In the Shadow of His Wings
The Pastoral Ministry of Angels: Yesterday, Today, and for Heaven
Imprint: Cascade Books
Historically, angels have been viewed as either disconnected objects of speculative investigation, or as mystifying beings mysteriously influencing our lives. However, this is not how the Bible describes them. Scripture, in sober and straightforward terms, simply describes what angels do. It is a practical depiction, a pastoral presentation. We see messages of encouragement, revelation, and guidance; we see judgment and correction; we see strengthening; we see journeying; we see prayer and worship.
The biblical focus concerning angels is on ministry to the people of God. Angels are one way that God intervenes in human affairs in response to pastoral concerns or problems. Created to minister, angels are best understood, not using speculative or detached theology, but through applied and pastoral lenses. Using only Scripture and a classic model of pastoral theology as the framework, this book shows practically how angels are employed by God to bless His church and people as His servant ministers who glorify Him alone.
Jonathan Macy is a minister in the Church of England. His first degree was in Theological & Pastoral Studies, followed by MThs in both Early Church History and Applied Theology. He did his PhD at Kings College London, on Angels in the Anglican Tradition (1547-1662). Prior to ordination he worked for fifteen years in care homes for the disabled, and the elderly.
"This work on angels is in a league of its own ... (and) comes with remarkable freshness and Biblical clarity. The author clearly knows the subject well and presents it convincingly from Scripture. ... If you are interested in what the Bible says on the subject of angels and their role, then this book is an absolute must. If you never read a book on angels, read this one!"
--Rev Stephen Holland - British Church Newspaper (Nov 2011)
"Macy provides an excellent antidote to new age angel worship and some angelic excesses in some Christian traditions. This is a sane and level headed book."
--Steve Bishop - Paideia Centre (Aug 2011)
"The enduring value of this study, in addition to its help in the practice of pastoral ministry, will be its insistence on the transcendent mystery of him with whom we have to do, and also its opposition to two modern fashions: on the one hand a neglect of angels and, on the other, extravagant speculation about them."
--The Rt Revd Alec Graham (former Bishop of Newcastle) - Church Times (July 2011)
"Readers from all Christian traditions will learn from this book. ...The book is accessibly and comfortably written, with some quite difficult thinking easily communicated. Its overall tone is, as its title might imply, pastoral: this is not simply about pastoral theology, it does pastoral theology. It is therefore a kindly book, leaving the reader feeling that the creation is perhaps richer than we often realise."
--Revd Canon Dr Jane Steen - The Bridge (March 2011)
Jonathan Macy cuts through centuries of bad doctrine and muddled theology, and clearly presents the Biblical evidence for what angels are, what they do and how they can help us. ... There are times when Macy's insights are truly breathtaking and he helps us not just know who angels are, but what we need to do to respond to their amazing ministry.
--Christianity Magazine UK - April 2011 (5*)
"Angels are frequently overlooked in Protestant Christianity, despite their significant place in the Scriptures. Jonathan Macy addresses that oversight with clarity and conviction in this important book. He does so by stressing the pastoral importance of angels as 'ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation' (Heb 1:14). This is theology in service of the Church that pushes back against secular pressure to minimize the heavenly realm, and opens eyes more widely to God's saving activity in the world he loves so much. I hope it will be widely read not only by Christians who are concerned to form a robustly biblical worldview, but also by others who wonder if the material world is all there is."
--Justyn Terry
Dean and President
Trinity School for Ministry, Ambridge, Pennsylvania
"We live at a time when not since the medieval period has there been such a keen interest in the existence and activity of angels. Much that is written, taught, and believed about angels is gnostic nonsense with disastrous consequences. Dr. Macy's significant study on angels is compellingly written, biblically grounded, pastoral theology of the highest order. It is a thrilling read and will take its place as a standard reference work on the subject."
--Simon Ponsonby
Pastor of Theology
St. Aldates, Oxford
"When modern theologians can be dismissive of the idea of angels and orthodox evangelicals be uninterested in them, outside the Church there is much post-modern fascination with them, Jonathan Macy helpfully explores the biblical material and the Church's attitude to angels through the centuries with scholarly care. He also offers his own interpretation of that material, providing a stimulus to others to reassess their beliefs in the ministry of angels."
--Michael Perham
Bishop of Gloucester
"This book will awaken both your biblical academic knowledge and your deeper spiritual awareness to the role of angels in our lives today. Many books have been written about demons and the deliverance ministry but at last here is an in-depth study of angels and their gift to man. Enjoy!"
--Rachel Hickson
Director of HEARTCRY FOR CHANGE