Originally published in and now being reprinted to meet continuing demand , Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work shows how five Old Testament books.
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It was nice to have God being the focus for spiritual recovery instead of a humanly devised tactic. The book is full of insights, much of which will preach. Ruth is not a victim. Being in God's story does not mean passively letting things happen to us. It does not mean dumb submission, nor blind obedience.
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They plunge into a righteous living, which models God's righteous relationships by going beyond the letter of the law and persistently and generously seeking for ways to put their wealth and position to work on behalf of others. He deals with sexuality and prayer, dealing with pain and suffering, and being part of the narrative of God. Here is another perspective. To treat it as a "problem" is to demean the person. Both are reminiscent of Baalism, enough to earn the label "neo-Baalism. One person found this helpful. Eugene Peterson is a gifted writer and pastor.
He writes so well! Perhaps since you are reading this review you may get the same feeling when you finish one of his great books. This is another one of his great ones. This book is very deep yet accessible. The intended audience for Five Smooth Stones may be limited to pastors but it makes for interesting reading as he really gets into the Old Testament books of Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther.
While there are moments of dated references there are clear implications from his thoughts for current pastoral work and thought. He gets into prayer, life story, pain sharing, community building and humility. Peterson's writing is poetic while at the Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. I needed this book for a course and loved it. Peterson's writing is poetic while at the same time down to earth.
He teaches profound wisdom in simple ways. I think that description would make a good job description for pastors if we could only learn to do so as well as Peterson does. I have a better idea of the kind of pastor I want to be and how to be that pastor, thanks to Peterson's writing. In the book, Peterson looks at five books of the Bible Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther that are often, sadly, overlooked and shows us the wonders they offer.
He applies the truths of these books to the role of the pastor. The wisdom within these books touch the heart of the day to day work of a pastor in relation to those in the congregational community. Eugene Peterson reaches back through Jewish history and provides a bridge for our contemporary times. His constant goal is to apply ancient lessons, via poetry and prose, to the pastoral call and ministry. His passion for developing pastors and protecting God's people is evident as he calls the reader to use the ancient texts as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to complete a divine work.
This book is a must for pastors who desire to speak to and shepherd God's people from neglected OT books. For anyone looking to understand the role and work of a pastor, this book provides the perfect substance to confirm what you know to be true in your heart. The work of the pastor is less about growth models and next big thing, and more about the day-to-day life of faithfulness rooted in who we are as God's people. Every clergy needs a planned strategy for work and personal life.
Ranks well with other self-help books on the topic. Peterson is a descriptive, honest, and positive author. Sender did good job getting it out on time.
leondumoulin.nl: Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work: Eugene H. Peterson
Happy to find this hard to find item. I read Peterson with my heart mostly. While I may not understand each metaphor or the symbolism,somehow my heart understands. I always learn and apply his wisdom,even though it is hard to explain to others how the content and connection of all his thoughts leads to my thought transformation.
See all 28 reviews. Most recent customer reviews. Published 1 year ago. Published on June 13, Published on February 5, Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. Whereas much of the current literature on pastoring stresses up-to-date training and new techniques stemming from the behavioral sciences, Eugene Peterson here calls for returning to an "old" resource--the Bible--as the basis for all of pastoral ministry. Song of Songs Story-Making: Esther Pointing to the relevance of ancient wisdom, adapting Jewish religious tradition to contemporary pastoral practice, and affirming a significant link between pastoral work and the act of worship, this book opens up to pastors a wealth of valuable practical-theological insights.
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Jul 06, Matthew Crowe rated it it was amazing. This demonstrates that every facet of pastoral ministry, not just preaching, should be rooted in Scripture. And true to his form, Peterson does this with creativity and eloquence. I wish I had read this years ago.
Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work
Jul 22, Byron Fike rated it it was amazing. Peterson is truly a pastor's pastor. There are many voices in my head telling me what my priorities should be and how I should do the work I have been called to do. Peterson gives clarity and direction, as well as assurance to continue in the often quiet work of ministry. He tackles the American obsession with "church growth" with common sense observations like this: But neither is there anything right about it. Size is not a moral quality. It is a given. It is what is there--part of the environment in which the pastor works.
Congregations are large when there is a social approval to be part of a religious establishment, small when there isn't. The pastor cannot choose his or her culture. I would highly recommend this book to all who want to know how to do a better job of shepherding the flock of God. Jul 22, Allen Lim rated it liked it. I've always enjoyed Peterson for his wonderful insights, so I must admit I was somewhat dissapointed after reading this book.
The problem was not so much that there wasn't good insights I'm sure much of what is written would echo the daily issues that they face. However, as a person just entering into pastoral work, I found that many of the issue I've always enjoyed Peterson for his wonderful insights, so I must admit I was somewhat dissapointed after reading this book. However, as a person just entering into pastoral work, I found that many of the issues seemed foreign. Perhaps the most relevant area for me was when Peterson examined the book of Esther.
Here I found a wonderful affirmation of the church as a community called by God, and also could appreciate the role of servant leadership which the pastor brings as the leader of this community. Aside from this, his treatment of Ruth and Lamentations were also excellent and contained many gems for me. Dec 28, Samantha Adkins rated it it was amazing. I think this book should be required reading for all pastors and their wives or husbands. Eugene Peterson spent years in the trenches, thoughtfully considering what is most important in his position.
Some of the phrases that stick out to me are "It is no easier to be a Christian pastor in America than in Russia, China, or Zaire. Also "It makes little difference why persons think they come to church -- whether to hear good music, to find a quite place away from th I think this book should be required reading for all pastors and their wives or husbands.
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Also "It makes little difference why persons think they come to church -- whether to hear good music, to find a quite place away from their kids, to get moral training for their children, to hear a good sermon, to be with the 'better people' of the community. The actual reason that they assemble together is that God calls them. I also appreciate the reflection and creativity that went into the metaphor of the Five Smooth Stones as described in the Epilogue.
This is a good book -- like a hearty, healthy meal after years of feasting on candy. Sep 04, Eric Chappell rated it it was amazing Shelves: I have a new favorite author: I can't wait to read it again. Peterson takes you through the Megilloth Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther showing the significance of these books for constructing a foundation for pastoral ministry in the areas of: Peterson's biblical depth, ministerial experience, and wise guidance shines through on every page makin I have a new favorite author: Peterson's biblical depth, ministerial experience, and wise guidance shines through on every page making this book an indispensable read for novice and seasoned ministers.
Mar 01, Brian rated it really liked it Shelves: In reading this book, and Peterson in general, I occasionally write a question mark in the margins, totally unconvinced that the text under consideration warrants the statement he has just made. That notwithstanding, Peterson has few peers when it comes to the juxtaposition of textual reflection, cultural awareness, and spiritual insight.
Also read in June Enjoyed it more the 2nd time. For anyone looking to understand the role and work of a pastor, this book provides the perfect substance to confirm what you know to be true in your heart. The work of the pastor is less about growth models and next big thing, and more about the day-to-day life of faithfulness rooted in who we are as God's people. Aug 15, Alex rated it really liked it. I think Peterson's great strength as a writer has always been his insight into pastoral ministry and the necessity of getting back to the basics.
This book looks at the Megilloth -- Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, with a view to how they can teach a pastor proper pastoral care. Aug 24, Michael Eckhardt rated it really liked it. I enjoyed this when I read it, but in the intervening two years I've also found myself regularly thinking back to different sections of the book in ways that have been really beneficial.
It's on my list to re-read again soon. Mar 20, Tim rated it it was amazing. This is must read for all who are entrusted with pastoral care.
Oct 06, Lauri Jo rated it it was amazing. An important read for pastors. I especially Appreciated the last chapter. It's okay Peterson engages in a lot of the historical and contextual issues of various OT books and attempts to ground them into pastoral practice. He has many engaging points but structures it in such a manner that the overarching idea seems altogether unclear or tangential.
Although an interesting read with many critiques and helpful advice on pastoral ministry, the lack of cohesiveness and flow makes it rather tiresome to read. Jan 22, Jason Leonard rated it really liked it Shelves: If only this were packaged better This may be the most helpful book I've read regarding pastoral ministry.
I wish I could walk through this with others every year. Given the scope of material and depth of insight, however, I simply cannot imagine many people picking it up and finishing it. It covers too much to properly digest as a single book. Each chapter deserves its own packaging. Each topic is discussed wonderfully and in If only this were packaged better Each topic is discussed wonderfully and in a way which will challenge any pastor to live in light of the fact that God is the shepherd whom we are following and emulating.
It will help combat so many societal pressures and temptations and offers a number of practical responses to maintain health and love people well. Very inaccessible, but Five Star content and worth the work. Jul 25, Johnny Brooks rated it really liked it. I was a bit skeptical, mostly as to the religious setting of this book, yet I was pleasantly surprised at how useful the material covered is to what we are doing here in Kenya. Peterson takes a look at five books in the Old Testament and discusses how they are still relevant to pastoral work today, or at least back in