Monday, May 18, 2009

WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE LIVING BIBLE TEACHERS/PREACHERS?
...here's my top ten

There's always a danger in making lists that include some and not others. But I wanted to share with you some of the men of God that I listen to or read with great interest frequently and who faithfully teach me the Word of God. I limited the list to ten though there are several others (Irwin Lutzer, Mark Dever, Mark Driscoll, Alistair Begg, Matt Chandler, Tom Ascol, Don Kistler, D.A. Carson, Steve Lawson, etc.) that I could have included as well.

Who are your choices? Please share them in the meta. And as you are mentioning their names, may I encourage us all to pray for them faithfully each day. And especially our own local pastors who faithfully shepherd the flock of God among us.

Grace and truth,
2 Tim. 4:1-5

1. John MacArthur
2. R.C. Sproul
3. Eric Alexander
4. Mike Fabarez
5. Al Mohler
6. Ligon Duncan
7. John Piper
8. Sinclair Fergusen
9. Jerry Bridges
10. James White

129 comments:

Adoption Mama said...

Steve, From a woman's point of view her they are...

1. Susan Heck

2. Martha Peace

3. Nancy Leigh DeMoss

4. Steve Kreloff

5. Carolyn Mahaney

6. Carolyn McCulley

7. Our very own, Elouise Fuller, from Grace Bible Church of Brandon

8. John MacArthur

9. John Piper

10. Tom Pennington

Jade said...

I haven't really read too much of MacArthur but I have heard him preached several times and I do like him. But some say he's a dispensationalist on his eschatology .... do you agree with him on that?

Chris said...

1. John Piper
2. Mark Driscoll
3. Alistair Begg
4. Matt Chandler
5. Joshua Harris
6. Louie Giglio
7. C.J. Mahaney
8. R.C. Sproul
9. Andy Stanley
10. Francis Chan

SJ Camp said...

Sarah
I am so glad you listed some when Bible teachers as well. There are several very capable and excellent ones that are giving faithful instruction from God's Word to other women whom we can thank the Lord for.

Well done!

SJ Camp said...

jade
Great question.

Not speaking personally for John, but he is reformed in his soteriology but dispensational in his eschatology. IOW, he's a five pointer who is premill-pretrib in the classic dispensational line.

I am also a five pointer, but covenantal in my eschatology.

Anonymous said...

1. John Piper
2. Sam Storms
3. Bruce Ware
4. D.A. Carson
5. R.C. Sproul
6. C.J. Mahaney
7. Paul Washer
8. Al Mohler
9. Jerry Bridges
10. Steve Cole

John said...

Steve,
You didn't mention TD Jakes, Driscol, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, or Joyce Myers...Surely they were you honorable mentions!! :)

SJ Camp said...

Chris
Very interesting list. A unique blend of old school and new school.

I enjoy seeing who is impacting others for the gospel.

Thank you brother.

mKhulu said...

What a lineup. I am unfamiliar with your third batter and your man in the cleanup spot, but I want to know them. If they fit in that lineup, they must be major league communicators of Truth.

SJ Camp said...

John
I did mention Driscoll in the paragraph preceding my list. I have come to appreciate many aspects of Mark's ministry, though I disagree with him on some of the pulpit language/methods he may use from time to time.

There is much we can learn from him in ministry. He is a uniquely gifted preacher and voice to this generation for which we can and ought to be thankful.

The others you listed... i wouldn't say are "honorable mentions" - but ones for whom prayer would be fervently invited for orthodoxy.

SJ Camp said...

Elizabeth
Glad you listed Sam Storms, CJ, Bruce and Paul Washer - all fine men of God IMHO.

Hill Memorial Baptist Church said...

I can think of 5

1. John MacArthur
2. John Piper
3. R.C. Sproul
4. James White
5. Matt Chandler

SJ Camp said...

mKhulu
I am unfamiliar with your third batter and your man in the cleanup spot, but I want to know them. If they fit in that lineup, they must be major league communicators of Truth.

Eric Alexander is a Scottish preacher who MacArthur considers to be the finest expositor today. He is retired from local church pastoral ministry, but does travel from time to time here in the States. He is a rare jewel that the Lord has given to His church for us to still glean wisdom and insight from.

James White is the most accomplished apologist of our day. His ministry is Alpha and Omega ministries. Check it out. He is brilliant.

hatinthering said...

Steve, I've been listening to you since your remake of "The Great American Novel" and I appreciate immensely your blog. Keep on keepin' on...

1. D.A. Carson
2. John MacArthur
3. Graeme Goldsworthy
4. John Piper
5. Mike Bullmore
6. Bryan Chapell
7. Bruce Ware
8. David L. Larsen
10. Tim Keller

SJ Camp said...

Randy
Five is good. Nothing special about the number ten - I just needed the extra room :-).

Glad to see you also list Matt Chandler. I didn't know what to think of him a few years ago. But IMHO, he has really proven himself to be a sober minded preacher who first thinks biblically rather than culturally. One of the next generation voices that the Lord is using greatly and for the body of Christ to watch carefully.

May his tribe increase!

SJ Camp said...

hatinthering
Thank you for your encouraging words. I am not worthy of them but they are greatly appreciated.

Tim Keller and Bryan Chapell are two great mentions. I haven't heard some of the others you mentioned. I will Google them forthwith.

Interesting that Google has now become a verb for us in the blogosphere :-).

Thanks again my brother.

Carrie said...

Rats, but some of my favorites are no longer this side of heaven! Here are a few who are:
Chuck Swindoll
Ken Gire
Tim Demy
Jan Johnson
Beth Moore

Reg Schofield said...

A List of 10 , man that is hard but these are the ones I read and listen to the most. Not in order.
1.Michael Horton
2.James White
3.RC Sproul
4.John Piper
5.Albert Mohler
6.Ligon Duncan
7.J.I Packer
8.John MacArthur
9.Kim Riddlebarger
10.Sinclair Ferguson

Rick Frueh said...

Comment from chris:

I suspect we might not often see R.C. Sproul and Andy Stanley sharing adjoining spaces. :)

Kevin Jones said...

Here's my list (in alphabetical order):

Voddie Baucham
Alistair Begg
Francis Chan
Matt Chandler
John MacArthur
James MacDonald
C.J. Mahaney
Jon McNeff
Tommy Nelson
John Piper

The Seeking Disciple said...

1. Mark Rutland
2. Carter Conlon
3. Jim Cymbala
4. David Wilkerson
5. P. Douglas Small
6. John MacArthur
7. Tony Evans
8. Larry Brown
9. Michael L. Brown
10. Loran Livingston

Michele Rayburn said...

Warren Wiersbe was one of my favorites when I was a new Christian, but his radio program is no longer available (unless it's online somewhere), and he is most likely retired. Other favorites of mine are now with the Lord.

John MacArthur was one of my first teachers that I learned a lot from for many years, and got to meet him and tell him so a few months ago, which was very special to me.

Although I love these and several other teachers, I have to say that my favorites are my husband and my Pastor.

Terry Rayburn at www.graceforlife.com has a radio and blog ministry. And my Pastor, William Sasser, at Grace Church at Franklin, TN has tapes, CD's and DVD's available. He has been a conference speaker with the John Bunyan Conferences.

The reason Terry and Pastor Sasser are my favorites are because of their tremendous grasp of the New Covenant that we are now under, which very few preachers or teachers are aware of, or even understand. For those who want to be set free from the bondage of legalism, these ministries are for you. They also have a strong emphasis on the sovereignty of God.

Eric O said...

In order not to raise a man above his status, these are not in order of likes except the first one who is my pastor.
1. Rob Andrews
2. Dennis Newell
3. John MacArthur
4. John Piper
5. Al Mohler
6. Paul Washer
7. James White
8. Steve Camp :)

SJ Camp said...

Carie
some of my favorites are no longer this side of heaven!

That is my frustration too.

The motive behind this brief post was to not forget those who currently labor among us and not just have an appreciation for those from long ago in redemptive history.

SJ Camp said...

R W S
Michael Horton, J.I Packer, Kim Riddlebarger all favorites of mine as well.

Riddlebarger gives one of the great defenses for amillennialism I have read. His blog is excellent.

Horton has been one of the brilliant thinkers of our generation. I enjoy him immensely.

And Packer is easily the most quoted and referred to theologian of our day. Though Carson is of our time and my personal favorite of all theologians today.

Thank you - great choices!

SJ Camp said...

eric
Some on your list I haven't heard of before - will Google them later today. But are you sure about #8?

I am humbled and honored...

SJ Camp said...

The Seeking Disciple
Jim Cymbala I have only met once but heard on many an occasion. He is a godly, humble man of God and is a rare combination of sound doctrine and a noncessationist view of spiritual gifts.

Thank you for mentioning him.

SJ Camp said...

Michele
Warren Wiersbe is a lasting treasure as well. Thank you for remembering him on this list.

What a godly example to so many young Timothy's today.

Here is his biography for those not familiar with him.

SJ Camp said...

Kevin
Voddie Baucham, James MacDonald, Tommy Nelson great triumvirate of pastoral ministry in the pulpit.

Tommy Nelson has done a great study on the Song of Solomon! And you don't have to hide the kids to enjoy it :-).

Excellent brother - thank you.

Julius Mickel said...

Here's mine
Conrad Mbewe
Albert Martin
Jono Sims
Paul Washer
Sinclair Ferguson
Voddie Baucham
Jeff Noblit
David Miller
John Macarthur
Iain Murray

cyd said...

Here are some of my favorite Bible teachers as well:

1. Kevin DeYoung
2. Jim Cymbala
3. John MacArthur
4. Sinclair Ferguson
5. Jim Grier
6. Steve Camp (glad to see eric mentioned you too).
7. John Piper
8. Mike Fabarez
9. Warren Wiersbe
10. R.C. Sproul

Unknown said...

1. John Piper
2. Matt Chandler
3. Alistair Begg
4. Chuck Swindoll
5. Sam Storm
6. Jerry Bridges
7. D. A. Carson
8.

cyd said...

I forgot to include some godly women that have impacted me as well for the Lord.

1. Kay Arthur
2. Stormie Omartian
3. early Beth Moore
4. Elisabeth Elliott
5. Nancy Leigh DeMoss
6. Carolyn Mahaney

Though women can't be pastors, it's good for us to remember that they can be teachers of excellence to children and other women within the church. They deserve to be honored (Titus 2:3-5)

Alice said...

Some of my favorites...

1. R. Kent Hughes

2. James MacDonald

3. Beth Moore

4. Philip Ryken

Bernadette said...

1) Benedict XVI
2) Fr. Benedict Groeschel
3) Fr. John Corapi
4) Mother Angelica
5) Fr. Mitch Pacwa
6) Fr. Mark Mary
5) Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
6) Dr. Scott Hahn
7) Marcus Grodi
8) Steve Ray
9) Fr. Pablo Straub
10)Fr. James Dean

Eric O said...

You will not find them on the net.

It wasn’t really fair to list them as they are the two teaching elders from the church I attend.

I'm sure we all feel number one is in our own pulpit.

As far as you being number 8, I'm sure as long as you don’t keep bumping my comments. SMILE JUST TEASING.

Anonymous said...

Here is my list in no particular order, other than the 1st One being first...

Jesus
MacArthur
Paul Washer
John Piper
Sproul Sr.
Mohler
Dever
Tim Conway
Voddie Baucham
Bob Jennings

Is that 10 already?

I must say that i really have to disagree with your view of Driscoll, i believe he is disqualified as a pastor. He DOES preach allot of truth i'm sure...but that does not make up for his sins which disqualifies him from being a pastor/elder/overseer. But sense this post is not about that, i'll stop there.

Michele Rayburn said...

Steve,

I see from the link you provided about Warren Wiersbe's bio that he pastored Chicago's Moody Memorial Church. I wonder if you have ever met him or seen him preach there.

Terry and I saw him at the Gull Lake Conference, and got to meet him. Terry got to talk to him a bit on several occasions there.

Anonymous said...

Intriguing question. Like you, I had a hard time limiting the list to ten. I cheated and added an eleventh. Here's the list:

John MacArthur
James MacDonald
David Jeremiah
Alistair Begg
Ed Young Sr.
Chuck Swindoll
John Stott
Mark Driscoll
J.I. Packer
Ken Hemphill
Ed Young Jr.

SJ Camp said...

Michele
I see from the link you provided about Warren Wiersbe's bio that he pastored Chicago's Moody Memorial Church. I wonder if you have ever met him

I have met him. We did a conference together several years ago at Cedarville College. What a gentleman of the faith; gracious, loving, witty, and intensely Christ-centered on the gospel.

SJ Camp said...

docdeer
The most unusual combination of pastors listed I have seen yet. Did you choose them by personal liking or by theological conviction?

Curious...

SJ Camp said...

Mark
Some fine choices here. I really appreciate the fact that you and others have listed Voddie Bachman as well. I have heard him on MP3 only; but he was always spot on with the text and the truth application.

Excellent.

As to Mark Driscoll. I want to ask you what has disqualified him from ministry? What would you base that upon?

Also, since we are speaking here about pastors/teachers within the local church, do you not think that the better part of wisdom would be to trust the local leadership of Mars Hill Church in how they together serve each other and hold each other accountable? The Lord is head of His church. And He will bless it or snuff its lampstand out. But that is for Him alone to do - not for us.

This kind of pronouncement I have heard on other blogs for disqualification of a pastor should not be casually discussed on a blog that has no direct bearing on that local pastor's ministry. But we should prayerfully leave this to the elders of his church and to those they have deemed worthy to speak into their lives and church leadership.

Don't you agree my brother?
Steve

SJ Camp said...

Alice
R. Kent Hughes, James MacDonald, Philip Ryken are all fine men of God. I have heard them all preach and each is greatly gifted for the preaching of God's Word.

I especially appreciated Pastor Ryken's contribution at the recent Gospel Coalition Conference.

SJ Camp said...

Juilius
Iain Murray is a great historian and author and quite an accomplished minister of the Word as well.

Excellent contribution here. Thank you.
Steve

donsands said...

1. RC Sproul
2. Alistair Begg
3. Greg Dutcher (my pastor)
4. John Piper
5. Sinclair Ferguson
6. John MacArthur
7. James White
8. Billy Graham
9. Joni
10. Ravi

Cycleman said...

Although many of the previously listed teachers make my list, too, one of my favorites is Dewey Bertolini. A friend of mine who works for Grace to You was a student at The Master's Seminary years ago and sent home tapes of Grace Community Church pastors' messages.

Dewey was a great discipling influence for me in those days. Recently I have found him via the internet and am once again being blessed and challenged as he leads his small church in Oregon.

I am grateful to God for those who have been given wide exposure with their ministries. I am equally grateful for the ones who faithfully serve in their smaller congregations and proclaim the gospel of Christ with boldness.

mKhulu said...

Thanks for your info regarding my assesment of your "batting order." Eric Alexander has now become a new favorite. I am aware of the great work of James White and A&O. It was Mike Fabarez (fourth batter is cleanup spot) that I wanted to know more about. Thanks again. I read COT every day and especially appreciate your left margin blog role. Normally I check every site out. Thanks again.

SJ Camp said...

Bernadette
You are a loyal Roman Catholic. Thank you for coming into Protestant territory and sharing those who have influenced your faith.

May I suggest to you reading a book called "The God Who Justifies" by James White? It might be an encouragement to you.

Thank you for posting here.
Steve

Terry T said...

Steve,
Here is my list:
John MacArthur
John Piper
Charles Cutney (Pastor First Southern Baptist Church, North Hollywood, CA)
Robert "Bob" L. Long (Itinerant Bible Teacher to India and Ukraine, Yukon, OK)
Alister Begg
Matt Chandler
Ligon Duncan
R C Sproul
Mark Dever
May I please throw in a brother who went to be with the Lord in 2000? Were he still alive he would be number 2 on the list - and though gone thanks to MP3 he still speaks today:
James Montgomery Boice

Terry Thomas
Oklahoma City, OK

SJ Camp said...

mKhulu
My bad.

Mike Fabarez is pastor at Compass Bible Church. He is, IMHO, the best kept secret in evangelicalism today. Mike's forte in preaching is that he really fulifills the command "to equip the saints for the work of the ministry." He is theological, yet practical. He is in a word: brilliant.

Check him out.
Steve

SJ Camp said...

Terry T
Great list and a touching addition. I met JMB on several occasions. His Romans commentaries still bless me to this day.

Thank you my brother!

SJ Camp said...

donsands
Billy Graham, Joni and Ravi are all fitting additions to this thread.

Billy, in his earlier years, was a fiery, courageous bold preacher of the gospel.

Joni is amazing in any venue. What a great Christlike example to the world of how triumph over tragedy by God's grace.

Ravi is a profound apologist. One of the most articulate preachers of the gospel today. He is unique in how he weaves cultural distinctives, key philosophical truth claims of our day, and biblical theology in proclaiming the reasonable faith of Christianity.

Thank you for mentioning these three great servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.

SJ Camp said...

Cycleman
I am grateful to God for those who have been given wide exposure with their ministries. I am equally grateful for the ones who faithfully serve in their smaller congregations and proclaim the gospel of Christ with boldness.

Well said my brother and amen! It's not about fame or numbers, but faithfulness in life and doctrine.

Great wisdom... thank you.

Anonymous said...

Here are my Top 12

1. Benny Hinn
2. Kenneth Copeland
3. Joyce Meyer
4. Joel Osteen
5. Paul Cain
6. Todd Bentley
7. Joshua Mills
8. Mike Bickle
9. Bob Jones
10. Rick Joyner
11. John Paul Jackson
12. Patricia King...

And I love my Rhema Study Bible from Kenneth Hagin Ministries...

Yes I am kidding :)

Anonymous said...

In no particular order:

1. R.C. Sproul (my pastor)
2. D.A. Carson
3. John MacArthur
4. Al Mohler
5. Ligon Duncan
6. Mark Dever
7. Sinclair Ferguson
8. Alistair Begg
9. John Owen
10. Jonathan Edwards
11. Al Jackson (Auburn, AL)

Anonymous said...

I don't listen to many but I'll put John MacArthur, Paul Washer, and R.C. Sproul as joint number one's on my list.

The others will be D.A. Carson, Alistair Begg, John Piper, James White, Sinclair Ferguson, Michael Horton, Ligon Duncan. I thought it'd be unfair to rate them from 1-10, since each has his own strengths and weaknesses.

The most important thing for me is that these are men of God who aren't afraid to preach the Word and have helped deepened my own understanding of God's Word.

soli Deo gloria!

Danny said...

My list probably changes as I go through different season's of life. Right now we have two soon to be 3 kids under 3yo. Therefore,

1) Voddie Baucham
2) Tedd Tripp
3) Matt Chandler
4) Darrin Patrick
5) Al Mohler
6) Paul Washer
7) RC Sproul SR.
8) Steve Wood
9) Martin Lloyd Jones
10) John Macarthur

Anonymous said...

John MacArthur
Jeff Seavey
Alistair Begg
R C Sproul
Art Arzurdia
John Piper
Jerry Bridges
Ian Murray
D A Carson
Steve Lawson

Anonymous said...

To answer your question about my list, it's a little of both (conviction and liking). Each one has different strengths. Some I look to for depth and content (particular MacArthur). Others I enjoy listening to (Jeremiah, MacDonald, Young Sr) or reading (Stott, Driscoll). While my list is theologically eclectic (primarily a mix of Baptist and Reformed), all have a high view of Scripture and are Christ-centered.

Jacks said...

I find myself in a bit of a quandry with that question. For many years I listened to or read everything I could get my hands on. Then I found that the percentage of time going to that was more than I spent in the Bible myself. To much reliance on others to expound the Word instead of God.

I have spent the past two years not listening or reading anyone except the Word of God (except at our local church). Now that I have gotten myself back to the Word as the only source; I have started reading others again. Now the words from others are only supplementing the Word of God when it matches the Bible. Instead of the other way around!

Most of my favorites are long with the Lord now. However, if I had to list any living "teachers"; I would have to add the host Steve Camp to the names that are being shared. I see a few have added it. You do not think of yourself that way Steve and would not want anyone to add your name. However, I have both read and listened to your ministry for many decades. God has given you the gift as well.

MSC said...

In no particular order:
John MacArthur
Steve Lawson (suprised he's not on more lists)
R. C. Sproul
John Piper
D. A. Carson
Thomas Schreiner
Al Mohler
David Powlison
Wayne Grudem
John S. Feinberg

and I can't help it:
S. Lewis Johnson (resting in glory)

musicmike said...

My 10 Favorite Living Teachers/Preachers are

1. Hal Wynn (My Pastor)

2. Alan Cairns (retired from Faith Free Presbyterian in Greenville, SC - a powerful preacher)

3. John MacArthur (He has been a great influence on my ministry)

4. Jerry Cisar (Pastor of Gulf Coast Community Church in St. Petersburg, FL)

5. R. C. Sproule

6. Roy Hargrave - Riverbend Community Church in Ormand Beach, FL

7. John Weaver

8. David Wilkerson (I don't always agree with all of his theology, but I do believe that he is a great man of God. His work with Teen Challenge has always been an inspiration to me. I also understand that some reformed ministers have had an impact on him. He loves the Puritans.)

9. John Piper

10. Tony Evans - This has surprised those with whom I have shared this, but Dr. Evans actually shared some things in some of his sermons that caused me to look into Reformed Theology more carefully.

SJ Camp said...

MSC
Steve Lawson, Thomas Schreiner, David Powlison, Wayne Grudem
John S. Feinberg are all excellent additions here.

I was also surprised that Steve Lawson wasn't on more lists as well. He is a great teacher and expositor of God's Word.

and I can't help it:
S. Lewis Johnson (resting in glory)


That was Steve Lawson's mentor and one of my favorites as well. I have all of his messages on MP3 and treasure each one of his.

Thanks for your post.
Campi

SJ Camp said...

The Final Word
Thank you for your wise words and for your encouraging ones as well. They do not go unappreciated.

By His grace alone... In salvation, sanctification and service. Amen?

SJ Camp said...

Danny
My list probably changes as I go through different season's of life.

I fully understand and agree wholeheartedly.

SJ Camp said...

Kuiperian
I have to admit you had me going there brother!

Well done...

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

My top ten in order:
1. Jesus
2. Steve Cavanaugh (my pastor)
3. John MacArthur
4. Steven Lawson
5. John Piper
6. R.C. Sproul
7. D.A. Carson
8. Mark Dever
9. Alistair Begg
10. C.J. Mahaney

Anonymous said...

Here are my top teachers that God has used to provide truth and light in my life in no particular order...

First my Pastor Clint Humfrey of http://www.calvarygrace.ca/

John Piper
John MacArthur
RC Sproul
D.A. Carson
Albert Mohler
Mark Driscoll
Phil Johnson
C.J. Mahaney
Bruce Ware
Voddie Baucham
J.I. Packer
Wayne Grudem

-Vince-

Rick Frueh said...

After thinking it through, my favorite living preacher is still Jesus.

The Bible Christian said...

1. John MacArthur
2. Phil Johnson
3. R.C. Sproul
4. Al Mohler
5. Steve Lawson
6. Paul Washer
7. Alistair Begg
8. Derek Thomas
9. John Piper
10.Mark Kielar

John Taylor said...

Here is my list:

John MacArthur
John Piper
Allistair Begg
Dr. J. Vernon McGee
James MacDonald
Chuck Swindoll
James White
R.C. Sproul
J.I. Packer
D.A. Carson

Jeff said...

I want to mentiuon 2 men whom most people probably don't know. John Hanneman and Brian Morgan from Peninsula Bible Church Cupertino (PBCC.org)

For His Own Glory! said...

1. John Piper
2. John MacArthur
3. R.C. Sproul
4. Ligon Duncan
5. Mark Dever
6. Al Mohler
7. C.J. Mahaney
8. Sinclair Fergesun
9. Steve Lawson
10. Matt Chandler (I went to High School with Matt in Texas City, TX)
11. Tim Conway
12. Paul Washer
13. Tommy Dahn (My Pastor www.providence-bc.com)

Walter said...

I agree with a lot of the names mentioned. I'd add Steve Brown - for someone who was greatly damaged by legalism in my youth as a young believer he has ministered to me greatly (aside from the fact that he was my pastor in the 70's and 80's :).

LivingDust said...

Dr. J.W. "Jack" MacGorman
Dr. C.W. Brister, Jr.
Dr. Patrick H. Carter
Dr. B.H. Carroll
A.W. Pink

Manny A. Rosario said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Manny A. Rosario said...

1. Onofre Malazo Jr. (my local pastor; Dagupan City, Philippines)

2. Jurem Ramos (Davao City, Philippines)

3. Robbie Casas (Baguio City, Philippines)

4. John Macarthur

5. R.C. Sproul Sr.

6. John Piper

7. James White

8. Ligon Duncan

9. Ken Ham (young earth creationism)

10. R. Kent Hughes

11. Charles Cooper (Pre-Wrath Rapture)

12. J. I. Packer

Jane said...

How about Charles Stanley? He has always given me something from the word to think about. I also enjoy listening to R.C. Sproul, Alistair Begg, and John MacArthur.

Jade said...

John wrote:Steve,
You didn't mention TD Jakes, Driscol, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, or Joyce Myers...Surely they were you honorable mentions!! :)
Osteen?! He preaches the prosperity gospel, which is NOT the Biblical Gospel. And I"m not sure about this Joyce Myers ... isn't she a female pastor? Kind of goes against what 1Tim2:12 states. Sure we should pray for these people, but that they would repent of their disobedience and come to embrace the Biblical Gospel.


Here's my list:
1) D. A. Carson2) Bruce Ware
3) Sinclair Fergusen
4) Stuart Olyott5) John Piper
6) Steve Lawson
7) John MacArthur
8) Sam Waldron
9) Ligon Duncan
10) Peter Masters

Mike the Bible Burgh Host said...

MacArthur has been #1 for me since 1986! I have seen Piper twice, and this year's BASICS Conference at Alistair's church might have been the best sermon I have ever heard! (From John 3 on Regeneration).

Nice to see Tony Evans hit the list; convicts me more than anyone.

I would add the "up and comers" as:
Rick Phillips
Robert Godfrey
Thabiti Anyabwile . . .

just to name a few.

I would also agree with one poster . . . give Jim Boice the Posthumous award!

GREAT IDEA, Steve!

R.A. Servin said...

1. John Piper
2. Matt Chandler
3. Todd Friel (I know he's a radio show host but he's a great bible teacher also!)
4. Voddie Baucham
5. Steve Lawson
6. Phil Johnson
7. John MacArthur
8. Mark Dever
9. Paul Washer
10.Mark Kielar

John said...

Jade,
I can assure you I was not serious. I like what Piper said about the prosperity gospel, "I hate it."
Steve, have you listened to Art Azurida? He is powerful.

SJ Camp said...

Thank you all for a most excellent thread here. I have enjoyed reading who you listen to and who is impacting your life with the Word of God.

Many of you listed your local pastor as one of your top ten - SDG!

Some here posted names which I am completely unfamiliar with. I am planning on doing some good searching for some of their messages over the next few weeks. This will be a great adventure!

This thread is still open so continue to comment away... I just wanted to take a moment this morning and say thank you to you all. Keep praying for these dear men and women of God.

Grace and truth,
Steve
Col. 1:9-14

musicmike said...

I'm surprised that more haven't heard of Alan Cairns. You can find his sermons on Sermonaudio.com. Some of his best sermons are "Storming the Kingdom" and "The Going of God Among His People."

Hayden said...

John MacArthur
Steve Lawson
CJ Mahaney
Thabiti Anywabile
Sinclair Ferguson
Carey Hardy
John Piper
Al Mohler
Mark Dever

WeightWatcherGoneKeto said...

1. John MacArthur
2. Jim Carpenter (my Pastor from Bonita Valley Baptist Church)
3. Paul Washer
4. Steve Lawson
5. R.C. Sproul
6. John Piper
7. Allister Begg
8. Al Molher
9. Phil Johnson
10. Don Green....

Favorite Female:

1. Nancy Leigh DeMoss

GUNNY said...

"For His Own Glory!" ... please give a shout out to Tommy Dahn from Gunny Hartman. We were roomies at a Sproul pastors conference a few years back.

My top 5:
R.C. Sproul
John D. Hannah (DTS)
John Piper
Tommy Nelson (Denton Bible)
Tom Ascol

Unknown said...

1. T.D.Jakes
2. Ravi Zacharius
3. John MacArthur
4. Joyce Meyer
5. Alistair Begg
5. Dr. James Boice
6. John Maxwell
7. Paul Sheppard
8. Charles Stanley
9. Andy Stanley.
10. Jack Hayford

SJ Camp said...

Walter
I agree with a lot of the names mentioned. I'd add Steve Brown - for someone who was greatly damaged by legalism in my youth as a young believer he has ministered to me greatly.

Great addition to the growing number of well deserved mentions here. I met Steve many years ago in the late 1970's. A great Bible teacher with a blessed voice for communicating the truth of the gospel.

Thank you.

SJ Camp said...

yankeeridge
Good to see you include both Charles Stanley and Jack Hayford.

I was curious about something though: how did you come to place both John MacArthur and T.D. Jakes on the same list?

Did you know that Mr. Jakes denies the Trinity?

Let me know your thoughts on this...

Grace and truth,
Steve

For His Own Glory! said...

Steve thanks for bringing up T.D. Jakes denying the Trinity to Yankeeridge. I was going to do the same thing. Jesus Christ is eternally the Son of God (John 1:1-18; John 8:48-59) Always was and always will be!

I am also glad to see that you are not dispensational in your eschatology Steve. Although I have a deep respect for men like MacArthur who are dispensational that don't allow their eschatology to lead them to teach a gospel without repentance or an easy believism type soteriology.

Gunny, I will tell Tommy that you said hello. I have never had the pleasure of meeting you but I know of you from Founders Ministries, Tommy Dahn and James Galyon. James and I have kept in touch since we met at the ARK-LA-TEX Founders Conference in Shreveport, LA in 2002 when Don Whitney was there speaking on Biblical Church Growth. He is a great friend.

By His grace and for His glory,

Joel Day

~Mark said...

For those who'd like to check out some of the preaching by names they're unfamiliar with, (and a number of sermons by Warren Wiersbe!) check out Sermon Index. It's a fantastic resource and no, I don't benefit in any way by your visiting them! (c:

Hmmm...for some reason I can't access their main site (SermonIndex.net) but here's their YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/sermonindex

~Mark said...

Here we go, a Google page of their sermons for examples.

~Mark said...

Ah, found out via Twitter that Sermon Index is having some server troubles and they are aware of it. They're worth the wait though!

John said...

Steve,

Not in any particular order...

1. John Piper
2. John MacArthur
3. Al Mohler
4. Alistair Begg
5. Steve Lawson
6. Richard Barcellos
7. Sam Storms
8. James White
9. Ken Talbot
10. Steve Camp (your stuff is just too edifying not to mention).

My runner up list is good too. But I think this is a good start.

Sarge said...

I just found this site, and the message on The Cross of Christ immediately caught my attention. I'm surprised that no one mentioned Jimmy Swaggart as a favorite (he and David Wilkerson are mine). Brother Swaggart teaches and preaches the cross excluslively and the message has opened my eyes to a new revelation of the cross, and all the deception out there. The bible clearly spells out that there will be many false prophets and teachers in these last days. The message of the cross is the message Paul preached. I'm surprised that some of these lists have false prophets and teachers on them. Everything a so called TV preacher says is not the gospel. If it's not Jesus Christ and Him crucified be wary. Paul stated "But we preach Christ crucified." It is the Gospel. By the way this is my first post to a blog anywhere, and felt it neccessary to add my comments. Blessings to you.

Landon Meckle said...

John MacArthur
James White
Mark Kielar
John Piper
RC Sproul
Paul Washer
Phil Johnson
Ray Comfort
Todd Friel
Steve Camp

William Dicks said...

I see some commenters have raised some preachers/teachers from the dead to make it to this "favorite living Bible teachers/preachers" list! LOL

Karie said...

My Pastor is truly my favorite:
1. Steve Fernandez-Community Bible Church, Vallejo, CA
2. John MacArthur-For standing firm.
3.Phil Howard, Valley Bible Church, Hercules, CA-For being from my neck of the woods and his illustration from his life that I can understand.
4. Kay Arthur-For Precepts and being faithful to teach the Word of God.
5. Liz George=For, Loving God with all your mind.
5. Susan Heck-For being an incredibly strong and commited Bible teacher/if she were a man, she could be a preacher!
6. R.C. Sproul-stretching intellectually
7. Jeff Noblitt-For not caving to current trends or waffling.
8. Dr. David Jeremiah, San Diego, CA-for What in the World is going on?
9. Charles Stanley-for gentleness
10.Paul Shepherd-for urban-ness

Karie said...

My Pastor is truly my first not out of respect do I regard him as first.
We moved away for 12 years to another state and have come back to sit under our Pastor's teaching. He is
a
one of a kind, uniquely gifted teacher/preacher. My husband has always said, "no one preaches like Steve."
1. Steve Fernandez-Community Bible Church, Vallejo, CA
2.John MacArthur-
3.Kay Arthur
4.Liz George
5.Susan Heck
6.Dr.David Jeremiah
7.R.C. Sproul
8.Phil Howard-Valley Bible, Hercules, CA
9.Jeff Noblitt
10.Charles Stanley-like his gentleness.

Those who have gone on.
1. 1. 1. AW Tozer
2.Oswald Chambers
3.Charles Spurgeon
4.J. Vernon McGee
5.Adrian Rogers
6.John Wesley
7.Warren Weirsbe
8.George Whitfield
Singers who taught through music:
9. Keith Green
10.Rick Mullins

RR said...

I am so surprised that Carter Conlon is not in more of the posts! I find him excellent!

Joe said...

Ten favorites...

John MacArthur
John Piper
R.C. Sproul
Ravi Zacharias
Greg Laurie
James Merritt
Woodrow Kroll
Mark Driscoll
Tullian Tchividjian
Charles Stanley

Two I can't leave out are Dr. Ian Maddock and Nick Lauer (pastors at our church)

Trevor Davis said...

1. Chris Stephens (Faith Promise Church, Knoxville, TN)
2. Jack Deere (Wellspring Church)
3. Bayless Conley
4. James E. Allman (Dallas Theological Seminary)
5. John MacArthur
6. Steve Brown (Key Life)
7. Andy Stanley (elite communicator)
8. Mike Curry (Light Ministries, Conway, AR)
9. Mark Driscoll
10. Ravi Zacharias

Terrific post idea & comment thread!

Anonymous said...

1. John Piper
2. John MacArthur
3. Mark Driscoll
4. William Lane Craig
5. Ravi Zacharias
6. Tim Keller
7. Chuck Smith
8. Wayne Grudem
9. CJ Mahaney
10. Ray Comfort

Honorable Mention: Josh Harris, Bob Coy, Matt Chandler, Skip Heitzig,

Unknown said...

I'd have to have these eight British preachers on my list somewhere...

1. Marcus Honeysett of Crofton Baptist,
2. Piers Bickersteth of Arborfield Church,
3. Stu Alred of Frontiers Exeter,
4. Adrian Reynolds of Yateley Baptist5. Pete Greasley of Christ Church Newport6. Mike Reeves of UCCF7. Terry Virgo of CCK Brighton8. Mike Cain of Emmanuel Bristol...and maybe add to that Americans Mark Lauterbach, Grace Church San Diego and Tim Keller. Though *probably* the rest of the world has some gifted preachers too...

Anonymous said...

1. John MacArthur
2. Paul Washer
3. Steve Lawson
4. Tom Pennington
5. Mark Dever
6. Michael Horton
7. James White
8. Phil Johnson
9. R C Sproul
10. Ligon Duncan

Irv said...

There are some listings that are eschatologically fascinating. You can view them on Google etc. if you type in: "Famous Rapture Watchers," "Famous Rapture Watchers - Addendum," "Pretrib Rapture Diehards," "Appendix F: Thou Shalt Not Steal," and "Pretrib Rapture Dishonesty." The pen man is journalist/historian Dave MacPherson who has researched the long-hidden-but-now-revealed history of the pretrib rapture theory for 40 years. (Who's done this for 40 months or even 40 weeks?) His latest discoveries: finding out that Margaret Macdonald later married her biographer, Irvingite historian Robert Norton; and obtaining an early handwritten copy of a British Library document catalogued as "Margaret McDonald's Vision." His bestselling book "The Rapture Plot" (see Armageddon Books) has by far the most documentation on the same theory.

marco said...

SEM

1. Gary Gilley

2. Steve Lawson

3. Gil Rugh

4. Mike Fabarez

5. Tom Pennington

6. Philip Ryken

7. David Jeremiah

8. Phil Johnson

9. Paul Martin

10. Ralph Shallis (he spoke french)

mr_sluggo said...

Arnold Fructenbaum

mark said...

1 mark keilar
2 Mark Driscoll
3 John MacArthur
4 Todd Freil
5 James white
6 ray comfort
7 chuck swindoll
8 John piper
9 Chris Rosebrough
10 R.C. Sproul

Unknown said...

1. John MacArthur
2. James MacDonald
3. Greg Laurie
4. Alistar Begg
5. Chip Ingram

Sukku George said...

1. John MacArthur.
2. Tom Pennington.
3. Steve Lawson.
4. Alistair Begg.
5. R.C. Sproul.
6. Al Mohler.
7. Busenitz.
8. Bruce Ware.
9. Ligon Duncan.
10.Sinclair Ferguson.

Unknown said...

1. John MacArthur
2. Phil DeCourcy
3. John Piper
4. Steve Lawson
5. C.J. Mahaney
6. Voddie Baucham
7. Tom Pennington
8. S. Lewis Johnson
9. Rick Holland
10. Paul Washer

Unknown said...

regardles of any Teachers that will be listed from 2 - 10... my number 1 Greatest Bible Teacher Alive is

Yeshua... No. 1....

He is Alive!

WeightWatcherGoneKeto said...

My list:
1. My Pastor, Jim Carpenter at Bonita Valley Baptist Church, San Diego Area
2. John MacArthur
3. Steve Lawson (also surprised he is not on more lists)
4. Al Mohler
5. Voddie Baucham
5. Phil JOhnson
6. R.C. Sproul
7. CJ Mahaney
8. Paul Washer
9. Art Arzurdia
10. Rick Holland
11.Todd Friel
12. Ray Comfort
13. Allister Begg
14. Dan Green (formerly with Grace Life)

Unknown said...

Can anybody recommend good bible teaching churches near Philadelphia?

Unknown said...

I think Skip Heitzig belongs in everyone's top 10.

Anonymous said...

Can't believe nobody has mentioned Chuck Missler!! What a legend

john vimal said...

Zac Poonen

Unknown said...

From India R Stanley is my fav Bible teacher.
www.stanleyonbible.com

Cici said...

My personal favorite is Pastor Jim McClarty of Grace Christian Assembly (salvationbygrace.org) He is a solid five pointer. He is also pre-mill and pre-trib but is NOT dispensational. He's not Covenental either. He teaches only what the bible actually says.

Cici said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Ravi Zacharias, Greg Laurie, Andy Stanley, Billy Graham, Alistar Begg, Chip Ingram, Skip Heitzig, Charles Stanley, Joyce Meyer, James Mcdonald, David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindoll, Anne Graham Lotz, and Beth Moore. There are probably 2 or three I don't remember currently. :-)

August said...

I suspect we might not often see R.C. Sproul and Andy Stanley sharing adjoining ... carsonrc.blogspot.de

arvindswamy said...

Hi, thank you very much for help. I am going to test that in the near future. Cheers



Catholic Baby Gifts

Thomas R said...

My favorites, no particular order:

James McDonald
Philip De Courcy
Mike Fabarez
Alistair Begg
Voddie Baucham
Jack Hibbs
John MacArthur
Tony Evans
Jack Graham
Jeff Adams - Graceway Kansas City

Steph said...

Zac Poonen