The Pastor as Exegete

Abstract

"The Pastor as Exegete," by Pastor Harland H. Goetzinger, delves into the critical role of pastors in biblical exegesis, emphasizing the significance of hermeneutics and exegetical theology in pastoral training. Goetzinger discusses historical perspectives on exegesis, tracing its development from early Church Fathers to post-Reformation theologians, highlighting the shift towards a more scriptural and context-oriented approach. He explores the theological and hermeneutical principles that have shaped Lutheran (especially theologians in the WELS's seminary) exegetical practice, underscoring the importance of understanding Scripture in its historical and grammatical context. The paper culminates in a call for pastors to engage deeply with biblical texts, advocating for a connected, systematic study of Scripture in its original languages.