Discernment in the Early Church and Today - by John G Lewis

About the Book

An exploration of Paul's role as a pastoral theologian in the early church.

Book Synopsis

An exploration of Paul's role as a pastoral theologian in the early church.​

Through a close exegetical reading of Paul's letters, this volume shows how Paul prioritized moral formation and community-building in his pastoral ministry and placed the practice of communal discernment in churches at the heart of life in the Spirit. Applying these fundamental insights for today's churches, Lewis reclaims Paul's primary pastoral emphasis on moral discernment and community-building, showing how this practice can be used in a variety of local church communities.

Ideal for scholars and clergy interested in applying Paul's pastoral theology to real contexts, the volume includes practical examples and strategies for engaging in a vibrant practice of spiritual discernment today.

Review Quotes

"John Lewis's insights about Paul as a pastoral theologian are important not only for reading and understanding Paul. They are also potentially life-changing for those who make use of this book to engage in discernment, build church communities of care and trust, and try to follow Jesus. This book will be a gift for anyone seeking ways to live in Christ and experience Christ's resurrection power. I look forward to sharing Discernment in the Early Church and Today with colleagues and using it with parishioners and students."

-- "The Rev. Amy E. Richter, PhD, author of Enoch and the Gospel of Matthew and co-editor of Common Prayer: Reflections on Episcopal Worship and Saving Words: 20 Redemptive Words Worth Rescuing"

"John Lewis helps us read Paul in a new way. His account of discernment in the early church is far from well-known or practiced in our communities today. Here is a lively, amazing close reading of Paul's teaching on discernment in his letters. Join Lewis for a journey into Paul's communities and to discover ways that we can take up the practice of discernment when faced with both personal and communal struggles."

-- "Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor Emerita, Saint John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, Co-author, Christian Practical Wisdom: What It Is, Why It Matters"

"Baptism happens in a matter of minutes, but how do the baptized truly internalize Christ's way of life? Using a framework of pilgrimage, this engaging book takes readers on a journey through Paul's churches and the dynamic practices of communal discernment that shaped them in the image of Christ. Lewis brings together the riches of his biblical scholarship with twenty-five years of practical experience in guiding weekly reflection groups to help Christians live into their baptismal identity in the details and conundrums of daily life."

-- "Jane Patterson, Emerita Professor of New Testament, Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, Texas"

"I cannot think of a better cure for clergy and congregational burnout than this love letter from Lewis's Paul. His new/old vision of the Church as a collaborative, Christ-centered conversation is as practicable as it is perennially relevant. Buckle in for a journey that takes us back to the heart of why we gather. This is life-giving stuff."

-- "Nandra Perry, PhD, Director of the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest"

"This is an extraordinary book! Lewis combines twenty-five years of experience leading church groups practicing moral discernment with fresh, insightful readings of Paul's letters with results that are both challenging and exciting. This book is good news for the small church as well as the large one: the theological pilgrimage back to the churches of the New Testament described here, like any genuine quest, will not leave the reader unchanged. Watch out for serious discipleship ahead!"

-- "A. Katherine Grieb, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament, Virginia Theological Seminary"

"Written as a narrative of pilgrimage, Discernment in the Early Church and Today: Reclaiming Paul's Vision for Formation and Community Building, is a lovely balance of pastoral wisdom and contemporary Pauline scholarship. This book reminds us that all believers are called to lives of discernment and that Paul's letters give us great insight into this."

-- "Stephen Fowl, PhD, President and Dean, Church Divinity School of the Pacific"

"At its heart, this book provides an imaginative roadmap for Christ followers to grow in formation through community building and discernment. Lewis offers the church, a way to discover our roots as Christ followers who respectfully listen, learn, and flourish together. The book is an accessible scholarly work and a great tool, especially for small churches and small groups."

-- "John S. Smylie, Bishop of Wyoming IX"

"This book is wholly unique in its conception. With the voices of imaginary pilgrims sounding insights and concerns of perennial importance for the church, Lewis gives authenticity and theological substance to the ancient (and enduring) experience of pilgrimage. Key elements of historical, social, and linguistic data are set forth, clearly and succinctly, for each "station" on the pilgrimage, making this book especially valuable for study groups, teachers, and (literal) tour guides."-- "Ellen Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School"