He Will Be the Preacher: The Story of God's Providence in My Life

by Erwin W. Lutzer

"He will be the preacher." Whether this was just an offhand remark or the woman leaning over his crib was speaking under inspiration from the Holy Spirit , either way, her prediction came to pass. This is the story of a shy, wisecrack kid from rural Canada becoming a well-known American preacher. It’s a story of seemingly random events deciding one man’s destiny. But most of all, it’s a story of God leading one of His dear children along. Join Erwin Lutzer on this tour of his life—from a Saskatchewan farm to a Dallas seminary to the historic Moody Church in Chicago. Hear his personal reflections and tales of pastoral hardship. Meet the people who have shaped his parents, professors, family, and even the great evangelist Billy Graham. And see how his many roles—author, speaker, evangelist, historian, and cultural critic—have carried his prophetic voice beyond Moody’s pulpit, even abroad. Part story and part reflection, full of heart with a dose of wit, He Will Be the Preacher is a personal and engaging witness to the providence of God.

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2015

About the author

Erwin W. Lutzer is senior pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Loyola University, he is the author of numerous books, including the Gold Medallion Award winner "Hitler's Cross" and the best seller "One Minute After You Die". He is also a teacher on radio programs heard on more than 700 stations throughout the United States and the world, including "Songs in the Night," "The Moody Church Hour," and the daily feature "Running to Win." He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and have three married children and seven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Stephen Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the key things I realized for myself after reading this book is simply that I prefer biographies to auto biographies. It seems that others looking into someone else's life are able to provide details and insights that one cannot when writing about their own life.

I didn't know much about Lutzer prior to reading this book so it was enjoyable to learn more about his life. He certainly is a man of God who has remained faithful to Jesus and faithful in ministry. His story, though certainly highlighting divine providence is really in many ways one of a normal pastor. Much of the story I didn't find captivating but did find encouraging.

I really appreciated how candid he was about his own failures which he does repeatedly throughout the book. One of my favorite chapters was where he simply shared about his own life and how he has stayed close to Jesus.

I also love the final chapter in the book where Lutzer shares his heart about preaching. It's an encouragement that we need constantly.

[Mazzou B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title comes from a sentence uttered by an elderly woman who was a friend of Erwin Lutzer's parents when Erwin was only a baby. Whether that statement was a momentary inspiration or an actual prompting of the Holy Spirit, either way it proved to be prophetically true. This is the story of Erwin Lutzer's life and how he became a preacher and the pastor of Moody church. This autobiography is detailed without becoming tedious and interesting to any readers whether your are already aware of who Erwin Lutzer is or not. I personally love and learn so much from Mr. Lutzer's books and sermons so was excited to read all about his life. I am so glad this book focuses on God's hand of providence in Erwin Lutzer's life. It is made very clear throughout this book that although man makes his plans, God directs his ways. This was both an interesting and informative read as well as a testimony to God's leading and Lutzer's listening in life.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed and moved by reading this one life under God's mercy and loving kindness. I was 'Blown away' by Reading 'Hitler's Cross' and 'When A Nation Forgets God' but so very encouraged and strengthened in heart and spirit by this story of one life captured and molded by Christ. -- an expatriate Canadian (from Winnipeg) following the Calvary Road in these trying times.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and pretty interesting autobiography of Erwin Lutzer. Some parts of his family history and ministry in Chicago were quite riveting.

[Jaclyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful. It was very encouraging to read the stories of God's path for his life. I would definitely read again!

[Mark Drinnenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erwin Lutzer has fed me with the Word many times over the years via radio. He is a clear, thoughtful, reasoned, and impassioned (though not in a "ranting and raving" sort of way) expositor of the Bible. I was very excited to read this autobiography of his life and ministry to date, and I was not disappointed. There was a section that focused on the current ministries of the Moody Church, and while I am very interested in such things, it seemed to slow the narrative of the book down just a bit. That is the reason for the four-star rating.

Lutzer lays out the story of his life, beginning before his birth with the homes in which his parents grew up and their journeys to Canada, and then traces his relationship with the Lord, call to ministry, education, life of ministry, and personal life/family life through to the current day. It is a story that involves struggle, open doors of opportunity, and faith.

Lutzer is able to see, with hindsight, the hand of the Lord at so many turns in his life, and his sharing of these insights provide inspiration and encouragement for the reader. Lutzer clearly loves Jesus, and his life's purpose could, on one level, be said to be that he would always make Jesus look good.

[Marc Axelrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very irenic and open autobiography

Dr. Erwin Lutzer talks about the history of his family and how he grew up on a farm and went to a Christian high school and was called to the ministry. He talks about how God lead him each and every step of the way and how he learned to rely on the Lord's leading through scripture and through the peace that Jesus gives.He talks about his ministry at Moody Church and how God lead and provided and gave strength. He gives heartfelt counsel along the way to aspiring young preachers. Terrific book.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read biographies and this was one I could hardly put down. When he talked about his parents being German living in the Ukraine and being deported to Afghanistan and Siberia the pathos of the story was painful. Lutzer without a doubt feels that God was behind his life and it sure seems that way to me. He said that "God's call is an inner conviction given by the Holy Spirit and confirmed by the Word of God and the Body of Christ."

[Jw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars. Yes, I'm biased.

[Brandon Siwula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Spiritually encouraging for a young pastor.