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by John T. Pless (Author), Jacob Corzine (Foreword by)
This book has grown out of a ministry that has spanned nearly four decades. It is built around the conviction that theology does matter for theology has to do with words from God, words spoken back to God and words spoken to the world. Luther once remarked something to the effect that the cross alone is our theology. Before Luther there was the Apostle Paul who came to the Corinthians with "the word of the cross" (1 Cor. 1:18) determined to know nothing among them but Jesus Christ and Him crucified (see 1 Cor. 2:2). In essays, sermons, and homiletical studies this volume seeks to continue that apostolic aim.
A significant portion of this book is devoted to sermons. Sermons, of course, are written to be preached rather than published. None the less, there is value in reading sermons. Such reading is a way of meditating on God's Word. This reading might also prompt other preachers to explore an overlooked dimension of a text for their proclamation. Sermons are never generic; they always have a context. Many of these sermons were preached in Kramer Chapel on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne where the author has served as a professor since 2000. These sermons are preaching for future preachers, equipping them in the way of Luther's oratio, meditatio, and tentatio for the burdens and joys of the pastoral office. There are occasional sermons from conferences, funerals, and ordinary congregations. Over the years, Prof. Pless has preached at over thirty ordinations or installations of pastors. A sampling of these sermons are included. They bear the imprint of the bond that exist between professor and student. More importantly they promote Jesus Christ as the Lord who calls men into the ministry and enlivens and sustains them there with His Gospel for the good of His flock. The remainder of the book is devoted to essays in pastoral theology covering the range of the author's interest from Hermann Sasse to vocation, liturgical practice to the Small Catechism, challenges to confessional Lutheranism in North America to the office of the ministry. Many of these essays originated at conferences both in the USA and abroad. The contents of this volume flow from the pulpit, desk, and podium of a man who seeks not novelty or creativity but faithfulness to the word of the cross.Back Jacket
Pastoring God's people is not about managerial techniques or quick-fix therapies. Pastors are not life-coaches or salesmen. They are ambassadors of Christ Jesus, called to speak not of their own wisdom but the wisdom of the cross. Their "craft" is the art of knowing how to distinguish God's Law from His Gospel. They preach the Law not in order to renovate broken lives but to reveal the rot that sin has caused so that God's other word, the good news of the forgiveness of sins can ring true and clear, restoring the joy of salvation to those caught in guilt and despair. This book is aptly titled, Pastor Craft as it takes us into the workshop of a teacher whose life has been devoted to teaching this craft to those calling it will be to preach this good Word in season and out of season. Young pastors will find seasoned wisdom here for faithful ministry. Veteran pastors might read the book as something as a refresher course in pastoral theology.
Author Biography
John T. Pless has served on the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne since 2000 teaching pastoral theology, theological ethics, and catechetics. Prior to coming to the faculty he served in campus ministry at Valparaiso University and the University of Minnesota. Prof. Pless is the author of numerous journal articles, chapters, and books including Handling the Word of Truth, Martin Luther: Preacher of the Cross, and Praying Luther's Small Catechism. Beginning in 2009, he has served as visiting professor at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Pretoria, Africa. He is a fellow of the Luther Academy for Madagascar. Prof. Pless is book review editor for Logia and a member of the editorial council for Lutheran Quarterly.
