Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 85:1 (Spring 2023)
Article: Introduction To The Pastoral Theology Issue
Author: William R. Edwards

WTJ 85:1 (Spring 2023) p. 1

Introduction To The Pastoral Theology Issue

William R. Edwards

The very first issue of the Westminster Theological Journal, published in November of 1938, began with an introduction that specified its principles and framed its agenda. “The Journal is founded upon the conviction that the Holy Scriptures are the word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.”1 Note well the concluding words: and practice.

The names of the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary are listed inside the front cover of that first issue as those responsible for the Journal, one of which is R. B. Kuiper, a founding faculty member who taught systematic theology and homiletics in the seminary’s first year. He departed in 1930 to serve as president of Calvin College, and John Murray was appointed in his place to teach systematic theology. Kuiper returned, however, in 1933 to serve as the first professor of practical theology, a position he held until he retired in 1952, after which he was succeeded by Edmund Clowney. Both Kuiper and Clowney were substantial contributors to the Westminster Theological Journal, providing both articles and book reviews on matters related to pastoral theology and ministry practice. For example, the second volume of the Journal, published in November 1939, contains just one article, by R. B. Kuiper, titled, “The Christian Pulpit and Social Problems.”2 Clowney contributed articles such as “Secularism and the Christian Mission” and “Toward a Biblical Doctrine of the Church.”3

Over the years, subsequent professors of practical theology provided further articles and book reviews, including Jay Adams, John Bettler, Harvie Conn, Manuel Ortiz, and, most recently, Tim Witmer. Professors in other departments also contributed articles related to matters of pastoral ministry, including John Murray’s six articles on divorce, subsequently revised and published as a book.4 Another deserving mention is Richard Gaffin’s article “The Usefulness of the Cross,” rich with implications for both the pastor and those he serves in ministry, exploring the sufferings of Christ as they mark the life of his followers even as they are sustained by his resurrection power.5 Over the years, articles have been contributed by biblical scholars, theologians, church historians, pastors, and other practitioners, addressing matters of counseling, ecclesiology, devotional life, ethics, evangelism, ministry, missions, prayer, preaching, sacraments, social