Kathy was a joyful disciple of Jesus Christ and we will miss her.. He conveys truths of the Bible in a very easy way to understand. When considering preachers who have influenced the rest of us, Billy Graham simply stands in a category unto himself. There were some who were major influencers of preaching in 1985 who would be little known to todays new generation of pastors; likewise, there are some major influencers today who werent on the scene 25 years ago. She was named one of the 12 most effective preachers in Baylors 1996 survey. Imagine the strength of character, the undaunted courage, the ethical heart that a young 30-something woman from south Alabama would have to have to write a book about racial injustice before the Civil Rights Act had even passed, said Dawn Wiggins Hare, top executive of the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women, who knew Lee. Beyonc Knowles takes the number-one spot. His style is serious, somewhat comedic and straight-forward. Stanley is the senior pastor of an Atlanta suburban megachurch with six locations. The Rev. He was being treated at a hospital for a kidney disorder, and his immediate cause of death was listed as a stroke. Quote Those who give much without sacrifice are reckoned as having given little.. Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS. His style is friendly, serious and loud. He served as Senior Pastor of Brooklyns Concord Baptist Church of Christ from 1948 to 1990 and is former President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. #15 Bill Hybels The blessing is promised even though it is not earned. He founded Criswell College as a place to train a new generation of Bible preachers. He just as easily could be the top of a list of the most influential preachers of the past half century; when Preaching cited the most influential preachers of the 20th century (in our first issue of the 21st), Billy Graham came in at number two. They were so proud of themselves that we had integrated that church, which is the exemplification of Christianity., The Rev. His style, whether it be charismatic or serious delivers a powerful message from Gods Holy Word. Dr. Boniface Kabongo was a right, correct, respectable Christian man, said his friend the Rev. #17 Mark Driscoll Lists of famous names and faces who are followers of Jesus Christ. Criswell Christianity Today has noted about Keller:Fifty years from now, if evangelical Christians are widely known for their love of cities, their commitment to mercy and justice, and their love of their neighbors, Tim Keller will be remembered as a pioneer of the new urban Christians.. Support the ministry of UM News! The denomination establishes a deaconess program for laywomen. Starting as Minister to Students at his fathers First Baptist Church in Atlanta, the younger Stanley adapted many of his insights for communicating with youth in shaping a homiletical style for reaching unchurched young adults. When Preaching magazine was launched in 1985, a look at our list of contributing editors gave you a sense of who would be listed among the most influential pastors in America. #20 E.K. 1 Charles Spurgeon (One of the Most Influential and Extraordinary Preachers of the 19th century) 47 6 Birthdate: June 19, 1834 Sun Sign: Gemini Birthplace: Kelvedon, England Died: January 31, 1892 Charles Spurgeon was an English Particular Baptist preacher who was a powerful figure in the Reformed Baptist tradition. He, like John Piper, doesnt beat around the bush. Who are some famous Arminian Christians today? He is not afraid to confront issues contrary to the Bible like the prosperity gospel or abortion. (Actually, some of them were in grade school.) He shaped a lot of peoples lives, said the Rev. His style is charismatic, serious, comedic and intellectual. #2 Charles Swindoll In 2008, he received the E.K. Louise Baird Short. Like what you're reading? The first recorded camp meeting in Georgia took place in 1803 on Shoulderbone Creek in Hancock County. You will not walk away empty handed. Bishop Franz Schaefer. At General Conference 2012 in Tampa, Florida, delegates greeted her with a standing ovation. I never would be embarrassed to have someone who isnt a Christian listen to an Andy Stanley sermon.. The one that loves fiercely but hurts deeply. 1888 Five women, including Frances Willard who is the president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, are elected lay delegates to the Methodist Episcopal General Conference. Our church attracted a lot of what I describe as wounded birds, Jim Bennett, a longtime Broadway member told the Chicago Tribune, people who had been kicked out of their churches and their families. Riley Short, a longtime pastor in Florida. Charles Parker, a former student and senior pastor of Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church in Washington. He is the World Changers Church International pastor, one of the world's largest churches, located in College Park, Georgia, where he has resided for more than 20 years. Allen had become a Methodist preacher in the 1780s, but in 1787, he and others left the predominantly White church after being pulled from their knees in prayer for being in a section of the church where Black worshippers were not allowed. Martin Luther(1483-1547) The Ninety-Five Theses Philipp Melanchthon(1497-1560) Lars Levi Laestadius(1800-1861) Bernt B. Haugan(1862) [1] C.F.W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister and activist who became the most visible spokesperson and leader in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He also received an honorary doctorate from Cedarville University. Main article: List of Methodist theologians John B. Cobb, Jr. (b. He also oversaw the Nashville Episcopal Area, comprising the Tennessee and Memphis conferences. Joseph Rice Hale, a committed Methodist, used Houdini-like magic tricks to attract a crowd; counted Pope John Paul II as a friend; publicly recognized worldwide peacemakers and helped unite the followers of John Wesley. He was 79. In December 1784, the famous Christmas Conference of preachers was held in Baltimore at Lovely Lane Chapel. He rode forward. Criswell helped create a model for a successful urban church rooted in strong biblical preaching. Rogers spent 32 years as Senior Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, growing the congregation from 8,000 to more than 29,000. Joe Hale was one of the most gracious persons you would ever meet, with a great passion for work and ministry, said the Rev. Among the outstanding preachers who were nominated were names like F.W. Male reserves later replace them. All Rights Reserved. #5 John MacArthur It's my source of strength. After retiring as bishop, Colaw served as professor of homiletics and Christian ministry at United Methodist United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio and later as its acting president. Joseph Rice Hale, photo courtesy of World Methodist Council. Pastor for more than 40 years of Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn, William Jones was a powerful (and deep) voice in the African-American church. Robinson was the former president and Harold John Ockenga Distinguished Professor of Preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Boston. She died May 28 at the age of 111, according to records in her family Bible. Altogether, she attended 18 of the denominations top lawmaking assemblies. Bill Bouknight observes that, His Love Worth Finding program is still sending his sermons around the world five years after his death.. A. His approach to verse-by-verse exposition has attracted many, and through his media influence and The Masters Seminary, which he established, MacArthur is preparing a new generation of young preachers for ministries focused on biblical exposition. A 2010 survey of U.S. pastors by Outreach Magazine identified Stanley as one of the top 10 most influential living pastors in America. In a recent LifeWay survey of the most influential living preachers, Graham topped the list. Taylor reflects the influence of a leading pastor prior to todays diverse communications era. ", Famous People You Didn't Know Were Methodist, The Greatest Singers of the Past 30 Years, The Most Important Leaders In World History, People We Want to See on a Comedy Central Roast, A Gaggle of Christopher Walken Impressions, Ranked Best to Worst. Death Year: 1831 Death date: March 26, 1831 Death State:. He became a leader among conservative evangelicals both within and outside of The United Methodist Church. You will always walk away filled with knowledge when you listen to one of his sermons. As pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas for more than 40 years (he became Pastor Emeritus in 1995) W.A. Are you surprised that so many celebs have Methodist backgrounds? She would much rather the church be filled with folks wanting to be there than be a quiet museum., Eunice Jones Mathews. The Rev. African Americans are a vital part of the tapestry of The United Methodist Church and have played important roles in the development of the denomination in the United States. In our family, a lot of us are preachers, but we will never have the kind of influence that Aunt Jean had, said her great-nephew, the Rev. John Hill, senior pastor of Bass congregation, Blakemore United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Denise Johnson Stovall, a longtime writer about The United Methodist Church, died Jan. 19 at age 61 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Here, then, are the 25 most influential pastors of the past 25 years: #1 Billy Graham ", Gregory is the George W. Truett Endowed Chair in Preaching and Evangelism at BaylorsTruett Theological Seminary. She was loving to everyone, not just to her children, but to everyones children, her daughter Deanna Stovall told the Dallas Morning News. His knowledge of the Bible is always shown in his messages. Only 4 Percent of Americans Hold a Biblical Worldview Post-Pandemic: It 'Altered' Beliefs, Asbury Prof: 'Outpouring,' Not 'Revival,' Is Best Label for Recent Events, Asbury Revival Attendee Is Diagnosed with Measles, Baylor survey names a dozen who can really preach, Urged by Their Youth, Faith Groups Flocked to the March for Our Lives, When Mental Illness Goes Viral: Social Contagions Are Destroying Our Girls, ChatGPT, Consciousness, and the Human Mind, How to Morally Share Your Moral Beliefs with Others, Laws Shape How We Think about the World Around Us, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Everybody felt so proud, he said. She wrote tons of recommendations to people., The Rev. Author Stephen King attended a Methodist church as a child. He has tackled many tough issues from predestination to homosexuality. His email newsletter, PreachingNow, is read each week by more than 40,000 pastors and church leaders in the U.S. and around the world. He also is the founder ofNorth Point Ministries, a global network of more than 30 churches. He was active; he was always attentive to the sermon and so supportive, said Mattox, now senior pastor of First United Methodist in Rogers, Arkansas. (See the full list of original contributing editors.). She died July 6 after an extended illness at the age of 70. H. Eddie Fox, who worked with Hale for many years. He took the World Methodist Council and moved it from a committee to a movement., The Rev. The Rev. Their significant other? Many gifted and influential preachers have served faithfully around the world and in terms of Kingdom impact may have touched far more than many of those listed below. Three decades later, he and representatives from five other congregations founded the AME denomination. #12 Charles Stanley The radio and television broadcaster has been the chaplain for 30 years for the Dallas Mavericks, a National Basketball Association team. Dollar, Jr. is best known as one of America's leading evangelists and famous preachers of the 20th century. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of Salem Media Group. The latest news and hot topics trending among Christian music, entertainment and faith life. From ideas on sermon topics to how to develop church growth to insight on ministry life, Preaching helps pastors develop every area of life and work in ministry. His style of preaching is serious and friendly. He is on the board of The Christian Century magazine and is a chaplain of the Childrens Defense Funds Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry. Bumpers was the sole lawyer in his hometown of Charleston, Arkansas when the Supreme Courts landmark 1954 ruling in Brown v. Board of Education overturned separate but equal schooling. Copyright 2023, GodTube.com. Louise Baird Short, the widow of Bishop Roy H. Short, had the ear of bishops and General Conference delegates. I will always remember hearing the sound of his deep bass voice at Council of Bishops meetings. He is the pastor of The Potter's House, a non-denominational American megachurch. He was a statesman and a church man., Bishop William Morris, photo courtesy of the Council of Bishops. He was willing to lose his job for what he saw as a matter of justice and inclusion. Born in Virginia in 1785, just two years after treaty ended the American Revolution, he was taken West to Kentucky. I am profoundly grateful for Beckys life, for her commitment to following Jesus and for her leadership, said Harriett Jane Olson, chief executive officer of United Methodist Women, which oversees the lay order. At GodTube, youll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. This Women's History Month, we take a moment to lift Black . Long-time pastor of Concord Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas (until his death in 2003), he started an annual conference that continues to attract hundreds of black pastors each year and gives them the tools to become more effective biblical expositors. Quote - The irony is that while God doesnt need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but dont really want Him most of the time.. Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Thankfully, many of those preachers are still on the scene, though others have gone to be with the Lord. John Huffman describes Grahams integrity of life and passion of expression that not only led millions to faith in Jesus Christ but challenged so many of us to be faithful in our ministries. Mark Conards death on Oct. 18 at age 68 was mourned by United Methodists on two continents. #18 Jack Hayford Colaw, who led the Minnesota Conference from 1980 to 1988, died Oct. 11 at age 94 in Ohio. Explore this section to learn about African American bishops, pastors, preachers, missionaries and members from yesterday and today. Ray Comfort is a preacher and street evangelizer. Who We Are James Lawson: Befriending James Earl Ray After MLK's Death A United Methodist pastor and close friend of Martin King's explains why he reached out to the man accused of killing the civil rights icon. She and her husband, Bishop Richard Wilke, worked together to create the acclaimed Disciple Bible Study program. Privacy PolicyTerms of UseCalifornia - Do Not Sell My Personal InformationCalifornia - CCPA Notice. She was the wife of the late United Methodist Bishop James K. Mathews and the only daughter of E. Stanley and Mabel Lossing Jones, renowned Methodist missionaries. If you have never heard him preach, please look for his sermons online and watch one. Photo by Paul Jeffrey, kairosphotos.com. The Rev. George . The survey notes, "In 2010, Preaching magazine named The Witness of Preaching as one of the 25 most influential books in preaching for the last 25 years." There was also deep gratitude for her work, particularly To Kill a Mockingbird, the Pulitzer Prize-winning tale of race relations in the Deep South, published in 1960. The Rev. She was the reason a lot of people got their first scholarships to college. Stookey took part in revising the United Methodist Hymnal, writing the 1992 United Methodist Book of Worship and collaborating on the Handbook of the Christian Year. BMCR dedicated to Black Methodists and racial equality, Ask The UMC: Francis Burns, first Black bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Baseball icon Jackie Robinson's Methodist faith, The Rev. These included staff positions with the Board of Global Ministries, the California-Nevada Conference and the Commission on Religion and Race. To read more about this survey, click here. Not only did Driscoll pastor Mars Hill as it grew from zero to megachurch in Americas most unchurched city in less than a decade but he also has launched a national network of church planters that is touching cities across the nation. Mike Mattox was the senior pastor of First United Methodist in Little Rock when Bumpers and his wife Betty joined after years in Washington. He is a great story teller also. Quote If youre very smart today and have half intelligence, you ought to be doing some thinking about where youre going when you leave this world.. He was a past President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention and founder of the National Black Pastors Conference. King, James Earl Massey, Calvin Miller, Lloyd John Ogilvie, Stephen F. Olford, Haddon Robinson, J. Alfred Smith, John Wesley White and William Willimon, along with several more. Quote - We desperately need to explore how much of our understanding of the gospel is American and how much is biblical. Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream. Preaching.com is a leading resource that provides tools and ideas for pastors and church leaders to help them lead well. Bailey 1996, Chapter 14, page 196), "The 25 Most Influential Pastors of the Past 25 Years", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Christian_preachers&oldid=1142286291, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 15:33. She called regular and not-so-regular worshippers on the anniversary of their birth. He died Sept. 5, at age 89, at his home in Los Altos, California. #5 John MacArthur The leader ofdesiringGod.orghas served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis for 33 years. The list of 11 men and one woman, chosen by scholars of homiletics, or the art of preaching, was released Tuesday (May 1). Hoyt Hickman. Identifying the 25 most influential pastors of the past 25 years is a challenging assignment. David Jeremiah is the head pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church in El Cajon, CA. In a world where talk is cheap and there seems to be no end to it, the preacher has to recover the priority and power of the word, said W. Hulitt Gloer, director of the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching at Baylors Truett Theological Seminary in Waco, Texas. For more than 50 years, Billy Graham had his membership at the Dallas church. However, she left her own mark on The United Methodist Church. Michael Duduit is the founding publisher and editor of Preaching magazine. 17751776 The first major Methodist awakening in Virginia takes place. He had previously served in that area for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries in Sierra Leone and his home country. #9 John R.W. God is Love Bible Verses: Scriptures about the Love of God. The well-known 20th-century evangelist Billy Graham (1918-2018) was one of the most famous Arminian Christian leaders. 6. It took clarity of vision to see injustice in what was otherwise accepted as the norm., Family photo of Julia Kitchens Wilke, courtesy of Great Plains Conference. He approached people with honesty, respect and appreciation, said Bishop Patrick Streiff, who today leads the same episcopal area. His style is serious and friendly and you can see his concern for salvation for all people when he preaches. Boniface Kabongo. She was one those who thought it was OK if the church got a little bit messy if kids were there, if it got a little loud because kids were there. | Religion News Service The activist, author and filmmaker is an ordained minister in the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the United Church of Christ. That decision was characteristic of Peter Cartwright, one of the most colorful frontier preachers in the young United States. He is always smiling and his messages are always spot on with the Bible. Here are 21 remembrances, listed in order of date of death. He is a wonderful story teller and his style is friendly, serious and intellectual. At this gathering the movement became organized as The Methodist Episcopal Church in America. Mel Lawrenz observes, Stotts teaching is a baseline for me. She loved the Lord, and loved her church because of her love of the Lord, said her son, the Rev. 1) A person is free not only to reject salvation but also to accept it by an act of free will. The Rev. Strength Bible Verses: Be Strong in the Lord! Bass was the founder and longtime director of Mountain T.O.P. He also chairs Redeemer City to City, a leadership development organization that starts new churches in urban centers worldwide. These are in no particular order. Although she never pastored a megachurch, Barbara Taylor teaches at a small Georgia college and has been a favorite preacher in mainline circles for two decades. Founder of Saddleback Church in Orange County, Calif.now one of the largest churches in Americahe is widely known as author of The Purpose Driven Church (which shaped the views of thousands of pastors about how the church can be changed) and the huge best-seller The Purpose Driven Life. United Methodists remembered him as a strong preacher and a compassionate leader who loved the church and had a heart for clergy. Who are the most famous evangelists ever? He was a man of joy, faith and constancy., George Bass, photocourtesy of The Tennessean. The survey adds: "He [Evans] is a pastor, speaker, author, radio and television broadcaster, and has been the chaplain for 30 years for the NBA basketball team the Dallas Mavericks. Rick Warren is a model and guru for todays new generation of preachers and church planters who are seeking to create churches that will reach the unchurched of their own generation. #24 Lloyd John Ogilvie In 1979, Time magazine recognized him as one of the seven best Protestant preachers in the nation and conferred on him the title "Dean of the Nation's Black Preachers." Few black preachers of the past 25 years would have offered a list of great preachers without including Taylor at or near the top of their list. Tim Kellers style is friendly, serious and intellectual. Photo by Chris Tricomi, Global Ministries. He has been the confidant and counselor to many of Alabama's leaders, as . In addition to his best-selling books, his commitment to church planting has led to more than 100 church plants in cities around the world. Begg has been senior pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland since 1983. Methodist preacher Robert Williams begins to work with Devereux Jarratt in south-central Virginia. She was a model of committed lay leadership focused on love, justice and service., Bishop Emerson S. Colaw, photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS, Bishop Emerson S. Colaw encouraged pastors to take risks but keep their eyes on Jesus. Quote A pure heart won't get us out of conflict and controversy. All rights reserved. It may well be the very thing that gets us into it.. A dozen pastors known for their consistently stellar performances in the pulpit made Baylor Universitys list of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. She began leading the deaconess office in 2003, and under her leadership, this lay community grew. Laurence Hull Stookey pastor, professor and prolific writer helped change how United Methodists celebrate the Christian year and practice the sacraments. 10 Good Friday Hymns and Worship Songs about Jesus Christ, 40+ Bible Verses About Peace for Finding Comfort and Strength. What he modeled for me was what a true Christian scholar looks like, just in terms of his love of being a scholar and the work of scholarship, and the study and integrity in which he approached that task, Seamands said. She wrote for United Methodist News Service and United Methodist Women, and co-wrote church-related books. He once preached a sermon titled, If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get out of the Boat.. 1714. His style was widely influential but he was never formally ordained by the Methodist Episcopal . He was cited by Ebony as one of the nations best Black preachers and was in constant demand as a speaker and evangelist. Pages 1 - 16 - How to use this book, Publisher's Foreword, Photographs of Officers, Introduction. Crusade helps Marange District in Zimbabwe to regain some membership lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. #16 Fred Craddock 50+ Gospel Hymns and Worship Songs to Praise the Lord! Joel Scott Osteen (born March 5, 1963) is an American pastor, televangelist, and author, based in Houston, Texas. Black women have been the backbone of the Black church and the vanguards of ministry, in and out of the pulpit. 2021 Preaching.com. Though most pastors wont know his name, E.K. He is a straight shooter when it comes to the Bible. There have been many well-known Arminian pastors, theologians, authors, speakers, and other influencers. He exemplifies and lives out everything that is right about the church, said the Rev. The survey also notes,For 'outstanding dedication to preaching, church leadership, and evangelism,' Westminster Theological Seminary bestowed Begg as an honorary doctor of divinity. Photo courtesy of U.S. Congress, Wikimedia Commons. His radio program, books and Internet resources continue to influence thousands. His style of preaching is a mix of charisma, creativity, intellect and seriousness all wound into one. Julia Kitchens Wilke was a Bible study innovator, who helped introduce Scripture to millions. Walter Suza, AU Class of 1996, Where is Patience (Chaitezvi) Munjeri now?, Class of 1994. Funny quote Never name a pig that you plan to eat.. Stott Isaac Watts publishes Hymns and Spiritual Songs. He is founder and director of the National Conference on Preaching and the International Congress on Preaching, which has been held in 1997 at Westminster Chapel in London, 2002 at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and 2007at Cambridge. Retired United Methodist Bishop William Wesley Bill Morris the first African American to lead Alabama-West Florida Episcopal Area died Jan. 14 at 78. Her faithfulness stood out even in a family that included a church treasurer, a district superintendent, three ordained elders, a diaconal minister and a full-time local pastor. Bishop Franz Werner Schfer throughout his ministry served as a bridge between countries, ideologies and different streams of John Wesleys movement. Here are 30 well-known pastors of today that speak the truth of God and who believe every single word in the Bible. These partners include the West Ohio, Greater New Jersey, Arkansas and Indiana conferences, various general agencies and the congregations Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, and Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. Creflo A. Keller is the founding pastor ofRedeemer Presbyterian Churchin New York City. If you have never heard of him, I encourage you to watch this clip below. Long-time pastor of First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, Calif., Swindoll became President of Dallas Theological Seminary and now serves as Senior Pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas (a suburb of Dallas). 1770. He has led the way in the development of satellite churches and video venues, trends which are becoming ubiquitous forces in church life in the early 21st century. John Ed Mathison of Montgomery. 1774 Robert Williams organizes the Brunswick Circuit (first organized as the Petersburg Circuit), the first Methodist preaching circuit in Virginia. He was 70. In addition, Craddock is an engaging and effective preacher and one of the best storytellers anyone ever will hear. His Faith and Background. Mr. With a remarkable voice and a gift for expressing biblical insights in an engaging manner, Adrian Rogers became widely-known through his radio and TV ministries. Reformed, emerging and controversial, Driscoll is a model for thousands of young pastors who read his books and listen faithfully to his podcast sermons. He is also the Bible teacher on the radio and online program Truth For Life. A member of the council of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, Begg has written numerous books. Thomas C. Oden made a turn in midlife, changing his focus from modern theology to the ancient Christian writings. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day. Known as "Ombaku,"the native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was an expert in mission finance. The Rev. Based on the Religion News Service article "Baylor survey names a dozen who can really preach.". He felt a responsibility to help them restore their faith., The Rev. Anna Howard Shaw (1847-1919) Anna Howard Shaw became one of the first women granted a license to preach by the Methodist Episcopal Church. 1925) - American scholar, process theologian and pioneer ecotheologian James H. Cone (b. From reputable, prominent, and well known evangelists to the lesser known preachers of today who you might see on TV, these are some of the best of the best Christians in the evangelist field. verland, Orm The Western Home (published by Norwegian-American Historical Association, distributed by the University of Illinois Press. The Rev. The church grew from 7,800 to 25,000 during his pastorate, at one point becoming the largest congregation in the world. #10 W.A. There are many great pastors and preachers today that do deliver sermons like this.