The Pursuit of Holiness

Neuhaus concludes his book with chapter eleven, “The Pursuit of Holiness.” Here he evaluates the ordination vows in which most Christian ministers promise to adorn the Gospel with their holy lives. In effect, all the rest of the book hinges upon this critical factor. Are pastors called to be holy saints who live exemplary lives as a sign of God’s holiness, goodness, and mercy? Yes they are, just as all Christians have the same calling. Yet pastors live out those lives of holiness under particular scrutiny by the rest of the world. It is important that the pastor find the balanced and sustainable life of prayer, activity, concern for the congregation, care for the world, and dedication to community, family, and even his own well-being. This is a good testimony to Christ’s work in our lives and in our world.