Pastor Ryan's Favorite Preachers
Before going to seminary, I listened to many sermons by Dr. John Piper. I read his book Desiring God in 2001. My heart deeply resonated with it. Later that year I read Future Grace, which made my personal list of favorite books. I devoured his biographical sermons. What I most love about this precious man when he is in the pulpit is this: he’s as Baxterian as they come (“Preach to dying men as a dying man.”) and has a palpable love for Jesus that’s altogether convicting and contagious. I think he’ll be the most influential evangelical leader of his generation for one reason: his theology of Christian hedonism will endure long past his death.
At seminary, I discovered one of the greatest preachers very few know about nationally, Russ Moore. As my Sunday school teacher and one of my seminary professors, he modeled for me up close and personal what it means to preach Christ from the text – from Genesis to Revelation. He preaches from an outline with about 4-5 words (if that). One Easter Sunday at our church in Louisville, our pastor was flat on his back in his study with the flu. His wife found Dr. Moore (who had arrived to church with his family at the same time we did – about 5 minutes before the service), informing him that he had to deliver the Easter sermon. After some resistance and without any preparation, he preached from Ezekiel 37 (The Valley of Dry Bones)! Yep. And it was the best Easter sermon I’ve ever heard. It was sick. He continues to be a favorite today. I often listen to him on my i-Pod while doing the dishes at night.
In the summer of 2009, my brother-in-law introduced me to Matt Chandler in this way: “He’s a refined version of Mark Driscoll.” Hilarious…and very true. I love how Matt preaches the Word of God with passion through his very unique and hilarious personality. I love his boldness. I love how he contextualizes the gospel to the younger generation. I love how he suffered well through his battle with brain cancer. I wish I could be his friend.
Right at the end of seminary, we all started hearing about Tim Keller – a Presbyterian in Manhattan, NYC. All I can say about Keller is he’s mesmerizing in the pulpit. He has a unique professorial style, and he’s mastered the craft of communication. With utmost respect for all the guys above, I never tire of listening to Keller. I could listen to the guy preach all day long. (In fact, I’ve practically done this while driving to and from Montana to see my in-laws.) Like Russ Moore, there aren’t many preachers who know how to show you Jesus Christ in a fresh, exegetical manner like Keller. His book Prodigal God rocked my wife and me. We would give it away like a tract if we could afford it. I read every book he writes. Tim Keller blesses me like few do.
Lastly, and most recently, I’ve discovered a legend. The experience has been like going into the basement of an old bookstore and discovering a volume that’s been spoken about in sacred tones through close friends and social networks – and you’ve found a coveted copy! That’s been my experience lately while listening to “the Doctor,” Martyn Lloyd-Jones. No one preaches like MLJ; no one should try. Though he sounds like a Shakespearean actor from a day gone by and preaches through the text at the pace of a snail, he’s captivating and surprisingly relevant. As one fellow-pastor and friend put it, “He’s an evangelical addiction!” To those who haven’t listened, don’t knock it. It’s true.
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