Who was A. W. Tozer and his significance?

Early Life and Calling

Aiden Wilson Tozer (1897–1963), commonly referred to as A. W. Tozer, was born in rural Pennsylvania, United States. Growing up in an environment of modest means, he did not initially show signs of pursuing pastoral work, yet a pivotal moment occurred in his teenage years when he reportedly overheard a street preacher quoting from Scripture. This experience stirred in him a deep hunger to seek God. Shortly after his conversion, despite having no formal theological training, he began preaching with passion and clear biblical focus. His calling eventually led him to ordination through the Christian and Missionary Alliance, where he spent most of his pastoral career.

Ministry and Writing

Tozer served as a pastor in a variety of congregations, most notably at Southside Alliance Church in Chicago and later at Avenue Road Church in Toronto. While he never attended a formal Bible college or seminary, his prolific reading, prayerful life, and intense devotion to Scripture equipped him with a profound understanding of biblical truth.

His writings gained wide readership through his editorials in the Alliance Weekly (now Alliance Life) and numerous books. One of his best-known works, “The Pursuit of God,” delves into authentic worship and intimacy with the Creator. Another significant title, “The Knowledge of the Holy,” focuses on the attributes of God, emphasizing worship rooted in reverent awe.

Emphasis on the Deep Things of God

Tozer’s ministry consistently pointed believers beyond mere intellectual knowledge of God toward genuine spiritual communion. He often referenced Scriptural teachings that highlight God’s holiness and the believer’s call to pursue Him wholeheartedly. Reflecting this focus, he would quote from the Psalms—frequently pointing to verses such as: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God” (Psalm 42:1). He believed such desire must shape the believer’s life and worship.

His teachings conveyed an urgency for deeper prayer and contrast between the transient, material concerns of daily life and the eternal realities of God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33). He called his readers to prioritize seeking first the kingdom of God, consistent with biblical commands that point to living in constant communion with the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Pastoral Influence and Devotional Focus

Tozer’s pastoral influence was extensive. Congregations under his care repeatedly testified to his conviction and sincerity. He championed prayer, often encouraging fellow believers to spend unhurried time in the presence of God, echoing verses such as: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).

Because of his commitment to teaching believers about the depths of divine love and reverence for God’s holiness, Tozer’s sermons were marked by a solemn but vibrant sense of the presence of the Spirit. This devotional focus remains a hallmark of his ministry.

Major Works and Key Themes

1. The Pursuit of God – Centers on cultivating a soul-hunger for the presence of God and perceiving that He is the One who first pursues us.

2. The Knowledge of the Holy – Explores God’s attributes like infinity, immutability, and omniscience, calling readers to bow in reverence before Him.

3. God’s Pursuit of Man – Previously titled “The Divine Conquest,” emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s work in bringing people into deep union with Christ.

Throughout these writings, Tozer drew readers back to the biblical truth that genuine worshipers are those who seek God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Significance and Legacy

Tozer’s significance lies in his persistent call to authentic Christianity. He believed that the church should not settle for superficial religiosity but must wholeheartedly recapture the wonder of God’s majesty. Though his sermons were recorded decades ago, modern believers continue to find contemporary relevance in his message.

His books have been translated globally, continuing to influence pastors, lay leaders, and everyday disciples seeking to deepen their walk with God. Literature and conferences inspired by his teachings still challenge Christians to guard against complacency, urging them onward in prayer, devotion, and holiness.

Impact on Modern Worship and Devotion

Church leaders often cite Tozer when addressing revival, prayer, and the importance of correct theology leading to right doxology (worship). Individuals and study groups reading his works are routinely led to ask more profound questions of themselves: “Am I truly thirsting for the living God?” and “Is my worship fueled by reverence and wonder?”

Such questions, deeply anchored in the biblical call to “draw near to God” (James 4:8), remain crucial among modern worship movements. Many have credited Tozer’s writings with shaping a renewed emphasis on spiritual depth, sincere repentance, and awe-filled reverence for the Lord.

Practical Application

1. Prayer and Meditation: Engage in consistent, heartfelt communication with God, reflecting on Scripture, and listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

2. Hunger for God: Cultivate a desire to know God intimately, echoing Paul’s words: “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).

3. Holiness and Obedience: Live in accordance with biblical commands, allowing personal holiness to flow from a love of God rather than from fear or religious duty.

4. Worship in Spirit and Truth: Recognize that genuine worship must be soulful, Spirit-led, and consistent with God’s revealed Word.

Conclusion

A. W. Tozer remains one of the most revered devotional writers of the twentieth century. His passion for the glory of God and his unwavering commitment to biblical truth have inspired generations of Christians to nurture a deep and abiding relationship with the Creator. By emphasizing heartfelt worship, the holiness of God, and the believer’s call to draw near to Him, Tozer’s ministry continues to echo the timeless biblical invitation found throughout Scripture for believers to know, love, and serve the Lord with all their heart and soul.