Calvin's Company of Pastors: Pastoral Care and the Emerging Reformed Church, 1536-1609 (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology)

Wonderfully researched with much detailed information on the functioning, relationships, family life and ministries of the men who made up the company of pastors in the years covered. Gives a realistic picture of these men and the challenges they faced and also the complexities of ministry within the sacral perspective of the times. It is honest in presenting mistakes and faults without falling prey to the modern spirit of historical cynicism because it also highlights the sincere concern evident in the leaders of the Genevan congregations to honor God in his church and to promote the truth of the gospel. The book also contributes helpful information and perspective concerning the tendency in some modern scholarship to pit Calvin against Beza or Calvin against the Calvinists by showing the general continuity between Calvin and the generation of pastors in Geneva immediately following him while at the same time not denying but showing subtle shifts in emphasis or continued development that did occur with respect to certain doctrinal and practical points. I highly recommend the book as well written, enjoyable to read, well researched, highly informative and as a vital and scholarly resource in the study of reformation history and also a helpful contribution in the area of pastoral theology.Jeffery SmithEmmanuel Baptist ChurchCoconut Creek Fl

Scott Manetsch presents a fine volume on pastoral ministry during the years of Reformation in Geneva. He writes with warm prose and he discusses the topic in great depth. If the prospect of reading a work on pastoral ministry seems dry, pick up Manetsch's volume! I was engrossed from beginning to end with the accounts of pastoral life in Geneva. A friend recommended the volume as a balm for the pastor's soul and I couldn't agree more with their assessment of the volume. I highly recommend "Calvin's Company of Pastors" to any seeking to grow in knowledge of pastoral ministry in Geneva or anywhere else under the sun for that matter.

Admittedly, the first time I got this book it seemed like it would be a difficult task working through it. However, by the 3rd section of the 1st chapter, the book had caught my attention and the remaining chapters were quite interesting and informative.With copious endnotes - many of which were referring to the primary sources - this work shines a very clear light as to how pastoral work in Geneva happened between 1536 to 1609.This is a book I would highly recommend to others.

This is an exceptional overview of the early church in Geneva. Calvin and his contemporaries had thrown out the sacerdotal accretions of the Roman church. But with what should they be replaced? This was largely but not totally an investigation of Scripture. But there were pastoral considerations as well, plus interactions with universities, governments, and more. This is the story of why the Reformed churches are configured the way they are, and why they worship as they do.

This is a book every pastor and minister needs to read. Calvin's thoughts and ideas that flow together in company of other ministers (in this book) go far beyond the normal ministerial get-togethers of today's ministerial crowd. It is not an easy read, but when you are done, you realize the depth of your calling and the depths of confidants in the ministry.

If human problems ( and therefore, ecclesial problems) are cyclical, than author Scott Manetsch has done a good service for modern pastors in culling together the thoughts, practice and relationships within Calvin's Company of Pastors in Geneva, following his return from exile. A great resource for pastors looking for precedence in practice and a swift read for anyone interested in history.

It gives a picture of the early Reformers that is not found in most Church History books and courses.

A fantastic (and readable) read for anybody interested in the pastoral ministry.

Great book about an important time in the Christian church. Makes Calvin far more human and approachable than any would tell you. A p i t y that it was d a m a g e d by the d e l i v e r y due to a p o o r p a c k a g i n g e n v e l o p e.

In depth scholarly analysis of Calvin's pastoral theology in practice as followed by himself, his colleagues and successors. Heavy, but rewarding reading

Here's an excellent piece of work which came highly recommended by a trusty friend and I was not disappointed!