Montana Bible College VP of Academics published in book honoring his doctoral advisor

Montana Bible College Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Andre Gazal was recently published in a collection of essays honoring scholar Scott M. Manetsch and his dedication to understanding the history of the pastoral office and the history of scriptural exegesis in the Reformation era.

"Pastoral Care in the Protestant Tradition" is a Festschrift, a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial to a scholar who has contributed significantly to their field.

For Dr. Gazal, the opportunity to pen an essay for this publication held extra meaning as Dr. Manetsch served as his mentor and doctoral advisor. Dr. Gazal holds a Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Historical Theology.

"Pastoral Care in the Protestant Tradition" explores how Reformation-era traditions and context shaped the "care of souls."

Dr. Gazal's essay, "Committed by Us to Their Spiritual Charge," found in chapter 4 of the book, argues that the Tudor Royal Injunctions should be read not merely as instruments of ecclesiastical policy, but as expressions of a coherent pastoral theology emerging within the English Reformation.

The injunctions, issued under monarchs such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, aimed at the moral and spiritual reformation of clergy and laity alike. Dr. Gazal emphasizes that these directives reveal a concern for the “care of souls” through proper preaching, catechesis, and the regulation of religious practice.

"Far from being purely administrative, they sought to reshape the spiritual lives of parish communities by ensuring access to Scripture, promoting doctrinal clarity, and encouraging disciplined, godly living among both ministers and parishioners," Dr. Gazal said.

At the same time, Dr. Gazal highlights the distinctly Protestant character of this pastoral vision. The injunctions placed central weight on the ministry of the Word—especially preaching—as the primary means of spiritual formation, while also subordinating traditional sacramental and ceremonial practices to scriptural authority. Clergy were expected to function as teachers and moral guides, tasked with instructing their congregations in reformed doctrine and rooting out superstition and ignorance.

As Dr. Gazal concludes, "In this way, the Tudor injunctions reflect a transitional moment in which pastoral care was redefined: no longer centered primarily on sacramental mediation, but on the communication of Scripture and the cultivation of informed, obedient faith within the emerging Church of England."

Montana Bible College is honored to have a scholar of Dr. Gazal's caliber serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs. As a leader and professor, Dr. Gazal embodies his own essay conclusion, expertly and tirelessly cultivating informed, obedient faith in students.

"Pastoral Care in the Protestant Tradition" is available for purchase on Amazon.