Hello everyone, my name is Joseph Lear, and this is Pastoral Theology.
I’m a pastor, theologian, and professor bringing theology into the local church and the local church into theology because they belong together.
In today’s episode I host Matthew Erickson, author of The Pastor as Gardener. Matt is pastor at Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
His book is all about how the pastoral life needs to be reframed as gardening. Pastors should believe that we plant, we water, we hope, but God causes the growth. Matt provides a vision not only for the pastor, but also the church. He touches on theology, culture, philosophy, and above all else, the biblical basis for his vision.
Give it a listen, give it a share.
👉 Here is the FULL review I wrote a couple weeks ago 👇
Pastor as Gardener by Matthew Erickson: A Review and Endorsement
Mary mistook the resurrected Jesus for a gardener. Jesus called himself a vine and a sower. Paul said that the work of the ministry is for one to plant, another to water, but that God causes growth. Adam and Eve were created for a garden, and the final vision of the Bible is for humanity to once again take up residence in the shade of the
And here's the discount code:
🚨 Exclusive to Pastoral Theology with Joseph Lear: Readers get a limited time 40% discount on Erickson’s book at the Eerdman’s website. Discount code is valid through May 31, 2026.
Discount code is GARDENER40















