ONE IN A THOUSAND:
The calling and work of a pastor
By Erroll Hulse
Evangelical Press. 224 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978 0 852 349 137
‘Wesley, you must be reforming the Christian Union!’ was how my pastor Erroll Hulse used to challenge me on our early morning runs around Sefton Park in Liverpool. I could still hear this passionate and rallying call some 30 years later as I read this book, but this time Erroll’s challenge was to be the best pastor I can be.
Errol’s enthusiasm for church history is illustrated wonderfully well in highlighting great lessons from a unique selection of pastors.
He carefully begins with Christ as the ultimate church shepherd, continues with the Apostle Paul, then various pastors from church history, concluding with a current pastor in Erroll’s native South Africa.
Bedrock of love
All are men with a deep love and commitment to Reformed theology which formed the bedrock of how they loved, led and served the spiritual flocks God gave them.
Although each is chosen to highlight a different aspect of pastoral ministry, all had hearts for the sheep like Jesus their chief and ultimate shepherd and Erroll reminds us that to be like him has to be our first and last concern.
As a pastor I found the book both refreshing and challenging. Even though I was reminded of the enormity of the task and the seriousness of pastoring, it also reminded me of the privileges to which a pastor is called. Rather than crushing me I was inspired by these men’s humility, dependence and joy in God and encouraged by the reminder that Jesus, the chief shepherd, loves to draw alongside and help us.
This is a great read for both those in pastoral ministry and those who support, pray and encourage us so graciously.
