The reader today will find the book is practical and helpful, and not out of date. Why? Because Walther's book is not a "how to" book for developing skills...but truly a pastoral theology.-Dr. Robert Prues

Introduction -- The call and entry into the ministry -- The sermon -- Baptism -- The Lord's supper -- Marriage and divorce -- Confirmation -- Pastoral care -- Church discipline -- Congregational administration -- The life of the preacher.

Explores a long-neglected aspect of Martin Luther his life and ministry as a pastor. / Sixteen church historians here examine Martin Luther in an uncommon way ? not as Reformer or theologian but as pastor. Luther's work as parish pastor commanded much of his time and energy in Wittenberg. / After first introducing the pastoral Luther, including his theology of the cross, these chapters discuss Luther's preaching and use of language (including humor), investigate his teaching ministry in depth, especially in light of the catechism, and explore his views on such things as the role of women, the Virgin Mary, and music. The book finally probes Luther's sentiments on monasticism and secular authority. / Contributors: Charles P. Arand, James M. Estes, Eric W. Gritsch, Robert Kolb, Beth Kreitzer, Robin A. Leaver, Mickey L. Mattox, Ronald Rittgers, Robert Rosin, Reinhard Schwarz, Jane E. Strohl, Christoph Weimer, Dorothea Wendebourg, Timothy J. Wengert, V?tor Westhelle, H. S. Wilson.

First published in 1983, Principles of Lutheran Theology has guided students into theological reflection on the landmarks of Christian faith as understood in the Lutheran confessional heritage for a generation. The book sets forth the main principles of classical Lutheran theology but with an eschatological accent. Canon, confession, ecumenicity, Christ-centeredness, sacrament, law/ gospel, and two kingdoms are all examined not only in terms of their original meaning and historical development but also in light of current reflections. In this new edition, Braaten takes stock of the research and reflection of the last twenty-five years and also adds a chapter on the distinctive, Archimedean Lutheran insight into the hiddenness of God as a fount or ground of all theologizing. This new edition, cross-referenced to key readings in Luther's Works and The Book of Concord, will both equip and facilitate the search for a contemporary articulation of Christian identity in light of the church's historic commitments.

This volume is a unique interpretation of what Martin Luther contributes to renewed appreciation of Biblical diversity. The Church in the West is struggling. One reason behind this is that the prevailing models for Theology have imposed logical and modern ways of thinking about faith that renders theology academic, and therefore largely irrelevant for daily life. By letting the first Reformer speak for himself in this book, Mark Ellingsen shows how Martin Luther’s theological approach can reform the Church’s theology today. The real Luther-not the one taught by his various systematic interpreters-presents Christian faith in its entirety, with all its rough edges, in such a way as to direct on how and when to employ those dimensions of the Biblical witness most appropriate for the situation in which we find ourselves.

Discover the final, mature systematic theology of C. F. W. Walther, first president of the Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. In no other work did Walther set forth his own theology as comprehensively as he did here. This significant volume focuses on the Lutheran understanding of predestination and a defense of Lutheran doctrine that gives All Glory to God.

Ordained ministry, says Willimon, is a gift of God to the church--but that doesn't mean that it is easy. Always a difficult vocation, changes in society and the church in recent years have made the ordained life all the more complex and challenging. Is the pastor primarily a preacher, a professional caregiver, an administrator? Given the call of all Christians to be ministers to the world, what is the distinctive ministry of the ordained? When does one's ministry take on the character of prophet, and when does it become that of priest? What are the special ethical obligations and disciplines of the ordained? In this book, Willimon explores these and other central questions about the vocation of ordained ministry. He begins with a discussion of who pastors are, asking about the theological underpinnings of ordained ministry, and then moves on to what pastors do, looking at the distinctive roles the pastor must fulfill. The book also draws on great teachers of the Christian tradition to demonstrate that, while much about Christian ministry has changed, its core concerns--preaching the word, the care of souls, the sacramental life of congregations--remains the same. Ordained ministry is a vocation to which we are called, not a profession that we choose. To answer that call is to open oneself to heartache and sometimes hardship; yet, given the one who calls, it is to make oneself available to deep and profound joy as well.