Born April 21, 1897, in a tiny farming community in the hills of western Pennsylvania, Aiden Wilson Tozer influenced the evangelical community as few have. His ministry included roles as pastor, author, editor, Bible conference speaker, denominational leader and, to many, a reliable spiritual mentor. For thirty-one years he achieved prominence as pastor of Southside Alliance Church in Chicago, serving there from 1928 to 1959.

Many regarded Tozer as a twentieth-century prophet. His contribution to Christians of his generation was a degree of insight regarding biblical truth and the nature and state of the Evangelical in his day. With the innate ability to express his perceptions in a beautiful, simple, forceful manner, Tozer was often the voice of God when the words of others were but echoes.

Some referred to him as the conscience of evangelicalism. As such he recognized modern Christianity sailing through dense spiritual fog and pointed out the rocks on which it could flounder if it continued its course. His spiritual intuition enabled him to sense error, name it for what it was and reject it -- all in one decisive act. In a few short sentences he could tear to pieces the spurious arguments of others. Whether writing or speaking, Tozer always ministered to those hungry for God.

His Chicago ministry was remarkable, the seeds of which were carried far and wide. Not that he was ever popular in the sense of jostling crowds and a buzzing of excitement round him. In the forenoon his church was full; however, in the evening a select company of worshipers gathered out of a wide city which prides itself on its discernment in mental and spiritual things. Those attracted by his preaching knew, with conviction, there was none like it anywhere. People awaited Tozer with expectancy, knowing that they would hear old truths robed in fresh and sparkling, sometimes startling, expressions.

His goal and objective in preaching was to lead the listener straight into the presence of God. Therefore, everything that would distract from the message, and particularly from God, he ruthlessly cut out.

Tozer's method of preaching was the strong declaration of biblical principles, never merely an involvement in word studies, clever outlines, or statistics. Listening to his recorded sermons or reading any of his numerous books, the observer will notice the absence of alliteration. His style was the simple unfolding of truth as naturally as a flower unfolding in the sunlight.

Tozer usually assigned himself a chapter, a book or a theme for his preaching schedule. He felt it helped to keep him on track in preparation. Often he would go to his study in the church to prepare sermons or write editorials. His heart and mind were, as he put it, "dry and uninspired as a burnt shingle." Opening his Bible and possibly a hymn book, he would kneel at an old couch and begin worshiping God. In this posture his heart would overflow with matter and soon he would be writing ferociously. Several sermons or editorials would be completed at one time.