Edited by Earl E. Shelp and Ronald H. Sunderland

Too often the interdependence of the pastoral ministry and academic theological study is ignored. These two activities should not be estranged and disparate from each other. The Pastor as Theologian argues that effective pastoral ministry and theological reflection must depend on each other as a condition of authenticity. Five academic or parish-based authors insightfully explore this thesis as related to the pastoral office. This book grew out of the annual Parker Memorial Lectures in Theology and Ministry delivered, at the Institute of Religion in Houston, Texas.

Pastors are encouraged to acknowledge their distinctive theological identity and to utilize the resources of theology in their preaching, ministry to people in crisis, mission to society, and in their wide range of daily activities. Academic theology may have been considered a series of required courses in the seminary, but in the pastoral ministry theological reflection is a key to more effective performance of pastoral obligations. Just as pastors are encouraged to bring theology to their ministry, so too are theologians reminded of their mission to serve the practical needs of the church.

Contributors include Will D. Campbell, Albert C. Outler, David H.C Read, Max L. Stackhouse, and Gayraud S. Wilmore.

Earl E. Shelp, Ph.D., is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Religioni Houston, Texas, Assistant Professor of Medical Ethics at Baylor College Medicine, and a co-editor of Pilgrim Press's "Pastoral Ministry Series."

Ronald H. Sunderland, Ed.D., is also a Research Fellow at the Institute Religion and a co-editor of the "Pastoral Ministry Series."