A Fundamental Practical Theology (Don Browning, Fortress
Press, 1991, hc. 324 pp. $48.50). This book, says the author,
is written for anyone who has ever asked, In what way do religious
communities make sense? Recent theology is moving inexorably from
theoretical to practical concerns. The best philosophy or wisdom
has always been practical. Browning moves easily from Barth or
Metz or Tracy to the dynamics of empowerment in a black Pentecostal
church. This book is not for night-time or holiday reading.

Charles Taylor’s The Skilled Pastor (Fortress Press,
1991, pb. 144pp., $16) builds a bridge between theology and pastoral
counseling. His basic construct he calls the metanoia model –
helping people deal with their concerns through changing their
perspectives. Skilled pastors begin by trying to understand people’s
theological concerns, then gently apply psychological and traditional
Christian wisdom in caring for these persons.

The Many Faces of Pastoral Ministry: Perspectives
by Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (Eds
Herbert Chilstrom and Lowell Almen, Augsburg, 1989, pb. 104 pp.,
$12.60), although written from a Lutheran pewrspective by about
ten Lutheran bishops, is a good book for any pastor to take away
on a two-day reflective retreat. Easy-to-read short chapters look
at nine pastoral roles: spiritual guide, Bible scholar, parish
theologian, liturgical leader, parish administrator, educator,
evangelist, ecumenical leader and peacemaker.

Norbert Mueller and George Kraus, Pastoral Theology
(Concordia, 1990, hc, 270 pp., $31.95) is a Lutheran (Missouri
Synod) textbook for parish clergy. It’s modern (there’s a whole
chapter about ministering to ‘Chemical Dependents and Co-Dependents’,
another on Cults and New Religions), practical (with advice about
whether or not to make intimate friends with parishioners, for
example), theoretical (the five stages of grief and the pros and
cons of euthanasia are discussed in the section on ministering
to the dying) and evangelical (‘very rarely can the restoration
of a divorced pastor to the public ministry be justified’). Good
for beginning pastors, of all denominations.

Mustard-Seed Churches: Ministries in Small Churches
(Ed. Robert Coote, Fortress, 1990, pb, 192 pp. $13.50). Written
by 18 pastors of small (mostly Presbyterian) churches, it outlines
‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ in small church ministry. ‘A
small church is a small church because it’s a small church’ is
sometimes unfair: small rural churches often have a resilience
that is not simply a function of their adherance to tradition.
These chapters are autobiographical, practical – and encouraging.
A ‘must read’ for beginning pastors in mainline Protestant denominations
(and excellent value for your $).

Courageous Churches: Refusing Decline Inviting Growth
(Paul Heinecke, Kent Hunter, David Luecke, Concordia, 1991, pb,
160 pp., $19-50) studies about 30 Lutheran churches in various
US states that have refused to lie down and die. The keys? Courageous
pastors (visionary, prayerful etc.), courageous laity (who major
on Bible study and evangelism), and courageous action (they’re
willing to unfreeze time- honoured traditions). An inspiring book,
written with passion and conviction. Lutheran pastors should spend
their tithe (if the church doesn’t give them a book allowance)
and buy one for each leader.

Jane Fryar’s Go and Make Disciples: The Goal of the
Christian Teacher (Concordia, 1992, pb. 255pp, $51-95) is another
Lutheran – Missouri Synod book urging Sunday School, Christian
School and Vacation Bible School teachers to get excited about
their calling. If you follow every recommendation she makes you
won’t have time for any other sort of church ministry, which,
she says, is the attitude a highly motivated teacher of the young
will have anyway.

Books and prices supplied by Open Book, Station St.
Box Hill, Victoria.

Rowland Croucher