Justin Miller. John Owen on Pastoral Preaching. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, January 13, 2022. 67 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Over the years I have met Christians who told me they have been impacted by the writing of John Owens. There are books covering the topic of John Owen’s contribution to theology but it is important to understood his theology in the context of his understanding and practice of being a pastor and specifically as a preacher. Where can one understand Owen’s perspective of pastoral ministry and preaching? This book by Pastor Theologian Justin Miller is a helpful work on Owen’s pastoral preaching.
After an introduction to John Owen the book goes over “Owen’s understanding of the recipients of Pastoral Preaching” which is namely the local church. Author Justin Miller then looks at “Owen’s understanding of the priority of Pastoral Preaching,” “Owen’s understanding of of Pastoral Preaching” and a conclusion which focuses on the biblical imperative of pastoral preaching.
I enjoyed this work. I appreciate the angle of looking at Owen’s theology of ministry. There’s many today who are becoming Reformed and can be caught up with internet and learning new things online but one must not forget the local church! Furthermore preaching shouldn’t be just seen as something done online (I’m not against that per se) but the local church is important.
Reading this did feel like its formerly a seminary academic paper; the author confirmed its his thesis for his seminary degree. Yet it addresses something that is dear to my soul: The Pastoral ministry, the local church and preaching! If the pastorate, ministry, the church and preaching and the Bible interests you, and the history of those matter, this would be a beneficial read!
Thanks for the good review! I have seen John Owen referred to in my readings many times, but the idea of reading 17th century prose makes me nervous. I’m glad you found this examination of Owen’s teaching on pastoral preaching helpful.
I hope things are going well!
Thanks for your prayers! First day went well but super tired since we got here late and slept at 3 AM; all those late night studying in the past trained for moments like these lol; how are you?
Glad you’re doing well! Mostly just routine here in rainy ROC.
Thanks for the introduction. I had never heard of him.
Blessings.
Thanks for reading this review!! Btw I plan to read your book on Jude during this trip!!
Thanks brother!
Thank you for the reference. There are many books I would not know even existed without someone reviewing them.
Aww hopefully my reviews helped!!
I see fb quotes but don’t know much about Owen’s. So I hope this can help me understand what drives him
This book is helpful; its available on Kindle as well
Thanks. I ordered the physical copy since I prefer hardcopy
Great review brother Jimmy! I really enjoyed Owen’s book: The Death of Death in the Death of Christ.
Click to access TheDeathofDeathintheDeathofChrist-JohnOwen.pdf
Wow that’s encouraging to hear you have read his classic!! I admit I Hvent read The death of death yet. When did you read this book?
A couple of years ago. Absolutely a great book worth reading.
Thanks for this review. I first heard of John Owen through Christian radio–I don’t recall who it was. The sermon was on the mortification of sin.
Ah yes mortification of sin is a classic that he wrote!