Journal: Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
Volume: SBJT 27:2 (Summer 2023)
Article: Gregory Of Nazianzus, "Pastoral Theology"
Author: Keith Goad

Gregory Of Nazianzus, Pastoral Theology

Keith Goad

Keith Goad is Pastor of Preaching at Jefferson Park Baptist Church, Charlottesville, Virginia. He earned his PhD in Systematic Theology from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

Too many pastors leave the ministry because of frustration or fatigue, and too many think about leaving too often. Pastors need regular reminders to persevere with the right perspective in the work of being God’s stewards. It is important for pastors to feel the weight of responsibility and yet recognize that it is a desirable task. One way for pastors to consider their calling and work is to read the work of pastors from history. I want to introduce you to Gregory of Nazianzus and his sermon on pastoral ministry, which was his written defense of fleeing the call to ministry.

Gregory’s father, Gregory the Elder, was the pastor of Nazianzus and appointed his son to the ministry hoping that he would be his successor. Gregory, the son, was an academic and had recently been baptized. His plan was to enjoy a quiet, contemplative monastic life with his friend Basil. Gregory fled from his father’s appointment, which was to be on Christmas day 361, but returned by Easter 362. Upon returning to the church, he wrote a sermon defending his decision to flee because he knew the church was already busy gossiping about him.1 In his defense, he explains that he left for his own personal reasons. What is helpful for us is how he defines the work of the pastor. Gregory helps us see how pastoral ministry is necessary labor, and requires both good character and the ability to teach the most demanding subject matter—the Triune God.

SBJT 27:2 (Summer 2023) 47

Need

Gregory first explains that his decision to flee was cowardice because the appointment conflicted with his desire for the monastic life where he would need to only talk to himself and God.2 He knew the life of the church would be full of turmoil if he were to accept the call to ministry. In light of the difficulty and desire for solitude, however, he came to the conclusion that it is “better for the whole church to grow than the one, just as it is better to have a whole park rather than one tree.”3 He was willing to submit to the pastoral call because he considered the work important and necessary for the benefit of others.

He argues that the role of pastor is needed because the church needs to learn how to submit to God’s rule. He contrasts this good rule with anarchy and disorder, both of which he believes are easily achievable. The pastor continues the gospel ...