Zwingli the Pastor: An Interview with Stephen Brett Eccher 

Stephen Brett Eccher is the author of Zwingli the Pastor: A Life in Conflict. Stephen Brett Eccher tells the story of Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531), embattled pastor and reformer. Zwingli’s ministry in Zurich was characterized by conflict—conflict that fueled him. It influenced his theological development, inspired his commitment to bring reform, and compelled his devotion to the congregation he led through the tumult of the Reformation. Eccher reveals a complex Zwingli, whose life and legacy continue to influence Protestantism today.

In our interview below, Eccher shares how he hopes this book will “will highlight the Reformational work of a misunderstood man” and that he is “a massive life-long Star Wars fan.”

Stephen Brett Eccher is associate professor of church history and Reformation studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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Lexham Press: What is the story behind Zwingli the Pastor: A Life in Conflict and what is your book’s basic thesis?

Stephen Brett Eccher: Zwingli the Pastor charts both the harrowing successes and devastating failures of Huldrych Zwingli’s pastoral ministry at Zurich. The Swiss reformer’s labors, which helped to spark the Swiss Reformation, were colored by conflict from the start of his work as the principal preacher at Zurich in 1519 until his surprising death on a battlefield fighting against Catholic opponents in 1531. Along the way, a unique confluence of volatile encounters experienced during this season of ministry shaped not only Zwingli’s developing Reformed Covenantal theology but also informed other key aspects of the Swiss Reformation as a whole.

LP: What contribution do you hope to make with Zwingli the Pastor?

Eccher: Given the dearth of work on Zwingli in the English-speaking world, I hope Zwingli the Pastor will highlight the Reformational work of a misunderstood man who is often marginalized in the historiography despite the long shadow that the reformer’s theology has left on the church across various confessional traditions.

LP: Describe a particularly surprising or enjoyable aspect of writing Zwingli the Pastor.

Eccher: I really enjoyed writing about Zwingli’s understanding of and labors to unveil the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Zwingli’s work to especially connect the gospel with Jesus’ unique place as the sole mediator between God and humanity, along with the important emphasis the reformer placed on the ethical implications of the gospel through a working faith, are important reminders for us today.

LP: Share with us something surprising about yourself that only your friends would know.

Eccher: I am a massive life-long Star Wars fan and am even a member of the Lucasfilm-approved 501st Legion. This allows me to spend time at charity events and children’s hospitals wearing my screen-accurate Boba Fett costume from the Empire Strikes Back. #HistorianFett