Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work

Peterson is a prolific writer. His material is excellent. This book is no different. The book takes a unique look at the Megilloth. These are the books of Ester, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Ruth, and Lamentations. He provides a metanarrative of each book with a perspective on pastoral care for the congregation. What is most excellent about the book is the focus on allowing the story of God, and the inspired text do the heavy lifting for providing spiritual care for people? Spiritual care is contrasted with the modern approaches to helping people deal with the struggles of life. It was nice to have God being the focus for spiritual recovery instead of a humanly devised tactic. The book is full of insights, much of which will preach. Here is one: "This sudden intrusion of free will, Ruth assertively taking the initiative, would hardly be lost on any who are paying attention to the story. Ruth is not a victim. Being in God's story does not mean passively letting things happen to us. It does not mean dumb submission, nor blind obedience." Here is another excellent example. "Some people, like Boaz, get into the story by taking up their responsibilities. They plunge into a righteous living, which models God's righteous relationships by going beyond the letter of the law and persistently and generously seeking for ways to put their wealth and position to work on behalf of others." The book does a great job of connecting the Biblical story to our stories. He deals with sexuality and prayer, dealing with pain and suffering, and being part of the narrative of God. Here is another perspective. "Suffering is an event in which we are particularly vulnerable to grace, able to recognize dimensions in God and depths in the self. To treat it as a "problem" is to demean the person." Here is another insight into worship. "Pastors are subjected to two recurrent phrases from the people to whom they give spiritual leadership. Both are reminiscent of Baalism, enough to earn the label "neo-Baalism." The phrases are: "Let's have a worship experience" and "I don't get anything out of it." There is much more, but this book was helpful for my own spiritual life, and also gave extra tools to be a blessing to the congregation. This is an excellent book for preachers and pastors/elders.

I found this book of great value to both church leader, ie. pastor and the parishioner. I highly recommend this tool as a way to guide one in search of journey through leadership with ones community.

I needed this book for a course and loved it. Peterson's writing is poetic while at the same time down to earth. He teaches profound wisdom in simple ways. I think that description would make a good job description for pastors if we could only learn to do so as well as Peterson does. I have a better idea of the kind of pastor I want to be and how to be that pastor, thanks to Peterson's writing. In the book, Peterson looks at five books of the Bible (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther) that are often, sadly, overlooked and shows us the wonders they offer. He applies the truths of these books to the role of the pastor. The wisdom within these books touch the heart of the day to day work of a pastor in relation to those in the congregational community.

Can't say enough about this book. The concept that pastoral work can take its cues from the perspective of 5 different books of the Old Testament. Each book forms a chapter. Chapters are of course divided into sub-headings each delving into a different aspect of the subject of that chapter/book. For instance Ruth: the Pastor's work of story-telling is about the importance of finding the redemption story in each life, communcating God's value of the person's life, taking time to hear their story and helping them see that Divine Thread of Redemption, bringing hope and making sense out of a jumble of events. I'm not doing it justice. The First Book is the Song of Solomon, it's all about making contact with God, absolutely fantastic. Masterfully written. Gives me new respect for the Message.

Eugene Peterson is a gifted writer and pastor. He writes so well! Perhaps since you are reading this review you may get the same feeling when you finish one of his great books. This is another one of his great ones. This book is very deep yet accessible. The intended audience for Five Smooth Stones may be limited to pastors but it makes for interesting reading as he really gets into the Old Testament books of Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther. While there are moments of dated references there are clear implications from his thoughts for current pastoral work and thought. He gets into prayer, life story, pain sharing, community building and humility.

Definitely on my top 10 list for pastoral ministry; especially essential for all who serve the body of Christ; especially key resources for mentoring and preparing younger pastors

Eugene Peterson reaches back through Jewish history and provides a bridge for our contemporary times. His constant goal is to apply ancient lessons, via poetry and prose, to the pastoral call and ministry. His passion for developing pastors and protecting God's people is evident as he calls the reader to use the ancient texts as a vehicle for the Holy Spirit to complete a divine work. This book is a must for pastors who desire to speak to and shepherd God's people from neglected OT books.

For anyone looking to understand the role and work of a pastor, this book provides the perfect substance to confirm what you know to be true in your heart. The work of the pastor is less about growth models and next big thing, and more about the day-to-day life of faithfulness rooted in who we are as God's people.

Great Christian study book - ideal for group study - well written - very helpful to a christian faith. We loved it Highly recommended AAA+++

All a good read; an engaging writing style nicely balanced between theory and practice, provides helpful insights for pastoral work.

Peterson has produced one of the must read books for any serious pastoral worker. It gives so much useful insight into all types of situations and is a must for all.

Brought this for myself then got a copy for my Son in law and it s a very good read with great insight from the guy who gave us The Message bible

An unusual foray into the last 5 books added to the OT canon, with pastoral applications. While not traditionally thought of as being pastoral and perhaps a theological stretch for some, the practical is still with warrant for ministers here. Peterson is always insightful, poignant, and interesting, able to address current church leadership issues head-on without too much denominational offense. A bit academic at times, yet easily readable for any minister.