A New Type of Preacher
A.W. Tozer calls for a new type of preacher, one who is a man of vision and conviction, to lead the church in a rejuvenation of Christianity.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for a new type of preacher in Christianity, one who is not bound by the conventional roles of the past but is instead a prophet who has encountered God and is willing to stand against societal norms. He argues that the current models of leadership have failed to rejuvenate the Church, and what is needed is a leader who is rugged, blunt, and passionate about Christ and the salvation of souls. This new preacher will face opposition and hatred from many but will remain steadfast in their mission to testify to the gospel of grace. Tozer calls for a revival of such leaders who have truly seen visions of God and heard His voice.
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But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. --Acts 20:24
If Christianity is to receive a rejuvenation, it must be by other means than any now being used. If the Church in the second half of this century is to recover from the injuries she suffered in the first half, there must appear a new type of preacher. The proper, ruler-of-the-synagogue type will never do. Neither will the priestly type of man who carries out his duties, takes his pay and asks no questions, nor the smooth-talking pastoral type who knows how to make the Christian religion acceptable to everyone. All these have been tried and found wanting.
Another kind of religious leader must arise among us. He must be of the old prophet type, a man who has seen visions of God and has heard a voice from the Throne. When he comes (and I pray God there will be not one but many), he will stand in flat contradiction to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear. He will contradict, denounce and protest in the name of God and will earn the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom. Such a man is likely to be lean, rugged, blunt- spoken and a little bit angry with the world. He will love Christ and the souls of men to the point of willingness to die for the glory of the One and the salvation of the other. But he will fear nothing that breathes with mortal breath. The Size of the Soul, 128-129.
"Lord, in the first half of this current century this need is even greater. Send to Your church today many who have 'seen visions of God and...heard a voice from the Throne.' Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Need for a New Type of Preacher
- The Characteristics of the New Prophet Type
- The Call to Action
- The Failure of Traditional Preaching Styles
- The Characteristics of the Old Prophet Type
- A Man of Vision and Conviction
- A Man of Courage and Conviction
- Praying for a New Generation of Preachers
Key Quotes
“If Christianity is to receive a rejuvenation, it must be by other means than any now being used.” — A.W. Tozer
“He will contradict, denounce and protest in the name of God and will earn the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lord, in the first half of this current century this need is even greater. Send to Your church today many who have 'seen visions of God and...heard a voice from the Throne.' Amen.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We need to pray for a new generation of preachers who will stand in flat contradiction to everything our smirking, smooth civilization holds dear.
- We need to be willing to contradict and protest in the name of God, even if it means earning the hatred and opposition of a large segment of Christendom.
- We need to love Christ and the souls of men to the point of willingness to die for the glory of the One and the salvation of the other.