John G. Lewis is Theologian in Residence for the Iona Collaborative at Seminary of the Southwest, where he teaches online and in-person courses in New Testament and congregational leadership. He was the seminary’s Director of the Iona Collaborative and Lecturer in New Testament and Spirituality. He has taught New Testament and spirituality courses in graduate schools, seminaries, dioceses, and congregations, and was adjunct instructor in New Testament at Trinity University in San Antonio. Lewis is also Co-Director of St. Benedict’s Workshop in San Antonio, a nonprofit ministry he founded in 2001 to help Christian communities use Scripture to practice discipleship and discernment in all areas of daily life. Lewis has served as Dean of Examining Chaplains for the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in New Testament from the University of Oxford, an M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Houston Law Center. Lewis is the author of Looking for Life: The Role of “Theo-Ethical” Reasoning in Paul’s Religion (London: T&T Clark, 2005). He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
 

"This book is wholly unique in its conception. With the voices of imaginary pilgrims sounding insights and concerns of perennial importance for the church, Lewis gives authenticity and theological substance to the ancient (and enduring) experience of pilgrimage. Key elements of historical, social, and linguistic data are set forth, clearly and succinctly, for each “station” on the pilgrimage, making this book especially valuable for study groups, teachers, and (literal) tour guides."—Ellen Davis, Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished Professor of Bible and Practical Theology, Duke Divinity School

“Lewis is a compelling writer, has full command of the subject, and wants churches to thrive and they just might do so if they knew this ancient wisdom.”—Kathleen A. Cahalan, Professor of Practical Theology, St, John’s Seminary

"At its heart, this book provides an imaginative roadmap for Christ followers to grow in formation through community building and discernment. Lewis offers the church, a way to discover our roots as Christ followers who respectfully listen, learn, and flourish together. The book is an accessible scholarly work and a great tool, especially for small churches and small groups." 

"Written as a narrative of pilgrimage, Discernment in the Early Church and Today: Reclaiming Paul’s Vision for Formation and Community Building, is a lovely balance of pastoral wisdom and contemporary Pauline scholarship.  This book reminds us that all believers are called to lives of discernment and that Paul’s letters give us great insight into this."