Pastor Steve Paulus

Patrology Part Three

The Development of Ecclesiastical Office and Pastoral Ministry

in the Church of the First Six Centuries

A Survey of Key Issues.

Ministry: Charisma or Office

Ministry as Charismatic gift in the NT

Ministry as an appointed office in the NT

Church Office in the Second and Third Centuries

Forms of Church Government in Post Reformation Confessions

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V. Forms of Church Government Reflected in Post-Reformation Confessions

A. Episcopal

B. Presbyterian

C. Congregational

These categories and principles are theoretical. In fact some churches may be a hybrid or contain elements of two or more systems.

V. Pastoral Care in the Post-Nicene Church

A. Classical Texts on Pastoral Care

1. Gregory Nazianzus (329-390)

a. Life and Circumstances: In 362 he wrote "On the Priesthood," in response to his ordination, against his will to the priesthood. This work is a defense of his fleeing and returning about Easter 362. His father was bishop of Nazianzus. He eventually had a great role in re-establishing Orthodox (non-Arian ) Christianity in Constantinople.

b. The Second Oration: This is his defense of his actions and a statement of pastoral theology which became a model for Chrysostum, and Gregory the Great. Thus his work became a foundation for later patristic and medieval pastoral theology.

2. John Chrysostum (344-407)

a. Life and Circumstances: Was elected bishop in 373, ran away, then wrote six books on the priesthood as his defense. Preached famously in Antioch for twelve years. He was then named patriarch of Constantinople in 397. He lived there through stormy times and died while retreating into exile in 407.

b. On the Priesthood (Survey of Contents)

3. Gregory the Great (540 -604,Bishop of Rome from 590-604)

a. Life and Circumstances: Born to wealthy family named a praetor of Rome. Resigned, sold his inheritance and built seven monasteries. Appointed bishop of Rome during crisis of Lombard invasions. Administered his see during the crisis and firmly established the church and papacy. His "Pastoral Rule" became the standard for medieval pastoral ministry.

b. The Book of Pastoral Rule: Based on Nazianzus and Chrysostum. Often uses allegorical interpretation and marked by psychological insights.

4. Ambrose of Milan(333-397)

a. Life and Circumstances: Praetorian prefect of Gaul, later governor of Northern Italy. Elected bishop in 374. His political influence was very great. Several instances of disciplining emperors.

b. The Duties of the Clergy: Classical and based on work of Cicero.

B. Monastic Rules, Pastoral Concerns

1. Definition and examples: Basil the Great (329-379), bishop of Cappadocian Caesarea made a rule for eastern monasticism which was carried to the west by John Cassian. It emphasized moderation and practical works of mercy. Role of pastor as intercessor had been emphasized to the detriment of the pastor as equipper of the saints (Eph. 4:12ff.). Monastics sought spiritual perfection. Pastoral rules, especially Benedict often emphasized discipline within the community and fraternal relations.

2. Cassian: (365-433): Born in Scythia, (Romania) and stayed in monasteries in Bethlehem and Egypt before going to Constantinople, influenced by Chrysostum then went to Rome. He founded a monastery in Marseilles and brought Eastern monasticism to the west, writing his Institutes and Conferences. His work became foundational for western monasticism. He chronicles eight primary sins which later become the seven deadly sins of Catholic theology. They are: gluttony, fornication, covetousness, anger, dejection, accidie (weariness of heart), vanity and pride.

3. Benedict (480-540) was appalled at the defiled life of Rome and founded numerous monasteries, is the author of the most significant rule of the middle ages.

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. "Tree Books on the Duties of the Clergy," in NPNF

John Cassian, "The Institutes of John Cassian," in NPNF

John Chrysostum. "Treatise on the Priesthood," in NPNF

Gregory, Bishop of Rome. "The Book of Pastoral Rule." in NPNF

Gregory Nazianzen, "Oration II," in NPNF

McGinn, Bernard. The Foundations of Mysticism: Origins to the Fifth Century. vol i in The Presence of God: A History of Western Christian Mysticism. New York: Crossroad Publishing Co., 1994

VI. Excursus: Pastoral Care and Practical Ministry as a Field of Theology

A. Definition of Pastoral and Practical Theology

B. Pastoral Concerns as a Source of Theological Development

Notes

1. The bishop's office is given sacerdotal character by virtue of its preserving the true apostolic tradition as opposed to false (gnostic) traditions. Other functions became the sole preserve of the bishop by virtue of the developing border around sacerdotal functions; e.g. prayer for the sick, hearing confession, pronouncing forgiveness (part of the governmental power of the apostles), power to ordain.

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