Pastoral Theology Vol 2: The Man of God, His Preaching and Teaching Labors (Albert N. Martin)

Pastoral Theology, Volume 2

The Man of God, His Preaching and Teaching Labors

Among the manifold responsibilities and privileges of being a scripturally-recognized elder in Christ’s church who is set apart to “labor in preaching and teaching”(1 Tim. 5:17), no function in that office is of greater importance than that of the preaching and teaching labors of the man of God.

This book begins with the articulation of seven basic axioms that apply to every species of biblical preaching and teaching, and moves forward to identify the three basic categories of legitimate sermons. Then a working framework for the actual construction of sermons, including introductions and conclusions, is set before us. The concluding section focuses on The Act of Preaching itself. In these chapters, such things as the place of emotions, physical action, the use of vocal powers, and the benefits and liabilities of a sermon manuscript are thoroughly discussed.

The author sets a treatment of these various subjects that is drawn primarily from the contents of the Bible, the insights of general revelation, and the confirming voice of proven guides from past generations.

Endorsements

“More than anything else, the church of Christ needs pastors. It is, of course, essential to have preachers explaining and applying the Bible to those listening. We thank God for these, praying that they will continue to be provided and used for His glory throughout the world. But a pastor, though never less, is more than a preacher, for, as “pastor” means, he is a “shepherd” of God’s people, caring for them in all their spiritual needs, guiding, upholding, protecting and healing the needy and lovable humans whom the Lord has entrusted to his care.

After more than half a century of such service Al Martin is a widely experienced shepherd now providing the first of three volumes of pastoral theology for the profound blessing of Christ’s church. From various angles these chapters come before us enriched. The pastor who has written them, having devoted himself to many years of caring for his people, has also deepened his understanding by drawing widely from an extensive library of books on the subject, feeding his own thinking into the lectures. These have then been given several times to students, on each occasion re-shaped, deepened and clarified.

A Faithful Career of Training Pastors

“In listening to Pastor Martin since the late 1960s, I have been blessed by scores of his sermons, yet appreciated particularly his lectures for pastors. Over the last 30 years, as he and I have spent many hours together, it has been fascinating to see him, as it were, thinking aloud and shaping treatments of various pastoral issues. To recommend now this treasure of pastoral theology is for me a real privilege. Many have already been greatly helped through hearing these lectures, but with all my heart I pray and, trusting in the Lord’s activity, believe that many more will now have the opportunity of reading, digesting, and applying these gems of truth for themselves and their people. Glory to God.”

—Edward Donnelly, retired Pastor of Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church, Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, and Emeritus Professor of New Testament at the Reformed Theological College, Belfast, Northern Ireland