“The object of a pastoral theology is to enable men to be true pastors… Right conduct and action should always grow from right principles… Now, the fundamental principles of Lutheran faith and theology are different from those of the Reformed Churches. There is a difference in doctrine. Because of this there must of necessity be a difference in spirit, which will manifest itself in a difference in life.” - George Gerberding, from the Introduction

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate: Some subject matter knowledge useful.

Contents

• Works of Prof. Gerberding
• Titlepage
• Dedication
• Preface to Second Edition
• Introduction
• Table of Contents

Part 1: The Pastor’s Office and Call

• 1. The Pastor’s Office
• 2. The Pastor’s Call - The Inner or Preparatory Call
• 3. The External or Official Call
• 4. Ordination - And the Call from One Field of Labor to Another

Part 2: The Pastor as a Man

• 5. In His Personal Character and in Society
• 6. In His Study
• 7. In His Closet

Part 3: The Pastor’s General Work - General Seelsorge

• 8. Taking the Oversight - AS Head of His Congregation or Parish
• 9. Guarding the Good Name and the Altar of His Church - Church Discipline

Part 4: The Pastor in the Sanctuary

• 10. In the Pulpit - Preaching the Word
• 11. At the Altar - Leading the Worship of the Congregation
• 12. Baptizing
• 13. Catchising and Confirming
• 14. Conducting the Service Preparatory to the Holy Communion
• 15. Administering the Holy Communion
• 16. Performing the Marriage Ceremony
• 17. Ministering to the Bereaved - Burying the Dead

Part 5: The Pastor’s Private Work - Special or Private Seelsorge

• 18. Significance - Principles and Importance of Private Seelsorge
• 19. The Pastor Visiting
• 20. Visiting Special Classes
• 21. Visiting the Sick

Part 6: The Pastor’s Relation to Synod and Conference - His Vacation - Conclusion

• 22. The Pastor’s Relation to Synod and Conference
• 23. Vacation - Conclusion - Reward

• Index

Publication Information

• Lutheran Library edition first published: 2024
• Copyright: CC BY 4.0