The Contemplative Pastor
Dear Pastors
Eugene Peterson, The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction. Eerdmans, 1989.
Last week I paid tribute to this legend of a man. I’ve felt some sadness this last week which is a wee bit odd as I have never met Eugene Peterson (EP) though I so wanted to. Well, not in person but I did through his writing. I came to really appreciate his insights into the pastoral vocation. EP perhaps more than anyone else showed me the incredible privilege AND responsibility pastoral leadership is. He gave great dignity to this holy calling.
The Contemplative Pastor was published in 1989, 7 years after I began work as a Pastor. It was the third of EP’s work on pastoral theology. It was preceded by ‘Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work’ and ‘Working the Angles’ and followed by ‘Under the Unpredictable Plant’ (1992) and ‘Pastor: A Memoir’ (2011). I can’t quite remember when I read ‘The Contemplative Pastor’ but probably in 1993/94. By now my wife Jeanette had trained as a Spiritual Director and I knew God was on my case. You see, like many of you I am a true blue activist. Slowing, let alone stopping and spend time in contemplation and silence was a foreign idea to me so much so that when Jeanette went on her first seven day silent retreat……… did you catch that........ 7 days of silence I wondered what and who I had actually married. In fact should she have even married……me of all people? I joke of course!
Peterson talks about many things in this book but perhaps the one thing that challenged me enormously, no it convicted me was his writing about ‘unbusy’. He talked about a blasphemous anxiety to do God’s work for him. “Our busyness is related to our insecure need to appear competent and important. But the work of proclamation demands long periods of quiet meditation, giving attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” Acts 6. On reflection and to be honest I feel I might be lucky to score a ‘C’ for this approach to pastoral ministry. My activism always seems to get the better of me.
However, one thing I did start doing in the second half of life on a much more consistent basis and that was informed by EP (and Jeanette) was better reflection. I remember Murray Robertson (then Pastor of Spreydon Baptist Church) once saying that the model Jesus used to train his disciples was ‘Action – Reflection – Better Action’. Think Luke 10. I have found this practise VERY helpful. The way I do this is simple. I am an early riser. For the first 30 – 45 minutes most mornings I sit quietly with a coffee and prayerfully reflect about life, family and work. I ask God to show me and speak to me about what happened yesterday (or recently) and what I could have done better. I intentionally think about difficult situations and problems that need to be fixed. I pray for wisdom and insights that are better than my own etc, etc. I’m sure you are catching my drift. On occasion I journal. As recently as this morning I am amazed at the clarity of thought and insight God gives me. Needless to say I recommend this practise. Perhaps it even qualifies as a ‘spiritual discipline?’
Anyway, all that said to say this. Read a Peterson book or two or 10. You will be so glad you did.
Also you might like to also watch this most delightful 20 minute ‘film’ produced by Fuller Seminary Media where Bono and EP get to know each other and talk about the Psalms. It’s a fabulous short movie and ever so heart-warming. You might even like to show your congregation on the Sunday morning sermon slot? They would love it.
And now I better go and put out the rubbish.
Blessings
Alan
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
