most important role of a pastor is to exegete the bible and help their congregations understand not only what the bible says, but also its implications and logical conclusions (this is after all, the point of theology). Whether or not this is the most important role of a pastor is the source of much debate. Few would argue that it is not one of the

The idea of pastors being leaders within their congregation and community, while not outright condemned, is thought to be secondary. The role of manager of staff is likewise vilified. The authors rightly point to a complete lack of biblical imperative for any of the “secondary” roles. What is never addressed, however, is the complete lack of evidence for the role of pastor at all. They seem to argue that the role of pastor is closer to that of prophet than anything else. While prophetic witness is critical for pastors, it does an injustice to limit themselves to that. Moreover, pastors must separate themselves from prophets to allow for unexpected prophetic voices (particularly from the margins) to be heard. It is as dangerous and incomplete to imply that pastors must be prophets as it is that prophets must be

It is here that we receive a more clear understanding that when the authors refer to “the public theologian” we must accept the whole of that phrasing. They acknowledge and appreciate the role of academic theology, but make a call for pastor to do this publically rather than behind closed doors (or in an ivory tower). Because the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the phrase “public theologian” is often of televangelists, they carefully point out that public theology is a practice. This can include pastoral care, discipling, worship coordination and leading, as well as articulating the gospel through preaching and teaching. In going about these tasks – of done intentionally – theology becomes a “doing” thing rather than a “thinking”