In recent years much has been written on spiritual direction. However, confusion and at times outright contradiction exist between the aims and methodologies of various models of Christian spiritual direction. In order to develop solid criteria for evaluating and critiquing these models it is necessary to root the practice of spiritual direction in the biblical record. The intention of this study is to provide such biblical moorings by examining the Apostle Paul as a case study in his function as a spiritual director—with respect to his aims and praxis of spiritually forming the members of the congregations he founded.

Author - Victor A. Copan

"In this wise, discerning, and pastorally suggestive book, Vic Copan unravels before our eyes how the theme of imitating Paul can reshape our spiritual direction to become more Christian in theory and practice. Believe me, there is no book like this on the market. Here is a true pastoral theology of Paul."
—Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University

"Victor Copan has achieved a breakthrough in his combination of Greco-Roman foundations, close exegesis of relevant Pauline texts, full engagement with post-modern deconstruction of Paul's imitation language, and pastoral considerations for those involved in spiritual direction. Students of Paul's letters in the academy and those involved in either side of spiritual direction relationships in the parish will benefit from this well-conceived book. Copan delivers what he promises in clearly written chapters that are rooted in solid research, careful exegesis of the Pauline imitation passages, and open-eyed engagement with the pitfalls and possibilities of Christian spiritual direction today."
—Mark Reasoner, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Bethel University

"In our age of political correctness, it sounds somewhat out of place to hear Christian leaders enjoining others to imitate their lifestyle, in particular because of the connotations of pride, position, and privilege. This study engages rigorously with recent scholarship on the Pauline use of the metaphor and makes a clear and unapologetic defense of its use in pastoral contexts. Such a carefully argued thesis will make a valuable contribution to the fields both of Pauline scholarship and pastoral training."
—Andrew D. Clark, King's College, University of Aberdeen

The Weakness of the Law by Jonathan F. Bayes
The Genre, Composition, and Hermeneutics of the Epistle of James by Luke Leuk Cheung
Paul's Understanding of the Church's Mission by Robert L. Plummer
The Voice of Jesus by Stephen I. Wright
Eve: Accused or Acquitted? by Joseph Abraham
Spirit and Kingdom in the Writings of Luke and Paul by Youngmo Cho
Old Testament Story and Christian Ethics by Robin Parry
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Temple in the Gospel of John by Paul M. Hoskins
God, Pharaoh, and Moses by William A. Ford
Paul and Conflict Resolution by Robinson Butarbutar
Surrendering Retribution in the Psalms by David G. Firth
Saint Paul as Spiritual Director by Victor A. Copan
Word-Order Variation in Biblical Hebrew Poetry by Nicholas P. Lunn
The Triumph of Grace in Deuteronomy by Paul A. Barker
Paul, Moses, and the History of Israel by Scott J. Hafemann
Joseph, Wise and Otherwise by Lindsay Wilson
On the Road Encounters in Luke–Acts by Octavian D. Baban
Lukan Theology in the Light of the Gospel's Literary Structure by Douglas S. McComiskey
Secular and Christian Leadership in Corinth by Andrew D. Clarke
'Hell': A Hard Look at a Hard Question by David J. Powys
"But God Raised Him from the Dead" by Kevin L. Anderson
The Significance of Salvation by George M. Wieland
The Comical Doctrine by Rosalind Selby
Between Horror and Hope by Sorin Sabou
The Three Gospels by Martin Mosse
When Will These Things Happen? by Alistair I. Wilson