The Whole-Life Pastor: An Augustinian Vision for Pastoral Ministry
Oct 2026 · Baker Books
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About this ebook
How Augustine Can Help You Lead Your Congregation Toward Healing and Unity
Pastoral ministry often exposes pastors to deep brokenness--in church members, in congregations, and even in themselves--leaving many pastors feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain. How can a pastor guide a congregation toward healing and unity when these ideals feel so far out of reach?
Seasoned pastor and seminary professor Mark D. Allen turns to Augustine of Hippo, a trusted, time-tested guide for pastoral theology and ministry in an ever-changing world. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience, Allen shows how this fifth-century bishop offers wisdom on
● leading a divided congregation toward genuine oneness in Christ;
● practicing church leadership as an act of love, not mere management;
● preaching sermons that heal and disciple people toward wholeness;
● engaging public life with confidence and grace; and
● fortifying fragile souls (and fragile pastors) for lasting ministry.
Allen walks readers through the Augustinian writings that have shaped his own ministry, pairing rich theological insight with personal illustration and real-world application. He shows how Augustine provides healing insight into ecclesiology, administration, preaching, discipleship, apologetics, and public theology to inspire congregations to work for human flourishing and the common good.
Ideal for students of pastoral theology and leadership as well as practicing ministers seeking renewal, The Whole-Life Pastor offers a hopeful journey toward healing in Christ. Grounded in Augustine's pastoral theology and practice, it equips pastors and ministry students alike to shepherd others--and themselves--toward wholeness.
Pastoral ministry often exposes pastors to deep brokenness--in church members, in congregations, and even in themselves--leaving many pastors feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain. How can a pastor guide a congregation toward healing and unity when these ideals feel so far out of reach?
Seasoned pastor and seminary professor Mark D. Allen turns to Augustine of Hippo, a trusted, time-tested guide for pastoral theology and ministry in an ever-changing world. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience, Allen shows how this fifth-century bishop offers wisdom on
● leading a divided congregation toward genuine oneness in Christ;
● practicing church leadership as an act of love, not mere management;
● preaching sermons that heal and disciple people toward wholeness;
● engaging public life with confidence and grace; and
● fortifying fragile souls (and fragile pastors) for lasting ministry.
Allen walks readers through the Augustinian writings that have shaped his own ministry, pairing rich theological insight with personal illustration and real-world application. He shows how Augustine provides healing insight into ecclesiology, administration, preaching, discipleship, apologetics, and public theology to inspire congregations to work for human flourishing and the common good.
Ideal for students of pastoral theology and leadership as well as practicing ministers seeking renewal, The Whole-Life Pastor offers a hopeful journey toward healing in Christ. Grounded in Augustine's pastoral theology and practice, it equips pastors and ministry students alike to shepherd others--and themselves--toward wholeness.
How Augustine Can Help You Lead Your Congregation Toward Healing and Unity
Pastoral ministry often exposes pastors to deep brokenness--in church members, in congregations, and even in themselves--leaving many pastors feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and uncertain. How can a pastor guide a congrega...
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About the author
Mark D. Allen (PhD, University of Notre Dame; DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical and theological studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virgina. He has been pastoring for nearly thirty years and currently serves as the pastor of Memorial Methodist Church in Appomattox, Virginia. He is the coauthor (with Joshua D. Chatraw) of two award-winning books, Apologetics at the Cross: An Introduction for Christian Witness and The Augustine Way: Retrieving a Vision for the Church's Apologetic Witness.
Mark D. Allen (PhD, University of Notre Dame; DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical and theological studies at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virgina. He has been pastoring for nearly thirty years and currently serves as the pastor of Memorial Methodist Church in A...
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