HOME | CHURCH JOB OPENINGS | ABOUT MMI | CATEGORIES OF INTEREST | CONTACT US

2006 Most Influential Christians in America

Orginally published on Tuesday, January 17, 2006 at 6:07 AM
by Todd Rhoades

Jakes The Church Report is pleased to announce this year’s list of The 50 Most Influential Christians in America. According to The Church Report, "Thanks to the readers of the magazine as well as the online readers for contributing over 150,000 nominations. Each of the people on this list is most deserving of this recognition. As with all types of lists, there are those who are not on the list – not because they weren’t deserving – but simply because we did not have enough space to publish a list of the 100 most influential. The staff of The Church Report did not choose this list; rather, we feel that the nominations from Christians across America and around the world are much more meaningful."

TD Jakes was #1 on the list this year, followed by Joel Osteen, Billy Graham, Rick Warren and Bill Hybels.

You can check out all 100 on the list here.

Somehow, I think my personal list would be much different... probably yours would be as well.  Just for fun, give us your top five or top ten influential Christians in the country.  Doesn't mean you like them or agree with them, but the people you think have the most influence on our culture and the church (I guess those really could be two totally different lists!)

Have fun!

Todd


This post has been viewed 347 times so far.



 TRACKBACKS: (0) There are 37 Comments:

  • Posted by

    1)My DAD
    2)Charles Stanley
    3)Chuck Swindol
    4)Billy Graham
    5)Joel Osteen

    Secondary List

    1) Todd Rhoades
    2) Peter Hamm
    3) Wendi
    4) Brian La Croix
    5) Jim Eaton

  • Posted by

    Dr. Phil’s on the list? What up with THAT?

    I think the list is pretty accurate, and that’s not necessarily a good thing, but I’d think that McLaren and McManus should be higher on the list, and like it or not John Eldredge is STILL haveing a HUGE impact.

  • Posted by

    Hey Peter I am with you dude… I found that very strinking as well with Dr. Phil. as with Sean Hannity and I like the later of the two. I believe if Pope John Paul had not had died he would have been #1

  • Posted by Jason Simmons

    I would add Robert Morris of Gateway Church in Southlake TX to this list. Church of 10k in less than 5 years. If you want to see a very good example of a church that is reaching all the needs of the church and the community check out gatewaypeople.com.

  • Posted by

    What was really interesting was the ad for yet another Left Behind movie at the top of the page...are they still making those?

    Here’s an interesting exercise...narrow up your browser window and scroll over so all you can see are the pictures. Now go through the list. Whether you agree with the list or not—this is the face of modern Christianity in America (please read the following knowing I am not making a value judgement, or any commentary on the content or character of these people):

    50% white men in their lates 50s, early 60s.

    10% women

    10-12% ethnic minorities

    5% bold enough to have a publicity photo that doesn’t look like they’re running for office (OK, that’s a bit of a value judgment).

    Like it or not, this is the perception of most of the country (and obviously the church itself too).

  • Posted by Sound Doctrine

    How unfortunate the number of people on the list that present a flawed concept of theology.  For example #1 Bishop T.D. Jakes does not believe in the Trinity.  Of course the most popular would be those that teach a prosperity gospel as well (Creflo Dollar, Joel Olsteen, Paula White).
    Also to my knowledge Sean Hannity and Dr. Phil are not professing to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
    Then there is the Crouch family of TBN who have sought to censor Hal Lindsey and others for their outspokeness on the false teachings of islam.
    Yes, they are influential but for the wrong reasons many times unfortunately. 
    There are some great ones too like Billy Graham, James Dobson, Franklin Graham, Charles Stanley, Andy Stanley and one of all time favorites that has problably been the most influential to me in discovering a biblical worldview and that is Chuck Colson.

    I would have also put Dave Ramsey of Total Money Makeover fame on my list.

  • Posted by Kevin

    Sound Doctrine,

    I didn’t know that TD didn’t believe in the Trinity.  Where did you find that?  Not a flame, just wondering?

  • Posted by Bernie Dehler

    Is this list a joke, like the one from Lark News about “the Most Relevant Pastor?”

    “N.C. pastor named Most Relevant”
    http://larknews.com/december_2005/

    ...Bernie

    PS: How about consider nominating people like the director of “Gospel for Asia” (gfa.org).  I think he’s more influential than these on the list, but not a Christian celebrity.  His organization is impacting Asia, with people who have never heard of Christ, rather than people like TD Jakes who are preaching a false prosperity gospel and actually damaging the Lord’s church.

  • Posted by

    [I didn’t know that TD didn’t believe in the Trinity. Where did you find that? Not a flame, just wondering?]

    It is no secret that T.D. Jakes is a “Oneness Pentecostal”. (google that term and Jakes’ name and you’ll find some interesting stuff.)They reject the doctrine of the trinity, although they affirm the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. They also believe that baptism by immersion is necessary for salvation. I too am troubled that T.D. Jakes is at the top of the list. I think both Warren and Hybels are more influential anyway, in reality.

  • Posted by Kevin

    Thanks for the info Peter!

    I did what you said and was led to this article. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/108/13.0.html

    Interesting

  • Hmmm. I read that article that Jakes wrote. It doesn’t seem entirely accurate to say he doesn’t believe in the Trinity, as he was very articulate in his thoughts on the matter.

    “In spite of all the distinctives, God is one in His essence. Though no human illustration perfectly fits the Divine, it is similar to ice, water and steam: three separate forms, yet all H2O. Each element can co-exist, each has distinguishing characteristics and functions, but all have sameness.”

    And also:

    “When I think of the Trinity, I consider how Jesus prayed under the unction of the Holy Spirit that we would be one even as He and the Father are one. To that end, I preach, write and work. No truth exemplified by the Trinity is greater than Christian unity. As we seek to dissect the divine, articulate the abstract, and defend what I agree are precious truths, I hope we do not miss the greater message taught by the concept of the Trinity. And that is that three—though distinct—are still one!”

    Sure seems OK to me, though I’m not a theologian, either.

  • Posted by

    Good reading guys. I’m not so bothered by TD Jakes or anyone else having a divergent “gospel” what bothers me is often the reaction to it. The list obviously is flawed and if you have to pick 50, 100 or a 1,000, there always be someone who in “my” opinion wouldn’t fit. And I’m not going to get philosophical or even theological on you. The argument for “orthodox” theology is often scewed with personal interpretation. The virgin birth, Christ’s diety, Salvation by faith, Infilling of the Holy Spirit, the doctrine of man’s sin and God’s plan of salvation are solid Biblical truths. However the secondary items is where we usually lose it. Prosperity gospel, baptism of the spirit manifested with tongues as evidence, gifts done away with after the first century church. When we start dividing on those issues we’ve lost our way. My point? I’ve been a pastor for 20 + years and I’ve heard, seen and done most of it in the world of church, doctrine and theology. Rather than quibble, and I do mean quibble over the “minors”, let’s ask ourselves one question. What does the world really need? More theology, more doctrine? How about a good healthy dose of God’s Grace. Jesus never used the word grace, He did something much more significant, He lived it. Most of our lives are filled with “words” and empty of Grace. God has a way of humbling all of us all the way from T.D. Jackes to Dr. Phil, and everyone in between. As we enter the 21st Century and become more separated from “Modernity” (THank God), we will have to face a world “crying” and “begging” for grace and authentic relationships not empty arguments over theological correctness. People gravitate toward where their needs are being met. Jesus himself admonished his own disciples for being critical of another group of “believers” who doing things a little different than they were. What was Jesus response? Leave them alone, if they are doing what is important, or wrong that will be dealt with in time. I’ve yet to see a church full of theology and “politically” correct doctrine very compassionate or loving, even toward their own fellowship. I find in scripture Jesus more intolerant with the theological “professional” than with any sinner he encountered.
    The debate will go on, but I wish we would use our theology and doctrines to “get at” loving and bringing a lost world to Christ instead of continually using these as a dividing line of who to accept and who to disqualify.
    Oh, yes I do believe we have to believe correctly. But believing correctly is quite different than building a construct which divides and disqualifies people. Two people raised in the same church will have similar beliefs, but how they are practiced will quite different. We don’t live in a world where everyone walks, talks or acts the same way. Why shold expect them to all believe “exactly” the same way. Get the big things nailed down. Let the Jakes, McGraws follow their minor points, BUT if they help people to come in line with God and His plan for their life, isn’t that the bigger picture? Please, let us remember that Paul was one of those who had all of his T’s crossed and “I’s” dotted and he was wrong, but it was Christ’s (blinding love) person who brought him to Himself. Is it really any different today? Josh McDowell said in his book(s) Evidence demands a Verdict, that no one came to Christ as a result of his books. It was the Spirit of God calling and wooing the searching heart that brought people to Christ. People are looking for Jesus, a real Jesus in your and my skin. Will we hand them a book of doctrinal trues or an open hand and heart. When the world sees “US” discrediting and disqualifying one another, do you really think they want to be a part of that? I wouldn’t and don’t!!

  • Posted by

    Anthony,

    You are a theologian. A theologian is one who studies God. We all do. You may not be a professional theologian, I’m sure that’s what you meant by that statement.

    It is interesting how carefully Jakes chooses his language, but T.D. Jakes is on record as a Oneness Pentecostal, and they do NOT believe in the doctrine of the trinity per se, and they DO believe that baptism by immersion is necessary for salvation (although his statement of belief on his web site does indeed stop short of this). If he differs from these points, fine, then he should no longer identify himself with his denomination. (Although he does not say God is in three persons on the Potter’s House web site, he says three “manifestations")

    THAT is why it troubles me that he is #1 on this list, because he does NOT represent the mainstream of orthodox Christian theology by a LONG shot! I’m not sure he’s a “heretic” as Hannegraff has argued, but there’s NO WAY I’d ever attend or work in his church with those stated beliefs, and as such, he most certainly does NOT speak for me. (I sure did enjoy his talk a couple years ago at the summit, I must admit… but it wasn’t theological in nature, and it wasn’t a church service)

    Peter

  • Posted by Bernie Dehler

    The list shouldn’t be “2006 Most Influential Christians in America” but rather “2006 Most Famous Christians in America.” Big difference!

    ...Bernie
    http://fgn.typepad.com/

    Regarding TD Jakes and the prosperity gospel:
    Matt. 7
    21"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

  • Posted by

    [Dr. Phil’s on the list? What up with THAT?]
    Amen!

    I couldn’t believe T.D., Joel, Warren, Crouch and Meyer were on this list either.

    Are they even Believers???

  • Posted by

    My most influential based on who has influenced me the most not necessarily in this order:

    1. Walter Kaiser
    2. Gordon Fee
    3. John Maxwell
    4. Tony Evans
    5. Andy Stanley
    6. John R.W. Stott
    7. Rick Warren
    8. Bill Hybels
    9. Mike Yaconelli (deceased?)
    10. Haddon Robinson

  • Posted by Sound Doctrine

    James,

    Point well taken and we are all most certainly covered by God’s grace and mercy and love.  In bringing to light some descrepancies I do not wish to divide but to reconciliate and bring others to the absolute truth uncompromised.  Just as Paul confronted Peter in Galatians 2:11 (NLT) 11But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him publicly, speaking strongly against what he was doing, for it was very wrong.

    Galatians 2:14(NLT) 14When I saw that they were not following the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter in front of all the others,…

    TD Jakes views were first brought to my attention by Voddie Baucham http://www.voddiebaucham.org/ in which he stated that he had confronted TD on statements made about morphing from the Father to the Son to the Holy Spirit.  Now Bishop Jakes may well have changed his views but as Peter Hamm said he still aligns himself with a denomination that believes that way.  Also leading someone to believe that they must receive baptism by immersion for salvation is just plain false.  We can not add to or detract from God’s truth or make our own stipulations for salvation or we will most certainly be divided.

  • Posted by

    James should we as Believers when we know someone to be teaching falsly and incorrectly using Scriptures, warn others and let them know to stay away from such people? ESPECIALLY new or moderatly immature Believers.

    [Please, let us remember that Paul was one of those who had all of his T’s crossed and “I’s” dotted and he was wrong, but it was Christ’s (blinding love) person who brought him to Himself.]

    Let also remember that after Saul was converted to Paul he warned against false teachers and publically announced that they should be accursed (literally: sent to hell) and Believers to stay away from such people.

    Paul even turned some over to Satan so they might learn to not blaspheme God.

    [Will we hand them a book of doctrinal trues or an open hand and heart.]

    James, a doctrine is a teaching.  Let’s say I’ve learned from a false teacher would you then at the very least consider that I might also teach falsly?

    We hand them a heart open always to The Truth (the Word of God) and The Truth of the Gospel and once Born Again, that may very well include warning them against a false teacher propogating a lie or deception.  Otherwise, sin spreads in the church and multitudes are deceived.

    [When the world sees “US” discrediting and disqualifying one another, do you really think they want to be a part of that? I wouldn’t and don’t!!]

    As I said on another post:  The “world” (unbelievers) make their decisions based on their hatred of God and all things associated with Him. They’ll only use a t-shirt, conversation, blog entry, discrediting/discussing/arguing, etc, as another excuse for having a “right” to shake their fist and gritt their teeth at God.

    Let me ask you this question James:

    Should believers respect all cultures, opinions and judgments to be equally valid?

  • Posted by

    Bernie writes [The list shouldn’t be “2006 Most Influential Christians in America” but rather “2006 Most Famous Christians in America.” Big difference!]

    YES! That is absolutely the crux of the matter and the “problem” with this list. In fact, I have to say that I don’t think T.D. Jakes has had much of any influence on any pastors I currently know!

  • Posted by Jeff M. Miller

    My personal top five:

    1. Louie Giglio
    2. C.S. Lewis (his books live on)
    3. my pastor
    4. my wife
    5. whoever I’m paying most attention to at the time wink

  • Posted by

    Todd, This would be funny if it wasn’t so dangerous.  Why do we need a list of the most influential christians.  Why do we follow the world so closely and then try to judge them.  We are world leaders, not world celebrities.  Pass that on to the “popular ministers” and watch their tail feathers ruffle. Shame on you for asking . . .

  • Posted by

    Bernie asks:

    “How about consider nominating people like the director of ‘Gospel for Asia’ (gfa.org). I think he’s more influential than these on the list, but not a Christian celebrity.”

    Bernie, Bernie, Bernie.  I’m surprised at you.  Don’t you know that celebrity status is what is needed in order to sell books and fill conferences?

    And, by the way, celebrity means absolutely NOTHING to God...it only means something to the sychophants who follow them.

  • Posted by

    Jean:

    “Why do we need a list of the most influential christians. Why do we follow the world so closely and then try to judge them. We are world leaders, not world celebrities. Pass that on to the ‘popular ministers’ and watch their tail feathers ruffle. Shame on you for asking . . .”

    Excellent questions, particularly regarding how we adopt the world’s methods and then try to distance ourselves from them.  Can you spell H-Y-P-O-C-R-I-S-Y?

    (Jean, I do have one disagreement with your post.  We are not to be “world leaders,” which feed our egos, but rather true servants, as in our attitudes and actions.)

  • Posted by Sunday Gracia

    Greetings,

    Just wanted to say that the reason God has allowed fame to be built with these people is because they are doing something right.  To have fame is to have influence.  But the one thing that most of these preachers have in common is that they preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  Which is above all.  T.D. Jakes concern is mostly with helping the people of God live a victorious life.  Now, not everything that he says is going to apply to your situation… and again, he is human and may have errors, but don’t let the world see us bickering about difference in the minor doctrinal issues.  Let God work them out.  To me, this should be everyone’s top 3 list of most influencial in their lives:

    1. Jesus Christ (first Christian, and our elder brother)
    2. Parents (they are two that have become one… or should), where they are not available is where we get in trouble here.
    3. Local Pastor that encourages the reading of God’s Word, the flow of the Spirit of God, and that give value to your spiritual health.

  • Posted by

    I need to clarify… not all of the people on the list should be considered Christians… especially Dr. Phil.  He does help people, but if he would only ad the salvation of Jesus Christ and the wisdom of God, he would be a great soul winner.  We should pray for him to be a God chaser rather than criticize him for helping people the way he thinks he knows how.

    God bless!

  • Page 1 of 2 pages

     1 2 >
Post Your Comments:

Name:

Email:

Location:

URL:

Live Comment Preview:

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Please enter the word you see in the image below: