Pastoral Identity - by Douglas Webster (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A charge for pastors to reenvision their role in a world suspicious of Christianity

Webster calls pastors to reject "Christendom" approaches to church leadership that require the pastor to exert control over the church's direction and ministry. Such models differ fundamentally from the New Testament "household of faith" vision of pastoral ministry, which affirms the disciple-making responsibility of the whole community, the priesthood of all believers, and the shared gifts of the Spirit.

Rather than perpetuate pastoral leadership based on individual initiative, institutional power, and personal charisma, experienced pastor and seminary professor Douglas Webster defines a New Testament model of the pastor, outlining the major features of pastoring among the household of faith, such as:
- Viewing the church as an every-member ministry
- Seeking synergy between pastoral identity and congregational identity
- Prioritizing a pastor's daily rhythms of grace in prayer, study, and care for the body
- Supporting pastor-theologians who shepherd believers in the whole counsel of God

Such pastoral authority and guidance require mutual submission in Christ. Pastors and laypeople alike let go of dominant cultural models of pastoring and embrace the values of Christ's kingdom.

Review Quotes

"After twenty years of ordained ministry in a mainline church, I can attest to the confusion over pastoral identity in congregations and in me. In Pastoral Identity, Webster offers a refreshing perspective, calling congregations to move beyond an obsolete Christendom model and into a Household of Faith model of church leadership found in the New Testament. This book will challenge, encourage, and motivate you to think differently about the call to lead your congregation."--Rev. Dr Jeremy Vaccaro "Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Fresno, CA" (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Contrasting the 'counterculture household of faith' with the 'institutional Christendom church, ' Webster takes his readers back to the future, calling pastors to embrace the calling of the New Testament church. He argues that the decline of Christian cultural influence is an opportunity to return to the difficult yet dynamic simplicity of pastors serving as shepherds rather than CEOs. This timely book will challenge pastors and parishioners alike to rethink their expectations for the church and give them practical guidance for tapping back into what makes it life giving."--Will Kynes, PhD "Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Samford University" (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"Pastoral ministry within Protestant and evangelical churches may not yet have reached the point of crisis, but it certainly seems wounded. Sadly, part of the wound is self-inflicted, as many pastors have been unwittingly trained in models of ministry incompatible with the New Testament. Webster's book offers a much-needed corrective: not a model based on control, implied hierarchical distance between pastors and parishioners, and pseudo-professionalism; but a model based upon mutuality, communal giftedness, friendship, and accountability. One may not agree with every point, but one should listen--and listen carefully--to Webster's words of pastoral wisdom. They are a balm for the wound."--Phillip A. Hussey "Pastor, Christ Fellowship Church, St. Louis, MO." (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"There continues to be discussion about why many pastors are burned out and/or leaving the ministry. In this insightful book, Douglas Webster has put his finger on what is surely a central factor: we have unknowingly adopted a model from Christendom that tends to isolate the pastor from the flock. Webster argues for a "dynamic synergy" between pastoral identity and congregational identity, urging us to recapture the New Testament's emphasis on the role of every member in the body of Christ. His case is compelling, and greatly needed in the current climate. Webster's engagement with church history is especially illuminating about the nature of pastoral ministry, and his own pastoral experiences add to the book's credibility, wisdom, and practicality. I hope this helpful and important book will gain a wide readership!"--Dr Gavin Orlund "Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Ojai" (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM)

"With his characteristic and uncompromising accent on the priesthood of all believers, Doug Webster critiques the lingering image of the pastor from medieval Christendom to modern times. This thought-provoking pastoral theology will help alleviate unrealistic (and unbiblical) expectations that continue to crush the clergy and debilitate the laity. Even after many years in ministry, this book has challenged me to reconsider my own pastoral identity and practice. It has profoundly affected the way I train pastoral ministry students."--Jason R. McConnell "Senior Pastor of the Franklin United Church in Franklin, VT, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary" (2/3/2023 12:00:00 AM)