Over the past year, I have been trying more to fill my mind with more spiritual things. One way I have done this is through listening to great preachers from around the country. As things have progressed through the past year, with starting a church, and having to take the mantle of leadership, I have relied more and more on these good teachers to encourage and build me up. I thought I would share with you those who I have found to be the best, IMHO.
At the top of the list for me is a local pastor, Matt Chandler, with The Village Church in Highland Village, TX. I have had several chances to hear him preach and teach this past year. He never fails to step on my toes and challenge me. He is one of the most insightful teachers of the word I have ever heard.
Next on the list is Andy Stanley with North Point Church in Atlanta, GA. He is the son of legendary pastor Charles Stanley. Andy has been very influential on me in how to preach and teach so that those who listen can better understand. He is marvelous at making things very understandable.
One of my favorites to listen to because he tells it as it is with no limits is Perry Noble with New Spring Church in Anderson, NC. Perry is one of the most frank pastors I have ever listened to, and I love that he is able to speak the word with no reservations or fear of what people think. He is only worried about what God thinks. His blog is one of my favorite reads on the web each day.
The final one of my regulars is probably one of the most brilliant biblical minds of my generation. He is Mark Driscoll with Mars Hill Church in Seattle. He pastors in one of the most unchurched parts of the US, and has a large following in the coffee capital. He has a way of explaining the scriptures so that they are deep yet understandable.
If you want to listen to any of these pastors, you can catch them on iTunes podcast or at each of their churches web sites.