The First Pastors
Early Christianity’s Vision for Ministry
Book • 2026
Leland Brown's The First Pastors examines how first- and second-century Christian texts—especially the Apostolic Fathers and New Testament—share four convictions about pastoral ministry: required virtue, pastoral authority, essential pastoral work, and pastoral suffering.
Brown argues these convictions reflect an oral apostolic tradition carried into the second century, producing notable theological unity amid institutional diversity.
The book uses literary and theological analysis of key texts (Ignatius, Polycarp, Shepherd of Hermas, Didache, 1 Clement) to trace continuity between apostolic teaching and later pastoral ideals.
It is written for scholars and pastors interested in historical pastoral theology and offers both exegetical detail and practical reflection for modern ministry.
Published by Gorgias Press in 2026, it was promoted on the episode with a publisher coupon code.
Brown argues these convictions reflect an oral apostolic tradition carried into the second century, producing notable theological unity amid institutional diversity.
The book uses literary and theological analysis of key texts (Ignatius, Polycarp, Shepherd of Hermas, Didache, 1 Clement) to trace continuity between apostolic teaching and later pastoral ideals.
It is written for scholars and pastors interested in historical pastoral theology and offers both exegetical detail and practical reflection for modern ministry.
Published by Gorgias Press in 2026, it was promoted on the episode with a publisher coupon code.
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Jonathon Lookadoo
Leland Brown, "The First Pastors: Early Christianity’s Vision for Ministry" (Gorgias Press, 2026)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Jonathon Lookadoo
Leland Brown, "The First Pastors: Early Christianity’s Vision for Ministry" (Gorgias Press, 2026)
