Pastoral Theology

Current Trends in Pastoral Theology

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Dr. Phil Newton shares some of the current trends in pastoral theology with SEBTS Ph.D. students and faculty.

We really can’t understand the theology of pastoral theology without the practice of pastoral theology.

Phil A. Newton (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as director of pastoral care and mentoring for the Pillar Network after pastoring for 44 years, the last 35 at South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, which he planted in 1987. Phil and his wife, Karen, have five children and six grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including 40 Questions About Pastoral MinistryThe Mentoring Church: How Pastors and Congregations Cultivate LeadersConduct Gospel-Centered Funerals (with Brian Croft), Elders in the Life of the Church (with Matt Schmucker), Venture All for God: Piety in the Writings of John Bunyan (with Roger Duke and Drew Harris), and Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry (forthcoming February 2023, with Rich Shadden). He is an adjunct professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.


Editor’s Note: This lecture was part of Southeastern’s Ph.D. Colloquium Series. If you’re interested in earning a Th.M. or a Ph.D. from Southeastern, click here for more information.
  • Pastoral Theology
  • Phil Newton
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