Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service
The author wrote this book “to demonstrate the significance of the doctrine of the Trinity for the vocation of ministry” (p. 11). He wrote out of his conviction that theology is foundational for ministry and that the Trinity is the distinctly Christian doctrine that makes many perplexing issues intelligible. The Trinity, he emphasizes, is the “grammar” of Christian faith and life, a point he develops as personhood, intimacy, surrender, simplicity, self-acceptance, indwelling, and mission in successive chapters. Thus the believer’s ministry is “the ministry of Jesus Christ, the Son, to the Father, through the Holy Spirit for the sake of the church and the world” (p. 19, italics his). Seamands has written a much-needed template that is “theologically practical.” His book can be recommended without reservation, for his approach of presenting sound doctrine with pastoral relevance is so winsome.
About the Contributors
J. Lanier Burns
Dr. Burns is actively involved in administration in Christian and secular organizations. He also devotes time to writing, conferences, and pastoral leadership. He has been involved in post-doctoral research at Harvard and Oxford Universities. For over forty years he has served as president of the Asian Christian Academy in Hosur, India. He has participated in numerous neuroscientific activities for about fifteen years. His research interests include Trinitarianism, anthropology, sin, eschatology, the relationship of science and religion, and issues in social justice. He spends his spare time with his family and enjoying sports. He and Kathy have four children and 11 grandchildren.
Contributors
