Who Are the Men Who Have Had the Greatest Influence In Your Life?

Introduction: Recognizing Influential Men in Our Lives

During the Q&A session at the 2020 Fellowship Conference in New York, speakers were asked: Who are the men who have had the greatest influence in your life?

Michael on Influential Pastors and Fathers

Michael: To wrap up, we’ll address a lighter question. Many have asked me who the greatest influences in my life are as pastors, men, and fathers walking with Christ. Who has helped me the most?

Don on Personal Influences and Church History: Men Who Have Had the Greatest Influence

Don: Are you referring to living individuals or figures from church history?

Michael: Whether it’s someone from church history, someone living today, or someone who was once in your life?

Don: My closest friend and chief confidant was Bob Jennings. I attended 9 or 10 conferences over twelve years at his small church in Sedalia, Missouri. Our kids grew up together, and during meetings, I’d ask him theological questions. We prayed together frequently. He was a beloved friend. Before he knew he had pancreatic cancer, I asked, “Would you preach my funeral?” Bob responded, “Well, yeah.” God took him home before me. So, Bob Jennings.

Michael on Paul Washer and Other Influential Men

Don: Additionally, Paul Washer has had as much impact on me as Bob did. We’ve spent time alone, and he’s truly the real deal. I’ve seen him endure incredible pressure and spiritual warfare without buckling, always giving God the glory. Another influential Arminian brother, Harold Vaughn, has impacted me through men’s prayer advances and his effective communication as an evangelist.

Michael on Influential Church Figures

Michael: In church history, I could go on endlessly. Over the last five years, reading biographies has deeply impacted me. Whitefield warmed my heart, Jonathan Edwards’ new biography by Iain Murray influenced me, and last year, the four-volume autobiography of Charles Spurgeon profoundly affected me. Following that, Iain Murray’s two-volume set on Martyn Lloyd-Jones blew everything away. Reading J.C. Ryle, John Owen, and Alexander Peden, all had something significant for me. However, Spurgeon and Lloyd-Jones have had the greatest, most lasting impact on my life. I am who I am by God’s grace through Christ and by God working in those men.

Tim on Influential Authors and Pastors

Tim: A number of men, and one woman, have influenced me. John MacArthur’s book, “The Gospel According to Jesus,” was a tremendous influence. I received over a thousand tapes from his tape lending library and listened to them repeatedly.

Additionally, while in Texas, I learned from Pat Horner, whose faith and leadership deeply impacted me. He mentioned Mueller and Hudson Taylor, whose faith also influenced me. Later, Kyle White introduced me to John Piper, who significantly influenced me through his books and conferences. Currently, Martyn Lloyd-Jones and Charles Spurgeon’s sermons have been phenomenal resources, especially during low points. Hudson Taylor’s faith has also impacted me deeply.

Mack on Influential Authors and Prayer Leaders

Mack: Iain Murray’s books are invaluable—if I could, I would give them to every Christian. His books, along with Martyn Lloyd-Jones on preaching, Leonard Ravenhill, Linda and I’s privilege to be in his prayer meetings, Conrad Murrell, and Bob Jennings, are all influential. The McLeod brothers, Bill and Keith, are mighty men of God, known for powerful conversions and long hours of prayer. Their legacy remains strong, showing how individual Christians can profoundly shape our lives through their faith.

Don on Influential Women

Don: I must mention my wife. We have meaningful kitchen table conversations about theology and practical prayer for our children and grandchildren. She has sharpened me greatly and is one of my heroes.

Conclusion: Embracing Influential Figures in Our Lives

Michael: You can clap for that.