Book Review: Under the Predictable Plant by Eugene H. Peterson

Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness (See all Christian Pastoral Counseling Books)
by Eugene H. Peterson
Published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1992

Summary: Eugene Peterson, famed for his Bible translation The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language : Numbered Edition (See all Other Bibles), was first a prolific author really focused on helping Christian's regain a connection with the mystery of God; but before he was an author he was and is a pastor.  All of his books , including the translation, come out of his role as pastor.  Along that journey he began to realize that the nature of being a pastor was subtly changing from the one who represents the mystery of God to the world to more of a corporate program director.  He saw that not only in the lives of other pastors, but equally in the mirror so he set out to change his life.  In a conversation with his church board when asked "what do you want to do?" he replied, "I want to study God's word long and carefully so that when I stand before you and preach and teach I will be accurate.  I want to pray, slowly and lovingly, so that my relation with God will be inward and honest.  And I want to be with you, often and leisurely, so that we can recognize each other as close companions on the way of the cross and be available for counsel and encouragement to each other."  This book is in essence a road map for how to get to that place as a pastor.  He uses the story of Jonah as the lens through which he paints the picture of how to escape the trappings of Tarshish religious programs to Ninevehish obedience as a pastor.  Peterson interweaves anecdotes from his own life with his lively interpretation of scripture to challenge us to think differently about what it means to be called by God to the pastorate.

Review: While anyone can read this book and benefit from its message, it is truly aimed at pastors.  It is written to challenge us to return to our roots in scripture, prayer and presence so we can be fully engaged with our congregations.  If you have read any of Peterson's books before you will immediately recognize the style and be quickly drawn into his slow, methodical pacing as he activates our imaginations as only a preacher and story teller can do.  The book at times gets a little slow and cumbersome, he could have pulled this off in 140 pages instead of 197, but overall it is a thought provoking book that if you let it can truly inspire some passion.  I can remember reading the line I quoted in the summary thinking with tears in my eyes, "that is what I want to be as a pastor."  Pastors read this book, especially if you are longing to get off the religious program treadmill; but also encourage the leaders of your personnel committee to read this book to help them understand who they should want you to be, and perhaps together you can get there.

Recommendation: A must for pastors and for church personnel board members, but everyone can benefit from a glimpse into what religious vocation should look like.