Pastoral Theology by Thomas Murphy: A Brief Review
Posted by deangonzales on February 2, 2010
Pastoral Theology is appropriately subtitled “The Pastor in the Various Duties of His Office.” In the book, Dr. Thomas Murphy carefully provides the reader a balanced mixture of theological exposition and practical exhortation. Each chapter seeks to address a unique area of focus common to those in pastoral ministry, providing instruction for how a man might faithfully and biblically serve God and His church in that particular area of ministry. Although Murphy deals with a wide spectrum of pastoral duties throughout the book, this review will restrict its focus to the chapters assigned for this course, specifically chapters two and three.
In chapter two, Dr. Murphy’s focus is “The Pastor in His Closet,” addressing the level of personal piety necessary for carrying out a faithful pastoral ministry. Murphy quickly makes it clear that the pastor’s piety is of the utmost importance, opening the chapter with suitably strong words: “Eminent piety is the indispensable qualification for the ministry of the gospel. By this is not meant simply a piety the genuineness of which is unquestionable, but a piety the degree of which is above that of ordinary believers.”1
In the section that follows, the author enumerates a multitude of reasons that the pastor is to give great attention to maintaining his personal communion with God. It is clear that a pastor’s consistent, growing walk with the Lord is central to his being qualified to serve in his calling. In addition, this piety provides the spiritual power and godly example that will make his ministry effective. Murphy goes on then to outline how a pastor is to cultivate this increasing level of piety. The reviewer found this to be an immensely practical section, reminding even the most seasoned pastor of the crucial importance of seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Murphy bemoans the growing neglect of continual, fervent prayer on the part of pastors in his day. His words are more needed than ever in the face of modern evangelicalism in America:
The old ministers were not much better preachers than we are, and in many respects they were inferior, but there was an unction about their ministry, and success attended upon it now but seldom witnessed. And what was the cause of the difference? They prayed more than we do. If we would prevail and have power with men, we must first prevail and have power with God.2
In addition to continual prayer throughout the day, it is essential that a pastor consecrate a time each day specifically for drawing near to God. Murphy suggests “that the pastor set apart the first hour of every day for uninterrupted communion with God”3, providing the proper focus for the rest of the day.
Finally, if the pastor is to grow in his knowledge of the Lord he must maintain a regular practice of reading the Scriptures, mediating on them, and applying their truth to himself. Murphy concludes the chapter by providing a concise list of both hindrances and helps in developing the kind of personal piety that the pastorate requires. The author briefly reflects on temptations that are common to those in the ministry. From treating the ministry as simply a career to underestimating the forces of spiritual warfare, pastors must be on guard against these pitfalls. On the other end of the spectrum, Murphy reminds the reader of the great blessings that are afforded to those in pastoral ministry in that their livelihood provides them motivation and opportunity for pursuing godliness that are not available to most laymen.
As Murphy moves on to chapter three, his focus becomes “the pastor in the study.” If chapter two could be summarized as the need to cultivate the heart for communion with God through prayer and devotion, chapter three is dedicated to cultivating the mind for communion with God through regular, ongoing, systematic study. In making his case to the reader for the central role study is to play in the life of a pastor, the author goes as far as to argue: “God will not inspire a man without his own efforts, for the Spirit works through the diligent use of human means.”4 This is a much needed reminder that our diligent study to know God does not demonstrate a lack of faith in His illuminating grace, but instead avails itself to this very grace in the way in which God has commanded.
Murphy does not simply entreat the reader to devote himself to study, but provides immensely useful advice on how he might structure his time so as to give study the priority it deserves. The author even suggests times for when one might study and gives advice on the attitude and approach the reader should take during these times set aside for growth in knowledge. This down-to-earth, clear instruction was particularly helpful to the reviewer, providing a clear path forward for those ministering in a fast-paced, stressful culture which makes constant demands for one’s time and attention. For study to be effective, there must be a pre-planned system for ensuring it is a priority in the ongoing work of the minister.
Not only should there be an organized system for when and how the pastor studies, but he should also develop a strategy for what he will study. Murphy provides a suggested plan for gaining a broad knowledge of the whole counsel of God so that the pastor is prepared for whatever unique challenges and opportunities are presented to him. This includes a commitment to reading the Bible broadly and narrowly at the same time, diving deeply into particular books and sections of scripture while at the same time being able to place them in their context within the whole cannon. It requires the ongoing memorization of key passages of scripture, as well as a commitment to stay fresh with the original languages. Steadfastness in these areas will keep the pastor’s study from growing cold or dull, ensuring that he is continually equipped to carry out his ministry with competence and zeal.
Pastoral Theology is a tremendously helpful tool for pastors old and new alike. While it is written in a readily accessible style, it’s content is rich and transformative. Murphy lays a biblical foundation for each practice and then proceeds to provide clear direction on how it might be carried out. In a culture when pragmatism tends to win the day, this book stands as a resounding call to pastors to hold fast to what is most important by watching their “life and doctrine closely” (1 Timothy 4:16). Most importantly, Murphy reminds us over and over again that the key to a faithful, thriving ministry is not found in relying confidently in our talent or giftedness, but in being driven to our knees in utter dependence on God’s power and grace. It is as God’s under shepherds take this posture day after day that we live out Murphy’s prayer, found on p. 6 in the introduction to the book, that we might “contribute…to the promotion of the glory of Christ our King.”
Bill Streger
Pastor of Kaleo Church, Houston
Student of Reformed Baptist Seminary
If you’re interested, you may purchase the book at Trinity Book Service or Amazon.com for around $30.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:17 pm
Does he have a chapter on the Pastor with his people? How about a chapter on the Pastor’s sympathy with the weaknesses of his sheep?
Seems to me a lot of these books are more about Study and Pulpit than about knowing and loving the people under the pastor’s care.
The ministry is about God and His people. When more emphasis is put on one than the other, you will have a damaging imbalance that will eventually come out in the end.
Pastors who are always in their study reading and praying have some big holes in their ministry.
They should get out and attend a basketball game for one of the teenage boys in their congregation, or teach a 3rd-4th grade Sunday School class so they can get into the hearts of the kids. A Pastor that spends 48 hours a week working on the Sunday sermons may get the accolades of a few, but he’ll lose the hearts of many.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Raja, you are absolutely right. For a pastor to shut himself up in his study and not be with his people would be a mistake. The review I wrote was for a class with the narrow focus of a pastor’s devotional life – that’s why I said in the first paragraph:
“Although Murphy deals with a wide spectrum of pastoral duties throughout the book, this review will restrict its focus to the chapters assigned for this course, specifically chapters two and three.”
The book addresses a number of pastoral issues, including a large section of very practical advice on pastoral visitation, oversight, and care. In fact, it’s this section on regularly spending time with your people that I’ve recommended to a number of other pastors since I read the book. I highly recommended it.
February 3rd, 2010 at 5:50 am
Great review! Thanks for sharing.
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Bill,
Thanks, I missed your qualification at the beginning of the post…