John Newton's Theology of Suffering and Its Application to Pastoral Care - Paperback

by Keith Palmer (Author)

John Newton was an eighteenth-century Anglican minister who is best known as the writer of the hymn "Amazing Grace." Yet he was also the leading pastoral counselor of his generation who kept up a prolific letter-writing ministry of pastoral care to dozens of people from all walks of life who wrote seeking his advice. But why was Newton's counsel so popular? This work seeks to answer this question by exploring Newton's unique theology of suffering, which formed an essential structure that informed and shaped his model of soul care. Influenced by this doctrine, Newton's manner and methodology of pastoral care is explored, highlighting key principles of his strategy as he sought to care for others. Finally, two examples of Newton's counsel are considered: his ministry to his wife during her chronic health issue and his care of the poet, William Cowper, through his decades of struggle with depression.

Author Biography

Keith is the senior associate pastor at Grace Bible Church and the director of the Center for Biblical Counseling & Discipleship (CBCD). He holds degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (B.S. Electrical Engineering), The Master's Seminary (M.Div.), The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min., Biblical Counseling), and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (Ph.D., Biblical Studies/Biblical Counseling).



He is a Fellow (supervisor) and board member for the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and the director of the Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling program at The Master's University.



His passion in ministry is shepherding God's people through the teaching and counseling of the Scriptures. He is married to Lisa and together they have been blessed with three children, Alan, Aimee & Aric. Keith and his family have been members of Grace Bible since 2002.