Shepherding Souls - by Shawn O Strout (Paperback)

About the Book

"A complete resource for the theology, liturgy, and practice of the pastoral offices. This easy-to-use resource for clergy and lay liturgical leaders examines baptism, confirmation, marriage, reconciliation of the penitent, ministration to the sick, and burial, offering background and guidance for each liturgy. Each chapter begins with brief historical and theological contexts, followed by a discussion of pastoral and liturgical issues relevant to each rite. Because cultural considerations are often central to the pastoral offices, each chapter includes an overview of cultural practices surrounding each liturgy that may be unfamiliar to clergy. Taking into account theological and liturgical perspectives from a variety of denominations, Shepherding Souls is designed to be useful in any church. This trusted resource provides the busy church leader with everything needed to prepare for and administer pastoral offices"--

Book Synopsis

A complete resource for the theology, liturgy, and practice of the pastoral offices.

This easy-to-use resource for clergy and lay liturgical leaders examines baptism, confirmation, marriage, reconciliation of the penitent, ministration to the sick, and burial, offering background and guidance for each liturgy. Each chapter begins with brief historical and theological contexts, followed by a discussion of pastoral and liturgical issues relevant to each rite. Because cultural considerations are often central to the pastoral offices, each chapter includes an overview of cultural practices surrounding each liturgy that may be unfamiliar to clergy.

Taking into account theological and liturgical perspectives from a variety of denominations, Shepherding Souls is designed to be useful in any church. This trusted resource provides the busy church leader with everything needed to prepare for and administer pastoral offices.

Review Quotes

"Shawn Strout has prepared an eminently usable, pastoral, ecumenical guide to the Pastoral Offices. Written by an Episcopal liturgical scholar for those working in parishes, it is a substantial overview of each of the offices, giving insight to historical development, theological meaning, and current shape for pastoral-liturgical enrichment."

"Written in non-technical language and with an ecumenical scope, Shepherding Souls is a valuable resource for pastors, seminarians, and lay leaders. Each chapter examines a specific rite's history, theology, and related practices, addresses common concerns, and concludes with useful questions/prompts and a bibliography."