One in a Thousand: The Calling and Work of a Pastor

In Job 33:22-24 we read of a man who is lost. He is drawing near to death. The funeral undertakers are not far away. The angels of death are ready to remove this lost soul to hell. Suddenly a messenger intervenes. It is a visitor who comes to the bedside of this sick man. This messenger tells him the way of salvation. He describes a ransom that has been made for sinners and proclaims the gift of eternal life for every repentant believing soul. Hope is kindled in the dying man. He believes the good news of salvation. He embraces the Saviour. His physical condition begins to improve. His life is spared. His soul is saved. As Matthew Henry puts it, 'These joyful tidings delivered to him by God's messenger shall revive his spirit, and by degrees restore his former health and vigour.' But who is the kind visitor who has brought glad tidings? Who is this man of knowledge who cares for souls? He is described as 'One in a Thousand'. How are the qualities of a pastor to be determined and how are pastors and elders to be distinguished? Erroll Hulse shows that there is a clear biblical model and then shows from the Reformation down to our own time how that model has been brought to life. Lessons from church history show how the various aspects of a pastors work have been demonstrated. This is a book that pastors and elders need to read, which will also provide a clear guide to any church member.