After a turbulent election year and a year of increasing division in the United States, pastors, evangelists and ministers across the country are calling for a return to faith and to God.  The following individuals were chosen from an independent panel who reviewed a wide variety of ministries, evangelists, pastors, preachers, and ministers across the United States.  Some were selected as influential pastors for 2016, others are new to the list.

Billy Graham.

At age 98, Billy Graham remains the most influential preacher and evangelist of the United States.  Traveling across the country, his ministry presented Crusades that consistently taught salvation, repentance, and redemption as he preached to 1000’s in a variety of settings from 1947 to 2005. During those Crusades, more than 3.2 million people accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  Billy Graham preached the gospel to more people in person that anyone in the history of Christianity.

Charles Stanley.

The leader of In Touch Ministries, located in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Charles Stanley continues to spread the Word of God through a wide variety of media.  His worldwide ministry is meant to lead people to Jesus Christ and live a more godly life.

Franklin Graham.

Son of Billy Graham, Franklin Graham is the president and CEO of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.  As an evangelist and missionary in the past year, Franklin Graham presented a clear Gospel message at each state capital, encouraging the United States to come together in unity and faith.

John Collins.

Pastor and evangelist, Pastor John Collins of Love That Cross Ministries and John Collins Ministries continues to spread a revival of faith across the United States.  Called to redeem the gospel, Pastor John Collins brings his unique style of preaching and evangelism similar to that of Billy Graham.  He reaches audiences through media and revivals in person, seeking to redeem the Gospel and bring God back into the lives who hear him.

Greg Laurie.

Senior pastor of Harvest Churches in Riverside and Irvine, California, Pastor Greg Laurie spreads the Gospel and has launched a campaign called 2017 The Year of Good News to promote a return of people to the Bible and to God.  His ministry also holds large revival-style gatherings around the country throughout the year in order to spread the word of God.

Mike Higgins.

Currently the lead pastor for South City Church, St Louis, Missouri, Dr. Higgins promotes faith, gospel, and the elimination of the division of race.  He is also the Dean of Students at Covenant Seminary.  His ministry promotes that “the Gospel brings a message of reconciliation and hope from, through and to the Almighty God who seeks to reclaim and rescue His people from every race, tribe and culture and bring them back to Him through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is the real Christmas Story of God’s amazing grace in providing the gift of salvation.”

Jen Wilkin.

Jen Wilkin is a recognized speaker, writer, and teacher of women’s Bible studies. Jen and her family are members of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas.  Jen is a minister for women’s ministries at the Village Church.  Her practical and clear teachings reach thousands of women who dearly need a Christian mentor and example to live by in today’s world. She is worth mentioning as a Christian leader and advocate for women for 2017.

James Bryan Smith. 

James Bryan Smith is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, KS and a writer and speaker in the area of Christian spiritual formation. He is the executive director of the Apprentice Institute which provides educational experiences in the area of Christian spirituality, develops resources for individual and church renewal, and engages in research to advance the field of Christian formation.  He is the author of eight books, most notably The Apprentice Series which continue to shape the work of the Apprentice Institute.

Max Lucado.

Max Lucado is a best-selling Christian author and writer and preacher at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He reaches across generation with his writings, from children to adults worldwide.  His message is simple-God loves you, let Him. He is able to convey the message through his storytelling. He is named one of the most influential leaders in social media by The New York Times.

Andy Stanley.

Andy Stanley founded Northpoint Ministries, a worldwide Christian organization. He and five others founded Northpoint Church which now has six campuses across the Atlanta, Georgia area.  The mission of Northpoint Ministries is to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.  The methods used by Northpoint Ministries have churched thousands of unchurched people looking for Christ.

Prosperity doctrine has made an influential impact on faith in the United States.

Our panel is not placing judgement on these individuals, prosperity preachers are influencing thousands across the country.  Joel Osteen, Paula White, TD Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer-are among a style of preaching known as prosperity doctrine. Based on a religious belief among some Christians, who hold that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one’s material wealth. Prosperity theology views the Bible as a contract between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity. The doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment, proposing that it is God’s will for his people to be happy.  These individuals can be seen on media of all genres and travel the country giving speaking engagements that spread the doctrine that has even influenced President Trump to choose Paula White as a religious advisor.

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