A Man of God

Abstract

"What reputation among his people should a pastor covet most? Should he strive to be regarded as well read and well informed, thoroughly familiar with current thought, secular and theological? Should he seek the reputation of being a wise counsellor, an outstanding preacher, a dynamic administrator or a visionary leader? No higher reputation should, or can, be desired by a Christian minister than that possessed by the prophet Elisha in the mind of the Shunnamite woman. "I perceive", she said, "that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way". No matter what other gifts a Church fellowship may admire in their minister this is, in the final reckoning, what they most desire him to be. All other virtues are virtually irrelevant and most other faults are forgivable if, to them and in their midst he is a "man of God""