Comments on: The Eugene Peterson Book That Turned My World Upside Down

By: CL

CL — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:43:56 +0000

I just love Peterson’s books on pastoral ministry. Get them. Read them. He has the really irritating habit of saying “he or she” whenever referring to a pastor, but he has so many profound and insightful things to say that you just have to forgive him.

The Contemplative Pastor
Working The Angles
Under The Unpredictable Plant
Five Smooth Stones For Pastoral Work

By: David

David — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:39:51 +0000

People,

Thanks for your answers on my question about Peterson. It really helps me.

By: Julana

Julana — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 13:50:27 +0000

I really appreciate Peterson’s depth, humility, and willingness to share his perspective.

I was able to download some good talks and an interview of him from Calvin College’s web site.
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You might also be interested in Mary Yerkes’ blog post containing a PDF of Peterson’s presentation: “What Are Writers Good For?”

By: Joshua Manning

Joshua Manning — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:56:32 +0000

Between Michael Spencer, Eugene Peterson, and Capt. Picard, bald is cool again!

By: stoneface

stoneface — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 20:48:59 +0000

I’d just like to add that I am a student at a large Southern Baptist Seminary and Peterson’s books on pastoral ministry (though not his Bible translation) were recommended to me by at least 2 different professors and also were recommended in a chapel service. So, I’m glad to say that at least some are still “getting it.” I’m trying to get my hands on Five Smooth Stones now.

By: Janible

Janible — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 05:43:28 +0000

Eugene Peterson has written some wonderful, challenging books. Like Josh, A Long Walk in the Same Direction is one of my favorites. I’ve also been really enjoying his new series of books, the first of which is Christ Plays in 10,000 Places. I like The Message, though I prefer reading passages in conjunction with another version. I do wish more people could be exposed to his other books, as well.

By: Black Angus

Black Angus — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:12:18 +0000

I had the joy of coming across Peterson while I was at Bible College and like for many people above he has shaped my approach to pastoral ministry more than any other writer. His emphasis on Scripture, prayer and what I think of as an ‘agricultural’ approach to ministry really struck me: ‘That’s the kind of pastor I want to be!’ By agricultural I mean Peterson’s emphasis on long-term patience. Not looking for quick changes or growth but planting now for a long-term harvest, and sticking around to be part of it! He should be on the required reading list for anyone training for or in pastoral work.

By: Emily Hunter McGowin

Emily Hunter McGowin — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 21:52:18 +0000

I am not a pastor by vocation, but I am married to one and shepherd by practice. Reading Working the Angles has done tremendous things for the way we approach ministry together and individually. Since every believer is a minister in my tradition, I would recommend this volume to every follower of Jesus. Thanks for sharing the excerpt from the introduction. The conviction was thick in the room when Ronnie and I read those paragraphs aloud.

By: Wolf Paul

Wolf Paul — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 20:12:59 +0000

Here is a link to the Peterson interview mentioned by some which does not require a CT subscription:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/march/26.42.html

By: caplight

caplight — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:05:51 +0000

A friend of mine bugged me for three years to read Working the Angles. I am so glad I finally did. A great insight into ministry by a man who is not cowed by American ecclesiastical successism.