This week, I decided to share the top ten people who have influenced my life the greatest, whom I have never met. Also, these are non-biblical individuals, so the obligatory “Jesus,” or “Apostle Paul” didn’t make this list.
- Billy Graham: Taught me that the Gospel, itself, was powerful enough to change multitudes.
- Rick Warren: Dared me to think about church differently.
- Peter Furler: Former lead singer for the band, Newsboys. Showed me that good music can be fun, loud, powerful, and full of the Holy Spirit.
- Steven Furtick: The church should be the most creative entity in the world… and it’s OK to preach in jeans.
- Perry Noble: Be real. Be yourself.
- Bob Hughes: Missionary to the Philippines. Don’t hold back!
- Chuck Swindoll: It’s lonely to lead.
- Andy Stanley: Discipleship happens in community.
- Mark Zuckerberg: Connected more people to a social website than were on earth during the time of Christ.
- Steve Jobs: A man who clearly had an amazing gift. He changed much about my world. I think of people like him advancing God’s Kingdom.
These are not perfect men, and some of them may not even be Christ followers. But I – and much of my generation – have been greatly influenced by these individuals, and I’m grateful to be the recipient of their contributions.