My Current Top Five Preachers

 

A great sermon is not only intellectual but also emotional. Most importantly, it is spiritual. A sermon ought to be much more than a history lesson or motivational speech. 

The best sermons are those that cause positive change in the hearts and lives of those who hear them, and this only happens through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a preacher who is not Holy Spirit filled (and led) can hardly preach convicting, life-changing sermons. 

Unfortunately, powerless sermons are more popular today because the role of teacher/preacher has largely been reduced to a job instead of a calling. There is a reason why "Teaching" is one of the spiritual gifts...it is beyond intellectual...it is divine. It requires revelation from above and supernatural delivery of that revelation. Without that gift of the Holy Spirit, a preacher simply cannot reach the hearts of his audience the way he should.

A truly anointed preacher does not blindly follow a sermon plan but is always listening to hear what the Spirit might be leading him to say. And for this kind of preacher, an altar call is not an optional way to end a sermon...the principal purpose of any sermon is the salvation of souls.

So far in my Christian walk, I have listened to a whole lot of sermons. Thanks to technology we are not limited to what is preached at our local church. The internet has given us access to spiritual resources worldwide. The downside is, there is also a lot of garbage out there. You better believe that the devil is not sitting, hands folded, watching people access true, life-changing messages. However, I rest in the knowledge that God will always guide those who are hungry to the right sources. His Spirit in us helps us discern.

The preachers I binge-watch change depending on the season I am in. Some of the preachers I mention below were introduced to me long before I started following them. They did not initially leave a strong impression on me, but at a later point in life, they were a perfect fit. Some I hardly listen to anymore, but in an earlier season, I listened to them daily. That is why it is immensely limiting to restrict yourself to one or two preachers...be open and willing to give others a chance. God uses different preachers in different ways.

I do not know any of these preachers personally, so I am not attesting to their character. I am only going to share based on what I have been exposed to, and that is their teachings. The fact that I recommend them does not mean that I agree with every single thing they say...as long as we are on the same page when it comes to the important things, I am good. 

Here are my top five preachers. You can google them to learn more about them, I will only share why I find their teachings compelling.

1. Apostle Joshua Selman (Eternity Network International, Koinonia)
• First time I listened to him I was immediately struck by his eloquence and intelligence. I was yet to find a pastor that was spiritual as much as he was intellectual. He was the first to open my eyes to spiritual intelligence, the mysteries of the kingdom, and many other critical but often ignored aspects of Christian living. After I heard his teaching on Spiritual Growth I was not only deeply convicted, I was hooked.
2. Pastor Michael Todd (Transformation Church, Oklahoma)
• I had heard a lot about him before actually following Transformation Church. It was hard not to, with the success of Relationship Goals. However, I only started listening to his sermons after I heard the one he preached on Pornography. I was struck by his vulnerability. I really love the H.O.T(Humble, Open and Transparent) philosophy of the church, and how they challenge me to live out Crazy Faith daily.
3. Priscilla Shirer (Going Beyond Ministries)
• I started listening to Priscilla after I watched the movie "War Room". As a black woman, I was immediately inspired by her knowledge of the word, her confidence, and her charisma. I have devoured countless teachings of hers on YouTube, Armor of God is one of my favorites. I really hope to someday see her live. Following her on Instagram is also a breath of fresh air.
4. Pastor Francis Chan (Crazy Love)
• The book Crazy Love was life-changing for me, I first read it in 2013/2014 I think. Francis' example of self-sacrifice is what made a huge impression on me. His passion for Christ and the testimony of his life are truly inspiring. Walking away from a mega-church, giving away sizeable portions of his book earnings, his unique perspective on marriage are just a few ways in which his walk with God has blessed me.
5. Joyce Meyer (Joyce Meyer Ministries, Enjoying Everyday Life)
• As a young Christian I remember starting my days with Joyce's 30-minute TV broadcast. They were so practical, they made it easier to see how to live a godly life daily. I could also totally relate to her earlier struggles as a baby Christian. Her teachings, like this one, encouraged me to keep striving even when discouraged. I am thankful that I actually got to attend one of her conferences in 2011. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years already. Her longevity is inspiring.

Who are you listening to these days? Who are your own favorites? Feel free to share in the comments section below.