Shepherding Souls: A Handbook for the Pastoral Offices
About this ebook
This easy-to-use resource for clergy and lay liturgical leaders examines baptism, confirmation, marriage, reconciliation of the penitent, ministration to the sick, and burial, offering background and guidance for each liturgy. Each chapter begins with brief historical and theological contexts, followed by a discussion of pastoral and liturgical issues relevant to each rite. Because cultural considerations are often central to the pastoral offices, each chapter includes an overview of cultural practices surrounding each liturgy that may be unfamiliar to clergy.
Taking into account theological and liturgical perspectives from a variety of denominations, Shepherding Souls is designed to be useful in any church. This trusted resource provides the busy church leader with everything needed to prepare for and administer pastoral offices.
About the author
Shawn O. Strout is Assistant Professor of Worship and Associate Dean of Chapel at the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He holds a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America in liturgical studies and sacramental theology. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles for journals such as Worship, The Anglican Theological Review, Studia Liturgica, and Anglican and Episcopal History. He is the author of three books, including "Of Thine Own Have We Given Thee": A Liturgical Theology of the Offertory in Anglicanism, Shepherding Souls: A Handbook for the Pastoral Offices, and Bound Together: Baptism, Eucharist, and the Church. Strout has been ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church for over ten years. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia.
