The Augustinian Pastor
- Theology
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- World Religions
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
Discover Augustine's Pastoral Heart for Today's Complex ChallengesCan embracing Augustine as a role model and mentor transform pastoral life and ministry? In The Augustinian Pastor, Joseph Sherrard invites readers to encounter Augustine anew--not merely as a theologian or philosopher but as a pastor and mentor. Sherrard weaves together the story of Augustine's life and his various writings to offer pastors a deep well of wisdom for ministry today, exploring both who the pastor is and how that informs the various things the pastor does. You'll discover:● a pastoral mentor for modern ministry--encounter Augustine as a fellow shepherd who sustained a lifetime of faithful ministry● wisdom for who you are, not just what you do--explore the pastor's story, rule of life, friendships, and heart before diving into preaching, discipleship, and ecclesiology● practical implementation--each chapter concludes with concrete suggestions for applying Augustinian principles to your specific context● deep wells for weary shepherds--find time-tested insights on pastoral friendship, pride and humility, the cure of souls, and the church community After more than a decade of ministry, Sherrard encountered Augustine afresh; he found that Augustine's writings and sermons came alive when he heard them in the voice of a fellow pastor shepherding his flock. Sherrard discovered a mentor who had walked the road before him. Augustine understood the complexities of ministry, navigating the challenges of his own complicated times while guiding his people through church conflict and forming them for the ordinary work of love. With a foreword by Esau McCaulley, The Augustinian Pastor offers timeless wisdom, insight, and encouragement for the work of pastoral ministry.
Endorsements (5)
Foreword
“This book is instructive without being preachy, convicting without being legalistic, and inspiring in the picture it paints of pastoral ministry. I am a better clergy person for having engaged it, and I am sure that you will be as well.”
“In our time of cultural and spiritual chaos, pastoral ministry is for neither the faint of heart nor the lone ranger. For the fortitude and faithfulness called for, we need to choose our mentors—living and dead—carefully. Many pastors have thus become interested in welcoming Augustine of Hippo, one of the greatest pastor-theologians of all time, into their inner circle. But if we’re honest, Augustine’s voluminous output and cultural distance might keep him on the outskirts. If only there were a work informed by the latest scholarship and attuned to the realities of pastoral ministry that could make the introduction. Now there is. If pastors want to apprentice themselves to Augustine, The Augustinian Pastor is the place to start. Joey Sherrard demonstrates that Augustine’s approach to ministry is simultaneously ancient and relevant for today, his wisdom clear and profound, and his insights theologically rich and pastorally sensitive.”
“Very few theologians have shaped my thinking and life as much as Augustine. Growing out of a similar experience, Joey Sherrard has put together a fantastic book that serves as an extended pastoral reflection brimming with insight and clear counsel. Sometimes we need mentors from different times and contexts who can speak afresh into our suffocating present, helping us to look above the immediate challenges and lift our gaze to God’s faithfulness. As this happens in this book, we discover the kinds of practices that can help us remain faithful to the pastoral calling. If you feel like you were ‘supposed’ to read Augustine but have always been overwhelmed by the task, stop feeling guilty and start enjoying what you will learn from this book. It will be a balm to your soul and a gift to your ministry.”
“Who wouldn’t want Augustine as a local church pastor? Scintillating biblical commentary, penetrating cultural analysis, profound theological reflections—what’s not to like? Joey Sherrard, a pastor charged with discipling others, has made Augustine his mentor, and in this book he shares with us what he has learned about Augustine the person and his habitual pastoral practices. The topics Sherrard selects are apt, the pastoral practices he examines are edifying, and the wisdom he gleans from Augustine’s writings is richly instructive. He has clearly learned much from his mentor, and we (pastors or not) who take up and read Sherrard can learn from him too.”
“Joey Sherrard demonstrates why apprenticing ourselves to Augustine of Hippo offers hope and wisdom to pastors today. Augustine models integrity and fidelity. He models prayer, preaching, and a host of other pastoral activities too. Sherrard shows how reading widely in Augustine’s corpus equips us for the wide breadth of life and ministry. I commend this book to pastors and to all training to be pastors.”
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