Relevant Magazine has a great article up about favorite theologians that has me thinking.
The premise of the article is that people tend to follow a person more than a theology. We may struggle to fully grasp Calvinism but we can look to John Piper to get a living example of how it plays out. Many of you have questions about how to live more simply and generously so you look to Francis Chan or David Platt as embodiments of these ideals.
We tend to lean on the examples of theologians/pastors/authors/bloggers more than we do on the cold hard facts of theology. Or as the article puts it..
We align ourselves with theologians instead of theologies because they are warmer, friendlier and actually personify a complicated idea. We can use them as easy references—accessing their books, podcasts, websites and seminars. And even though we don’t always have an authentic relationship with them (most people have never met their favorite theologian), they present themselves—and their ideas—in a relational manner.
And this got me thinking about my favorite theologians – the people I look to in life to “personify a complicated idea.” These men have shaped the man I am. My heroes.
When trying to answer the question “What would Jesus do?” I often ask “What would Jon, Billy, Wess and Brian do?”
Jon Tyson
I met Jon ages ago after we moved to the Nashville area. Today he pastors a church movement that began in New York City. Jon’s a smart guy, reads fat books without pictures constantly. He’s a gifted speaker too, but it’s his vulnerability and teachability that have shaped me most.
When my brain broke a while back, Jon was one of the people who walked me through those dark days by phone and in person. He flew in fter I made it through the worst of it, to share his own similar struggles with me, to counsel me on how to make the most of the scars, to detail how pain shapes our understanding of ourselves and others and God.
And Jon taught me how his own pain transformed him into a “sensible charismatic”. I guess you could call me one of those too now.
When I’m not sure how to counsel those in pain or how to make sense of my own, I ask myself, “What would Jon do?”
Billy Patterson
Today, Billy helps churches learn how to be churches. And he was the first one to teach me how to spend time with Jesus. It’s something I honestly didn’t invest much time on until I was married and Billy was our Sunday school teacher. We met weekly for a couple years to learn how to spend time with God.
Billy calls it “abiding” because in John 15 Jesus tells us to abide in Him because apart from Him we can do nothing. But what is abiding and how do I do it?
When I lose my way I ask myself “What would Billy do?”
Wess Stafford
Wess is the president of Compassion International. I was able to spend a week in Ethiopia with Wess in 2007 and it was there that I learned important aspects of leadership for the first time: Inspiring others with enthusiasm and joy. Noticing the beleaguered and filling them up with encouragement. Telling stories again and again that teach what the organization does, why it does it, and what it values along the way. Serving, serving, serving. Spending time with Wess is a master class in pastoring – not just leadership – for anyone who’s paying attention.
And in a dark time Wess spoke potent words, telling me about his own, and how he’s navigated them with God. He believed God had a plan when I didn’t believe in God – I lived off that belief.
And when I’ve been wrong (it happens), Wess has kindly told me so in a way that expressed his seriousness and even a little disappointment but also his love for me and confidence that I could be better. Wess has a way of teaching, leading, correcting that doesn’t feel like leadership. It feels like relationship.
When I don’t know how to go about correcting someone’s or something’s course effectively and gently I ask “What would Wess do?”
Brian Seay
Brian is my brother-in-law and much more. He’s worn lots of ministry hats over the years but today he manages relationships between Compassion and various artists in much the same way I connect with bloggers on behalf of Compassion. But the job he does best is fathering.
I really struggle as a parent. I’m not as patient and intentional as I’d like to be. I find it harder to lead those inside my house than those outside. So, thank God, Brian will always parent the next stage of life three years before I will so I can copy! Brian has never once butted in to tell me how to parent my kids, but by his example I’ve learned how to father an emotional tween girl, to teach boys how to treat women, to handle chores and allowance, to punish without spanking, to parent an adopted child, to have conversation with kids, to play.
When I’m stuck in my parenting (and usually wracked with worry over it) I ask “What would Brian do?”
Now it’s your turn. Who are the best theologians in your life? Who personifies the complicated for you?
Kit says:
Please consider writing more for us sometime about this “abiding” that you’ve learned. I’ve often been told to do that, but people rarely talk about how, at least not with much depth.
Shaun Groves says:
A great place to start is Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. It’s the go-to book on spiritual disciplines – all the whats, whys and hows are there.
Kris says:
This for this- adding it to my *must read* list!
sandi says:
We studied this book in our community group a couple of years ago. Life changing when I actually put them in to practice.:)
Zoë says:
Wess Stafford and Mama Maggie of Stephen’s Children are awe-inspiring.
I guess because I read a lot my inspirations are often people who have already “cross’t the bar”: Julian of Norwich, St. John of the Cross, Therese de Lisieux, William Wilberforce… (reading about them has helped me learn how to abide in God’s love, incidentally).
Of those I have met, my favourite is the chaplain of Scargill House in the Yorkshire Dales. I don’t think she’d like to feel put on a pedestal. But I look at her and find myself wanting to walk the same path – I can’t help thinking she has the best job in the world…
I had the wonderful pleasure of a long chat with one of my favourite Christian authors/speakers on Monday, Adrian Plass. What a funny, down-to-earth and genuine man. And he understands brokenness in a way I haven’t come across with other writers/speakers. When I had lost all faith in Christians (but not Christ) his writing helped me pull through. I asked him for advice (about writing) and he gave me his email address. I wonder what God has planned?
You too, Shaun, are a constant reminder of what a life with Christ should look like. Thank you (again!).
shayne says:
My Pastor’s wife…Miss Kay Enfinger, my wonderful friend and counselor, Miss Barbara Mitchell and my mother.
And then you’re in there somewhere and so is George Mueller.
Katie Axelson says:
I love this! I’ve got my own heroes of the faith: Neal who loves at all times, Jennifer who puts others above herself, Peder who’s the kindest man I’ve ever met, etc.
I’ve always felt weird looking to these people in this way but you’re absolutely right: they’re tangible people who are embodying the teachings of Christ. I know them all well enough to know they’re not perfect but I also know them well enough to predict how they’d respond to situations. Watching their example helps me choose the best response (or at least consider it when I choose incorrectly…).
Katie
Amy says:
Corrie Ten Boom
Joseph Anfuso of Forward Edge International
Wes’s Stafford
My friend Shellee
Kathy Schwanke says:
Susie Larson~ A woman of faith, and strong conviction, an overcomer always pursuing more of Jesus and encouraging women to live to their fullest in Christ Jesus.
Ann Voskamp~ Without looking down, through beautiful humility, through her deep thinking and creative writing, exhorts to holy living and magnifying Jesus.
Stormie O’Martain~ Her books on prayer, on praying the Word of God, on bringing God to the forefront of all of life have tremendously shaped my prayer-life and as a result, my children and women I influence.
My dear, sweet, praying and overcoming-by-faith friends…Holly, Nancy, Tami, Susie, Tracy, Joy, Elaine, Melanie, Amy, Karalee, Becky, Ginni, Kris…
Oswald Chambers who thinks ‘out of this world’ and I am sure was seated close to Jesus when he wrote.
Kris says:
What an excellent post, my theologians have changed over the years, as my faith has changed-
Ann Voskamp immediately came to
mind because when I read her words, it is as if I’m in a worship service. Her words (over the years) have pushed me closer to Christ and her example is like none other I’ve known.
Lori Sandoval- my discipleship partner from my youth is another who still impacts my life to this day. She is the first person who shared the gospel with me both in words and by example. Her impact on my life has been profound and life changing.
The words of Tozer and Chuck Swindoll, Francis Chan and Madeline L’Engle, all help me to see Christ more clearly. Even as an experienced Christian, I’m still discovering some of the simplest truths trough the words of these and so many others.
Of course, ultimately, I keep asking what Christ would do. Is it terrible to say I don’t always like the answer? Even so, Christ’s own example of love challenges me to no end. These people mentioned bring it down to a level I can relate to a little more, since they are fully human, and yet living (lived) inspired lives…
Thanks for giving me something to think about this morning. 😉
Yvonne says:
Right now, we are going through a study on Fundamentals of the Faith by John MacArthur. Listening to one of his sermons yesterday, there were a couple of things that really stood out to me: 1. unity in the body is in the Spirit, not a denomination; 2. we can shatter complacency in this world when we function as one under Him; and 3. we don’t need a group organization to use our spiritual gifts.
Of course, as a Compassion sponsor, advocate, and blogger, I love reading anything by Wess Stafford. 🙂
Jenn says:
It may be cliche, but John Piper is pretty much at the top of my list. Several of his books (Desiring God & Don’t Waste Your Life) as well as one of his sermons from Passion (2005, I think?) completely altered the way I thought about God and how I was spending my life.
Charles Spurgeon. (I know, I know, it’s like I’m reading of a list!) The Relevant store used to offer these little books in a series called Foundations of Faith. I bought six of them (overachiever), but the one I treasure most is a collection of Spurgeon’s sermons. The man spoke truth that will penetrate to you very marrow if you let it.
Beth Moore is probably my dearest “theologian.” She digs into scripture in such a way that I can’t help but be captivated. She has taught me not just to read the Word but to love the Word. And she don’t mess around!
Corrie & Betsie TenBoom recently altered my way of thinking and living. I just finished The Hiding Place, and as someone who suffers mightily from anxiety and panic attacks, parts of it were hard for me to read. But I was constantly awe-struck at Betsey’s attitude and her ability to keep her face turned towards Jesus, even in the most horrific of circumstances. I realized how often I live like the women in those boxcars who didn’t know Jesus, instead of living like a woman who does.
I love Ann Voskamp, too. She is such a person of peace; even when she is sharing a hard word, it is wrapped in peace and gentleness. She makes me think about the way I write and speak- not because I want to *be* her, but because I want people to see Jesus more than they see me when I share. And she does that; any time I read her writings or listen to her speak, I see Him more clearly.
Sarah aka MainlineMom says:
Francis Chan and David Platt both top my list. I will listen to them preach anytime on anything.
Ann Voskamp and Jen Hatmaker are my go-to mama theologians. Ann is so unlike me and Jen and I have SO much in common, but both speak grace and truth in a wholly inspiring way.
There’s a woman at my church named Connie Stowers. She used to live in Nashville and she and I come from very PCA backgrounds but we go to a decidedly non-PCA church. I hope you’ll meet her when you come sing for us in a couple weeks. She embodies the older female mentor in Titus 2. She lives compassion and intercession daily. I love her.