Young Clergy: A Biographical-Developmental Study - Capps, Donald. Haworth, 2005. 262p. $24.95, paperback. ISBN-10: 0-7890-2670-8. ISBN-13: 978-0-7890-2670-5. $44.95, hardcover. ISBN-10: 0-7890-2669-4. ISBN-13: 978-0-7890-2669-9. 253’.2 Clergy—Psychology—Case studies. Protestant churches—Clergy—Psychology—Case studies.

In his latest book, renowned pastoral psychologist Donald Capps turns his attention to the development of young clergy. Capps applies Daniel Levinson’s model of adult development to the biographies of Phillips Brooks, Jonathan Edwards, John Henry Newman, John Wesley, and Orestes Brownson. Each of these clergymen from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries represents a different type of development during early adult life. By examining these case studies, the reader may understand more about the driving forces in the life of a young clergy person.

As a critical examination of pastoral development, this book contributes to the existing conversation. While the explanation and application of Levinson’s model is clear and concise, it is questionable whether those outside the field of pastoral psychology will find this work helpful or relevant. The historical case studies, however, are engaging and make this a book easily adapted for small group study.

Protestant congregations may find this book useful for the biographical study of the five clergymen. It should be noted, however, that the case studies do not include full biographies; rather, they trace the life from childhood to early adulthood (approximately the age of forty).

Myka Kennedy Stephens