We asked 35 Christian leaders, “Who is the influencer with the biggest impact on your life and ministry?” Most of these leaders listed several influential thinkers, writers, innovators, and leaders more of us should get to know. This response is from Ryan Phipps, lead pastor of Forefront Manhattan in New York City.
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I know my Bible. I know how to articulate what I believe. Where I find myself forever lacking, however, in a melting pot of all things like New York City, is how “to understand, rather than to be understood.”
I take the time to learn from people who “understand” more than I do. Some are in the field of comparative religion, and others are ecumenical. Here are the names of two (with two of their influential books):
“¢ Stephen Prothero, Department of Religion, Boston University
God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions that Run the World””and Why Their Differences Matter
Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know””and Doesn”t
“¢ Richard Rohr, Franciscan friar
Adam”s Return: The Five Promises of Male Initiation
Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
I also (still) love dusting off the cobwebs of my own faith and reminding myself why Christianity is at the center of my life.
The following people continue to reignite my commitment to Jesus:
“¢ Joe Boyd, founder and president, Rebel Pilgrim Productions, Cincinnati, Ohio
Joe has spoken at our church in New York a number of times, and my ongoing conversations with him, coupled with his sermons and writing, have had a huge impact on me.
Toney Salva
“¢ Toney Salva, senior pastor, Discovery Christian Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Toney”s leadership over the years has given me a richer love for Jesus and a greater commitment to interpret the Bible on the Bible”s terms, not my own.
“¢ Jared Witt, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Scott, Kansas
Jared is a walking library of knowledge. He is also a faithful friend. Jared has become a pastor to me over the years, and has been a great guide for how to keep the gospel inviting without compromising its purpose.
Pastors across the country are contemplating getting out of ministry. This should not come as a surprise. Ministry is tough. One of the challenges is balancing, if possible, the demands of ministry and being fully present and leading at home.
The debilitating stress that causes so many casualties in ministry can be avoided. Moreover, the stress we feel has more to do with an internal brokenness than external circumstances.
Because of the resurrection, the dark clouds of every sinner’s guilt, shame, and regret part making way for the bright rays of reconciliation, renewal, and restoration to burst through.
Insight into how we might help ministry leaders in the U.S. and abroad remain faithful in their vital vocational roles, ensuring ministry leaders in the church worldwide produce deeply rooted kingdom fruit.
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