A Perichoretic Pastoral Theology

This book articulates a perichoretic pastoral theology, offering a pastoral theological response to the question of how ministering persons practice ministry in communion with the triune God. Key elements from contemporary pastoral theology--theologies of human experience, concern for human suffering, and situational attentiveness--are drawn into conversation with the doctrine of perichoresis. Jim Horsthuis provides a vision for life and ministry in relational, participational and spiritual communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The chapters explore four spiritual movements that foster this vision: (1) the move from experience to relationship; (2) the move from concern to presence; (3) the move from competence to communion; and (4) the move from practice to prayer. The book represents a unique academic contribution to both pastoral theology and Trinitarian theology.