What sort of pastor does Norman appear to be, prior to the events of this book?

Through a sermon he preaches, the reader learns that Norman has lost faith in his own beliefs. He looks around and sees the world in a terrible mess. Add the horrific visions of doom that the dying man shared with him and Norman loses sight of any hope. He knows his congregation looks to him for hope, but he can only preach of the pending judgment. He realizes he has disappointed them when they needed him most, and he loses faith in himself as well.