The "Philosopher"-Pastor

 The "Philosopher"-Pastor


This little treatise is probably going to be a bit autobiographical--so, if you would rather not peruse it, here is your early "warning"(!)  Just very recently, I have come to more-fully realize that I myself fit into this category of a "philosopher"-pastor.  From the very outset, I wish to emphasize that the word "pastor" takes absolute precedence over the descriptor "philosopher."

 

. . . In my opinion, in many cases, the "philosopher"-pastor never intended to be a church minister of the gospel.  Instead, he envisioned his life as one of quiet study and writing--with perhaps some teaching mixed-in.  (Just how he was going to pull this off, is anyone's guess[!])  But, in time, God clearly calls these "philosopher"-pastors into the church's formal gospel ministry.  When this call happens, they go.

 

In the history of the church, I would include the following men in the category of "philosopher"-pastors: Augustine, Anselm of Canterbury, John Calvin (with an asterisk*), and Jonathan Edwards.  (Ambrose of Milan might also be slotted in.)  None of these men--with the notable exception of Edwards (and perhaps Anselm)--were "planning" to be pastors in Christ's church.  Still, all of them got called; and all of them accepted the call.

 

"Philosopher"-pastors are sort of "odd birds" in the church, and even among the college of the church's truly-called ministers (presbyters).  They tend to be "different," a little out of the "mainstream."  In practical terms, these pastors gravitate toward simplicity in the ministry, by emphasizing and focusing on the ordinary means of grace: the church's Sunday preaching of the gospel; the administration of the sacraments (of baptism and the Lord's Supper); and prayer.  These "philosopher"-pastors sometimes, (not always), are not the greatest at fully-understanding or -appreciating--let alone practicing--some other important aspects of the ministry.  These things may include formal modes of evangelism, formal modes of discipleship, church planting, (and even, to some extent) world missions.  It is not that these blessings are not truly appreciated or practiced--it is just that the "philosopher"-pastor has a more difficult time incorporating these dynamics into his practical heart of ministry.  All of these things are done (by any faithful minister)--but they are not always accomplished in the conventional ways.

 

I think "philosopher"-pastors have to take a "back seat" to their more "normal" or "conventional" pastoral colleagues.  These (other) men are the ones, typically, who actually accomplish, by God's grace alone in Jesus, the things for which we all pray.

 

Still, to understand oneself is a good and a healthy thing; and even if it takes years (or decades) to finally realize who you are and why you operated (or operate) in the way you do--this is good and beneficial.

 

The church is both made up of (and needs) all types of people: men and women, boys and girls, who are all one body in Christ--and who yet are very divergent from one another in giftedness and inclination.

 

Is there still room for "philosopher"-pastors in Christ's church?  I would say the answer is, "Yes."  Still, let us be most-grateful for those "down to earth" faithful men who actually get the work of the ministry done(!)

 

"And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified," (1 Cor. 2:1-2/ESV).

 

Rev. Mark J. Henninger

Treatise #98

13 May 2026

*  Calvin was not a big fan of the incorporation of conventional philosophy into theological discussions.  Still, he knew and understood it very well.

https://theologicaltreatisesinretirement.blogspot.com

https://henningerdevotions.blogspot.com/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Movie Review: "A Great Awakening"

  Movie Review: "A Great Awakening" Lesley and I just returned home from seeing the premier showing of the movie, "A Great Awakening."  It was really good--one of the best movies she or I have ever seen.  The casting is outstanding; the acting is fantastic; and the plot line is wonderful.  I do not know who produced this movie--but they should be congratulated on doing excellent work; and; more than that, for being unashamed of the gospel of grace.   The way the producers weave the themes of the American Constitutional Convention (held years after the end of the American Revolution), with savory effects of The Great Awakening, is masterful.  The man who plays Benjamin Franklin is so well-cast, that you could almost imagine this being the original Benjamin Franklin.   George Whitefield is the main character in the movie; and he is also spectacularly-cast.  His voice, his demeanor, and his ways are completely convincing; and...
Read more

How Do we Know we Are Right?

  How Do we Know we Are Right? Have you ever asked yourself this question?  What gives  us --and, for sake of clarity, I will mean by  "us"  (particularly) those convinced and convicted members of the Reformed expression of the Christian religion-- both  the  "right"  and the  "confidence"  to boldly state that we  are,  with regard to religious debate,  "in the right"?   This is actually a very good, and important question.  I would like to forthrightly  answer  the query; and then seek to work out some of the details (that I am quite certain may be on many people's minds). . . .   The  true regenerated  saints of Christ's church--and in this case, we will include those who are members of any number of orthodox Christian communions (denominations)--know that they are "in the right" because of the  internal witness of the Holy Spirit within them,  (cf. for now Rom...
Read more

What Is Preaching?

  What Is Preaching? Dedicated to all truly-called church ministers of the gospel When I ask the question, "What is preaching?", the context I have in mind is mostly, (but not exclusively), the church's Sunday worship services.  I also hope to address the issue of the goal (or end) of preaching.   Paul's 10th chapter of Romans is probably the most comprehensive treatment of this sublime subject; and his (Paul's) Holy Spirit-inspired injunction of 2 Tim. 4:2a: "Preach the Word!", says it very succinctly.   I believe that preaching is the authoritative verbal presentation of the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ in the message of His gospel of grace and mercy.  I also believe that anything short of this, is not preaching at all.  It is also my conviction that every text of Holy Scripture not only  lends  itself to this grand enterprise; but  exists  so as to facilitate it.   Therefore, when a true gospel preacher approach...
Read more