The Pastor As Scholar and the Scholar As Pastor : Reflections on Life and Ministry

"Dr. D.A. Carson beautifully blends his love for pastoral ministry and scholarship in a series of short arguments. Like Piper, he shares his journey and the 'providential twists' that have contributed to his life as a scholar. Most helpful are the lessons that Carson sets forth for the scholar as pastor. He encourages scholars to guard against an ivory tower mentality. As such, the encouragement includes immersion in the real world. Carson encourages scholars to steer clear from the deadly 'seduction of applause' which may come from publishing house and wide readership as well as a close circle of friends ... the author encourages scholars to fight what he calls a 'common disjunction' between the 'objective study of Scripture and devotional reading.' Of course, he encourages scholars to critically engage with the text, but he also encourages meaningful times of devotion. Scholars must tremble before God's Word (Isa. 66:2) ... [In] a fitting conclusion, David Mathis points readers to Jesus, the supreme example of a pastor-scholar: 'Jesus, the God-man, is the ultimate model of engaging both heart and head, not compromising either for the other.' This indeed is the aim of the editors, namely, for scholarship and pastoral ministry to point to Jesus and his gospel. The Pastor as Scholar and the Scholar as Pastor is a refreshing and liberating book, especially for any pastor who takes scholarship seriously. For pastors who have grown weary of scholarship and have pushed the hard work of exegesis to the margins of their ministry - this book will be a challenging, yet helpful antidote that will benefit not only the pastor, but the people he is called to shepherd"--Amazon.com. Dr. D.a. Carson Beautifully Blends His Love For Pastoral Ministry And Scholarship In A Series Of Short Arguments. Like Piper, He Shares His Journey And The 'providential Twists' That Have Contributed To His Life As A Scholar. Most Helpful Are The Lessons That Carson Sets Forth For The Scholar As Pastor. He Encourages Scholars To Guard Against An Ivory Tower Mentality. As Such, The Encouragement Includes Immersion In The Real World. Carson Encourages Scholars To Steer Clear From The Deadly 'seduction Of Applause' Which May Come From Publishing House And Wide Readership As Well As A Close Circle Of Friends...the Author Encourages Scholars To Fight What He Calls A 'common Disjunction' Between The 'objective Study Of Scripture And Devotional Reading.' Of Course, He Encourages Scholars To Critically Engage With The Text, But He Also Encourages Meaningful Times Of Devotion. Scholars Must Tremble Before God's Word (isa. 66:2)...[in] A Fitting Conclusion, David Mathis Points Readers To Jesus, The Supreme Example Of A Pastor-scholar: 'jesus, The God-man, Is The Ultimate Model Of Engaging Both Heart And Head, Not Compromising Either For The Other.' This Indeed Is The Aim Of The Editors, Namely, For Scholarship And Pastoral Ministry To Point To Jesus And His Gospel.the Pastor As Scholar And The Scholar As Pastor Is A Refreshing And Liberating Book, Especially For Any Pastor Who Takes Scholarship Seriously. For Pastors Who Have Grown Weary Of Scholarship And Have Pushed The Hard Work Of Exegesis To The Margins Of Their Ministry - This Book Will Be A Challenging, Yet Helpful Antidote That Will Benefit Not Only The Pastor, But The People He Is Called To Shepherd -- Amazon.com. Following the 2009 Gospel Coalition conference John Piper and D. A. Carson presented two talks at Park Community Church in Chicago, IL, sponsored by the Henry Institute at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. The topic of their presentation was on the relationship of scholarship and pastoral ministry. Piper centered on the importance of scholarship and academic pursuits in his role as pastor. Carson, conversely, focused on the importance of pastoral ministry in his career as scholar. The event was enthusiastically received and brought great insight and balance. Now their talks have been edited with additional content and put into book form. Weaving testimony and teaching, Piper and Carson challenge all those in ministry to think carefully and holistically about their calling. An introduction by Owen Strachan and a conclusion by David Mathis provide context and application to these unique messages. Pastors and scholars will want to take advantage of this valuable insider perspective from two men who have been acclaimed for their sharp thinking and pastoral hearts. Introduction: the return of the pastor-scholar / Owen Strachan -- The pastor as scholar: a personal journey and the joyful place of scholarship / John Piper -- The scholar as pastor: lessons from the church and the academy / D.A. Carson -- Conclusion: the preacher, the professor, and the true pastor-scholar / David Mathis. Introduction: the return of the pastor-scholar / Owen Strachan The pastor as scholar: a personal journey and the joyful place of scholarship / John Piper The scholar as pastor: lessons from the church and the academy / D. A. Carson Conclusion: the preacher, the professor, and the true pastor-scholar / David Mathis. Originally presented as two talks following the 2009 Gospel Coalition conference, Piper and Carson here reflect on the interrelationship of pastoral ministry and scholarship. With introduction and conclusion by Owen Strachan and David Mathis.