Abstract
A Patristic Pastoral Model
Christopher Beeley’s Leading God’s People: Wisdom from the Early Church for Today provides a folksy introduction to a pastoral model that draws on the works of several key patristic thinkers and melds them with advice for today’s religious leaders. This informal volume exhorts the modern pastor to study the scriptures, to be in touch with the congregation, to preach effectively, and above all, to humbly bear authority. Beeley’s preferred metaphor of pastoral leadership is a shepherd among his flock, an image he refers to frequently throughout the text. The basis for this pastoral model is rooted for Beeley in the works of patristic writers, predominantly Augustine and Gregory Nazianzen, but other patristic voices are referenced as well. He sees the works of these authors as exploring pastoral ideals that are as applicable today as they were in the early church. His goal is to ‘present in a fresh and accessible way the key principles of church leadership as they were taught by some of the great theologians of the early church’ (p. viii). Overall, he fulfills this goal admirably.
When reading this text, it is important to remember that it is intended as a pastoral guide, not as a historical or textual analysis of the patristic texts. The reader looking for a historical study of Augustine, or a deep textual reading of Gregory Nazianzen, should look elsewhere. Beeley offers ‘Suggestions for Further Reading’ at the end of this slim volume, but his list of primary sources seems more aimed at pastors looking to incorporate patristic quotes into their own sermons than scholars looking for in-depth critical engagement. With that caveat, Leading God’s People: Wisdom from the Early Church for Today can serve as an inspirational guide for individuals already in pastoral roles, who want a survey of the patristic quotes that refer to the main aspects of pastoral leadership.
This is not to say, however, that Beeley’s work should only be mined for its pastiche of quotations. Beeley offers some truly helpful advice to the modern church leadership, including how to balance institutional and personal authority, how to care for souls on their journey towards God, and how to incorporate Scriptural study into daily pastoral life. Readers will put down the book impressed with the sense that they too could be great religious leaders if they only followed Beeley’s guidance. Perhaps this is truly the strongest aspect of Beeley’s work: the ability to inspire. While never making good pastoral work sound easy, he always makes it sound possible. In today’s religious climate of institutional distrust, such hopeful advice is always welcome.