Concerning the True Care of Souls

Written by Martin Bucer Reviewed By Rhett Dodson

The year 2009 marked the five hundredth anniversary of John Calvin’s birth, but one of the significant Reformation publications of last year was the first English translation of Calvin’s mentor’s work on pastoral theology. Written in 1538 when Martin Bucer was at the height of his leadership in the reformation of Strasbourg, Concerning the True Care of Souls offers biblical insight into the pastoral work of leadership, shepherding, and discipline in the church.

Bucer follows a basic pattern for each chapter. First, he offers a brief introduction followed by a list of key Scriptural texts dealing with the topic he wishes to cover. Next, he explains the doctrines taught in the text. He then teases out other points related to those doctrines and applies them to the pastor, the Christian, and/or the church in general. The book’s thirteen chapters fall into three divisions: chapters 1–6 discuss the nature and government of the church; chapters 7–12 cover the basics of pastoral care; and chapter 13 offers a conclusion. Two appendices conclude the book with brief notes regarding married priests and church guardians. All of this is preceded by an historical introduction by the late David F. Wright that ably puts the work in its sixteenth-century context.

Bucer finds it necessary to spend several chapters outlining the biblical nature and governmental structure of the church. This is important because these topics provide the necessary foundation for pastoral care. The essence of Bucer’s ecclesiology is that Christ rules his church through the Word of God and the instrumentality of elders. Deacons also hold an important office in the church, but they have a distinct role (pp. 29–32). The plurality of elders within a local congregation is essential to healthy pastoral care (pp. 33–39).

In the second half of the book, which covers the basics of pastoral care, Bucer works out his theology of the elder as shepherd. If the elders shepherd the flock of God, then they must seek lost sheep (chap. 7), reclaim the straying (chap. 8), bind up the wounded (chap. 9), strengthen the weak (chap. 9), and guard the healthy (chap. 10). In this section, Bucer movingly encourages pastors “that in Christ all loss is true and eternal gain, joy and honour, even though one may have to live in the world’s sight as blessed with troubles and labours, poor and needy, weak and despised” (p. 169.) Pastors are to love their people (pp. 189–91), but also be prepared for the fact that “there is no ministry more subject to ingratitude and rebellion than that of the care of souls” (p. 191).

Without doubt the most surprising element of this work is Bucer’s endorsement of penance for “gross errors and sins” (pp. 119–23). He covers his view of an evangelical version of this practice at length in chapter nine entitled, “How the Hurt and Wounded Sheep Are to Be Bound Up and Healed.” For Bucer, the crux of the matter is that those who sin should not be allowed just to say, “I’m sorry; I won’t do it again” (p. 160). There must be a public demonstration of repentance (p. 137) as a means of curtailing present and future sins (p. 129). On the positive side, Bucer does not tie the forgiveness of sin to the depth and extent of one’s penance. He still believes in justification by faith alone (pp. 103–4, 129). On the negative side, it appears that Bucer is guilty of eisegesis at several points (pp. 108–9, 112, 135). He is correct to insist that elders not deal carelessly with the gross errors and sins of the flock. Biblical discipline is essential to maintaining a gospel-centered church. Is it possible, though, that biblical counseling could provide the soul-care needed for those who have repented of grosser sins rather than some form of penance?

One of the great strengths of this work is its explicit reliance upon Scripture. Bucer is not adverse to appeal to natural theology to support an argument (see, e.g., pp. 41, 54, 116, 131), but his adherence to the Bible for guidance is conspicuous and to be applauded. Concerning the True Care of Souls offers much practical advice to pastors and elders. Bucer had a heart for his people, and it is evident that he wants other pastors to develop this love and care for their flocks as well. Twenty-first century readers will find it odd that he allows civic authority so much power in the church (pp. 65, 155ff.), but one must remember that this was the view of many during the Reformation period.

On the editorial and production side of things, this volume could benefit from several alterations. First, the italic type face used for section headings is too small. Its size proves distracting. Second, Bucer numbers his texts at the beginning of each chapter and then simply refers to passage number 1, 2, etc. Had the translator or editor inserted the Bible reference rather than keeping Bucer’s method, he would save the reader much page turning and frustration. Third, Scripture and topic indices would greatly enhance the practical usefulness of the book.

Peter Beale is to be commended for making this work available in English. Though not the most up-to-date volume on pastoral theology, it still deserves a place in every pastor’s library. The works of the Reformers have stood the test of time. Read Bucer and you will discover why.


Rhett Dodson

Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Hudson, Ohio, USA

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