Preface to Pastoral Theology

As his title suggests, Hiltner sought to pen a preface to pastoral care. That is, he wanted to explore what was necessary before developing a theory and method of pastoral counseling. Hiltner concluded that we needed a broad-based, biblical, historical model that encapsulated the essence of the shepherding task. He found that in the four-fold historical model of sustaining and healing (soul care for suffering) and reconciling and guiding (spiritual direction for sinning). Hiltner was one of the first 20th Century authors to revive these ancient categories. He presents lively discussions of how past pastors actually provided pastoral care using these tasks. He then derived insightful implications for modern ministry. Reviewer: Robert W. Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care And Spiritual Direction, Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , "Biblical Psychology," and "Martin Luther's Pastoral Counseling."