251 pages; 1992

Whereas much of the current literature on pastoring stresses up-to-date training and new techniques stemming from the behavioral sciences, Eugene Peterson here calls for returning to an “old” resource—the Bible—as the basis for all of pastoral ministry.

Originally published in 1980 and now being reprinted to meet continuing demand, Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work shows how five Old Testament books provide a solid foundation for much of what a pastor does:

• Prayer-Directing: Song of Songs


• Story-Making: Ruth


• Pain-Sharing: Lamentations


• Nay-Saying: Ecclesiastes


• Community-Building: Esther

Pointing to the relevance of ancient wisdom, adapting Jewish religious tradition to contemporary pastoral practice, and affirming a significant link between pastoral work and the act of worship, this book opens up to pastors a wealth of valuable practical-theological insights.