An excellent read. Stott considers the preacher as a steward (a preacher's proclamation and appeal), a herald (a preacher's message and authority), a witness (a preacher's experience and humility), a father (a preacher's love and gentleness), and a servant (a preacher's power and motive). There is one chapter for each portrait. The book is very expositional in nature which is what makes it so profitable. Stott gives a very careful and enlightening exposition on specific texts that portray the man of God in the "portraits" listed above.

In his chapter on the witness, Stott shows from John 15 how Christian witness is borne before the world, to the Son, by the Father (the Father is the chief witness), through the Holy Spirit and the Church. In this same chapter he also gives a very helpful explanation of how Christ is our advocate in Heaven, while the Spirit is Christ's advocate on earth (p 68).

Particularly enlightening was his explanation of the Trinitarian aspect of preaching from 1 Corinthians 1-2 (in the chapter on "servant"). Preaching is to be the Word from God the Father, about God the Son, empowered by God the Holy Spirit. I found this chapter especially helpful in tying together the first two chapters of 1 Corinthians into a comprehensive, yet laconic statement on the Christian ministry of preaching.

I would highly recommend the book as very instructive and stimulating to the mind for any man in the ministry. The fact that it is John Stott (an evangelical Anglican who is now cozier with the Catholics than those in the "high church" and heirs of the Tractarian Movement ever were) is troubling. I suggest trying to forget who the author is. If that doesn't work, remind yourself that God uses earthen vessels, some of which are down right muddy. (It may also be helpful to know that this is the Stott of 1961, not of today.)

I liked this book because I learned so much from this book--about specific passages of Scripture. It is certainly not another rehash on preaching. It is a well drawn, artistically written portrait of what God's preachers ought to be. ( )

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