One of the blind spots in pastoral preparation involves deep and reflective thinking about ethics. In our ever-changing world filled with a wild array of ethical claims and alternatives, filling that gap has become more imperative, not less. Pastoral Ethics works with core Christian categories like the Trinity and the Ten Commandments to present reflections on moral and ethical formation in a host of specific areas. In doing so, it touches on the challenges of life that a pastor often faces within the congregation. This book opens up a reflective conversation on how to navigate such space beyond rulemaking so common in Christian spaces. Seeking to root ethics in the character and pursuit of God, it serves its purpose well—to shape ethically rooted church leaders who can minister effectively through the dilemmas life raises in a most challenging time.
—Darrell Bock, executive director for cultural engagement, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement; senior research professor of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
At a time when humanity is deeply confused, polarized, and unmoored, Dr. Ross Hastings has dared to wade into the deep waters of pastoral ethics to provide an atmosphere for theological reflection within a trinitarian framework designed to empower church leaders to speak with authority and clarity into the chaos. Rooted in a firm embrace of Trinitarian theology, Dr. Hastings engages his readers in a rich understanding that ‘ethics is not so much a knowledge category as a communion category.’ Pastoral ethics emerges out of the overflow of a heart and mind completely immersed, saturated—drenched as it were—in communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the shared life of the church. Pastoral ethics is not just a theological discipline to be practiced but an invitation to participate in the sacred intimacy of the Trinity. It is a prophetic voice that emerges from ‘union with Christ and in communion with the Triune God.’ This is a rare book that not only imparts practical wisdom but also revives the soul.
—David Hearn, president, The Alliance, Canada
This fine book did my heart—and mind!—good in many significant ways. For one thing, it presents a powerful and much-needed case for employing the Decalogue as a profound resource for present-day moral formation in ministry. Along the way, though, Ross Hastings teaches many key lessons regarding the theological basis for moral discernment. I hope this book encourages and equips many in facing the complex challenges of contemporary discipleship. —Richard J. Mouw, president emeritus, Fuller Seminary; senior research fellow, Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics, Calvin University
For Christians seeking to navigate the increasingly complex moral maze of contemporary society, this is a timely and much-needed book. Firmly rooted in the Bible, Pastoral Ethics does not shy away from the tough ethical questions posed by culture and science but helpfully shows how theology should guide us in the counsel we give and the decisions we make.
—Andy Hunter, Scotland & North of England director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEF)
Professor Hastings wants to put applied ethics back at the heart of theological study and the spiritual formation of pastors and the Trinity back at the heart of applied ethics. This meaty book addresses the key question of how, having become Christians, we should now live in the light of union with Christ. What does it mean in practice for Christ to be formed in us? It addresses vital and neglected questions of the moral formation of pastors and ethical teaching of churches. Nobody will agree with everything in a book as expansive as this one. However, every pastor will benefit from the author’s combination of an utterly Christ-centered approach, an exploration of the contemporary landscape of pastoral failure and ethical confusion, and a deep practical application for holy living in the love of God.
—Marcus Honeysett, director, Living Leadership, United Kingdom; author of Finding Joy and Fruitful Leaders
With his finger on the pulse of the ethical challenges pastors face, Hastings offers a winsome and wise work equally full of grace as it is full of biblical convictions. Appreciating the fact that dogma and ethics must never be separated and situating the discussion within a robust Trinitarian theology, Hastings makes a case for, and resources, what he rightly terms ‘the pastor as ethicist.’ May this tribe increase, and may this work strengthen them.
—Myk Habets, senior lecturer in theology, Laidlaw College, New Zealand
Oh, how I wish I had Ross Hasting’s book in my hands when I began pastoral ministry fifty years ago! Ross helps us do ‘ethics in the trenches’—ethics deeply informed by God’s self-revelation in Scripture and then worked out in the hard and often painful issues we pastors face day in and day out. In his book, Ross accomplishes his aim: to prepare pastors (and those they serve) for participation in God's moral and ethical formation, a formation flowing out of and empowered by union with Christ in his relationship with his Father and Spirit. Ross’s thorough exposition of the Ten Commandments is a must-read for any who seek to expound the life-giving law of the Creator."
—Darrell Johnson, teaching fellow, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
This is a very helpful book that looks again at the important and relevant issue of Christian ethics. Hastings combines robust academic analysis with a pastor’s heart as he explains why ethics needs to be a theological discipline, grounded in the character of the Triune God and evangelical in outlook. He takes us through the Ten Commandments, both explaining them in their broader theological context and applying them to a contemporary setting. The content is hopeful and compassionate, as the author suggests that the Ten Commandments are positive and life-affirming and not just about rules. The book is full of practical application, and the author shares his personal experience of life, from his boarding school days in Zambia to his ministry as a church pastor. If you think ethics matter, read this book, as it will stimulate your mind and warm your heart. I strongly commend it.
—Stephen McQuoid, general director, Gospel Literature Outreach, a missionary organization based in Europe
When I was a pastor, I would have given my eye teeth for this handbook in order to build on my all too sparse collection. Hastings has given a very clear exposition of the Ten Commandments by providing an explanatory exposition, including a ‘right reading of the commandment’ in a biblical context. By elucidating the rationale and then placing these principles in the context of our society, Hastings has given a helpful handbook to inform, educate, and strengthen the pastor’s hand.
—Jim Crooks, Living Leadership, United Kingdom
Hastings’ book has a focus on pastors as they invite the people of God into life with God and as they seek a holy freedom in their own lives. With a refreshing theological and biblical orientation, Pastoral Ethics presents ethics as life in union with Christ and filled by the Holy Spirit. The book is structured around the implications of the Ten Commandments for a life that is both bounded and liberated. It will be especially helpful for a course in pastoral ethics and for training pastors and ministers in Christian living, with its exploration of issues like working well in ministry, preventing clergy sexual misconduct, the worshipping life of pastors, and keeping the Sabbath.
—Robert Heimburger, research fellow, King’s College, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
What a rare find: the clarity of thought of a theological ethicist with the compassion and conviction of a church pastor. Ross goes beyond his first more theoretical book to create a praxis to deal with numerous real ethical dilemmas. He has done for ethics what Eugene Peterson did for the Bible. Complex ideas found in Scripture are applied to life today. The pastor or church leader is handed not a set of rules but a set of principles and criteria to be considered when making ethical decisions.
—Trevor H Walters, Western Region Suffragan Bishop, Anglican Network in Canada
As a pastor of a multisite church that stretches across a nation made up of a variety of different people dealing with a flurry of different ethical issues in their everyday lives, this book is the one I will be handing all our pastors as a resource and guide to get them through the confusion of the modern conversation. It’s theologically deep yet rooted in such practical and pastoral methodology that you could hand it to anyone and they would get a sound yet culturally informed take on the issues of our time.
—Mark Clark, senior pastor, Village Church, Vancouver, Canada
