Discernment in the Early Church and Today: Reclaiming Paul’s Vision for Formation and Community Building

An exploration of Paul’s role as a pastoral theologian in the early church.​

Through a close exegetical reading of Paul’s letters, this volume shows how Paul prioritized moral formation and community-building in his pastoral ministry and placed the practice of communal discernment in churches at the heart of life in the Spirit. Applying these fundamental insights for today’s churches, Lewis reclaims Paul’s primary pastoral emphasis on moral discernment and community-building, showing how this practice can be used in a variety of local church communities.

Ideal for scholars and clergy interested in applying Paul’s pastoral theology to real contexts, the volume includes practical examples and strategies for engaging in a vibrant practice of spiritual discernment today.