Recently I was asked, “Who have been your primary theological teachers, or influences?” In other words (apart from the Bible), what authors, theologians (either living or dead), movements, denominations, or schools of thought have most influenced your theology?
- My dad: My dad is a passionate man for the Gospel, God’s Word, leadership and theology. He taught me the scriptures from a young age. He is my best friend and a strong influence in my life to this day.
- Charles Spurgeon: I eat up everything he preached or wrote. He greatly influenced me while trying to understand the doctrines of Grace.
- Dr. Schmutzer: One of my professors at Moody, he was greatly influential in the building of my theology and How to study God’s Word.
- Dr. Joseph Stowell: Through his personal interactions with me and his distant example, this man taught me how to preach, lead and love God.
- Walter Bruggemann: Because of his biblical theology approach and the honesty and boldness of his writings.
- Alex Strauch: Through my apprenticeship with the Littleton Bible Chapel Elders, and his book on “Biblical Eldership,” he has been used by God to help shape me as a man and my view of Church leadership and structure.
- C. J. Maheney: Through his preaching and example of humility
- Andy Stanley: Through his preaching and example of visionary leadership and work/family balance.
- Matt Chandler: Through his preaching and watching him suffer well. He also was a main tool God used to convince me to “Replant” with creekside.
- J.I. Packer: I read his “Knowing God” book in college and it was foundational for me.
- Billy Graham: Interning with the BGEA and the small amount of exposure I had to Mr. Graham and the godly men around him allowed me gain a passion for the gospel in its pure and simplest form and a desire to be truly humble.
- Ken Murphy: A local pastor in Colorado and a mentor for 10 years and counting – he has helped me form my view of God, marriage, the church, myself, and so much more!
- David Jones: A mentor from Chicago who has helped to form me as leader and as a student and preacher of the Bible. I would not be the preacher I am today (and continue to grow to be) if it was not this man’s steady mentoring in the area of preaching and preparation.
I know there are others that could be added to this list, but I will stop here for now. However, in closing, I would be remiss if I did not mention my mom. Perhaps above all these great men (or at least equal with my dad), my mom has taught me to love God and love others. I would not be who I am today if was not her steady hand of guidance, acceptance, and love.
who influenced you?
