The Whole-Life Pastor
- Theology
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Work, Money & Leadership
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
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.
Endorsements (3)
“The diagnosis of the twenty-first-century church reflects a wounded and fragmented fellowship. Mark Allen proposes the prescription for healing and wholeness in The Whole-Life Pastor. He reminds us that the church should not be a Sunday club for saints; rather, it should be a hospital, which points to the Augustinian pastoral ministry model. Embodying a whole-life relationship with a congregation necessitates loving the congregation as one loves God—with one's heart, soul, mind, and strength. Allen calls readers to immerse themselves in this inclusive biblical model, which is vitally resuscitative in these days of ecclesial disintegration. Practical insights make The Whole-Life Pastor an essential literary lifeline. Read it!”
“Mark Allen's The Whole-Life Pastor is a vivid portrait of how pastoral ministry can flourish today when we draw on the wisdom of early Christian leaders like Saint Augustine. Theologically rich and eminently practical, this book is a wellspring of living waters for anyone thirsting for spiritual guidance. Allen's vision for whole-life pastoral ministry is healing medicine for our wounded world. Engaging, humorous, accessible, and timeless, Allen's work is a field book for pastoral ministry that will benefit ministers and laity alike. Warmly recommended.”
“Drinking coffee with Mark Allen changed my life. Exploring Augustine with him will do the same for you. Scriptural, readable, rooted, needed, The Whole-Life Pastor calls real-life pastors out of survival-mode ministry and into a fuller way of shepherding—one that flows from faith, hope, and love. Your congregation (and your own soul) will thank you for reading this book!”
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