The First Things article I referred to in my last post continues to challenge me. I may not have the role of a “wider theologian”, but I feel I must be the best theologian possible for my congregation. I don’t want to live in the realm of pragmatics or just practics. Yet, pastoral theology has a “practical” side to it. This is what is missing when only academics do theology.

Another great quote:

Historically, the church’s most influential theologians were churchmen—pastors, priests, and bishops. Clerics such as Athanasius, Augustine (indeed, nearly all the church Fathers), Anselm, Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Edwards, and Wesley functioned as the wider theologians of their day—shaping not only the theological vision of their own parishes, but that of the wider church. In their day, the pastoral community represented the most influential, most insightful, and most articulate body of theologians.

We are no longer in a day when the pastor is the most influential in a community. That should not deter us from the theological task, however! Here is what I am discovering: The more I am involved in my community, the more they look to me for their theological questions. While I may not have the greatest influence in the community, I have lasting influence.

My quest is to stay at the task. Pastor rather than lead. Think rather than submit to practics alone. Love God. Love others. Call others to the same.