Lesson 1 – General Introduction to the Course

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I. An explanation of the title of the course, “Pastoral Theology”

A. Exegetical Theology

B. Biblical Theology

C. Historical Theology

D. Systematic Theology

Benjamin B. Warfield, “The Indispensableness of Systematic Theology to the Preacher,” in Selected Shorter Writings, vol. 2 (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 1973), pp. 280-281.

E. Pastoral Theology

2 Tim. 3:15, 16

Morton H. Smith, Systematic Theology, vol. 1 (Greenville, SC: Greenville Seminary Press, 1994), p. 18.

Thomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology (Audubon, NJ: Old Paths Publications, 1996), pp. 22-23, 24.

 

II. A description of the nature of the lectures of the course

A. Topical in structure and form

B. Permeated with quotations and illustrations

1. To show that others have gone before in these matters

2. To make certain authors familiar

3. To effectively communicate great principles through real illustrations

Thomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology (Audubon, NJ: Old Paths Publications, 1996), pp. 20-21.

C. Purposely selective in points of emphasis

1. The biblical emphases regarding the work of the ministry

2. The observed lack in existing materials and theories on the work of the ministry

3. The proven areas of needful instruction and exhortation in the work of the ministry

 

III. An explanation of the formative presuppositions of the course

A. The primacy of preaching among the public duties of the Christian ministry

1 Cor. 1:18, 21
Rom. 10:13-15

John A. Broadus, A Treatise On the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons (Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground Christian Books, 2005), pp. 2-3.

B. The vital place of biblical church order as the supportive context of effective preaching

1 Tim. 3:14, 15

C. A conviction that a life of vital godliness is an indispensable prerequisite for all ministerial efficiency

Prov. 4:23
1 Tim. 3:1, 2

James Stalker, The Preacher and His Models (New York: Hodder and Stoughton, 1891), pp. 54-55.

James Stalker, The Preacher and His Models (New York: Hodder and Stoughton, 1891), pp. 167-168.

D. The constant and delicate confluence and interaction of the divine and human elements in every aspect of the work of the ministry

1 Tim. 4:12-15
2 Tim. 1:6, 7
2 Tim. 2:15
2 Tim. 2:7
John 15:4
Phil. 2:12, 13

E. The necessity of subjecting this matter to focused analysis and structured presentation

Thomas Murphy, Pastoral Theology (Audubon, NJ: Old Paths Publications, 1996), pp. 23, 24.

 

IV. A summary of the scope of the course

A. The call of the man of God to the pastoral office

B. The life of the man of God in the pastoral office

C. The preaching ministry of the man of God in the pastoral office

D. The work of oversight, government, and shepherding by the man of God in the pastoral office

E. The intercessory prayer ministry of the man of God in the pastoral office

F. Miscellaneous pastoral theology concerns

 

V. A word about the structure of the sessions of the module