By Jonathan Howe
Once again, the goal with this list is not to inflate the egos of those named, but to make you, the readers of ThomRainer.com, aware of the dozens and dozens of Christian leaders who are advancing the gospel in their respective spheres of influence. And while some pundits may sit back and claim Christianity is declining or dying, these leaders are clearly making a statement that it will not happen on their watch. They are passionate about Christ Jesus, His gospel, and taking it to the ends of the earth. The qualifications are quite simple: under 40 and making a Kingdom difference.
So without further ado, here is this month’s young influencer list:
- Tim Challies (@challies) – Blogger, Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Yes, Challies did turn 40 this month, but I’m going to include him anyway. As one of the most influential bloggers around, he deserves the recognition.
- Dr. Edgar Aponte (@EdgarRAponte) – VP for Mobilization, International Mission Board, Richmond, VA — Edgar previously served as the Director of Hispanic Leadership Development at Southeastern Seminary. He recently left that post to join IMB and direct their global mobilization and communications.
- Anna Perez (@mrs_aperez) – National Director of Wives Development for the BLVD Experience, New York, NY — In addition to serving as a pastor’s wife, Anna leads a community of urban church planters’ wives.
- Ryan Succop (@ryansuccop) – Kicker, Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN — In addition to kicking game winning field goals for the Titans, Ryan is active in several ministries in the Nashville area including In His Grip.
- David Pothier (@PasteurDavid) – Pastor of La Chapelle, Montreal, Quebec, Canada — David planted and pastors La Chapelle in one of the most unchurched cities in North America.
- Laura Magness (@lcmagness) – Content strategist, LifeWay Christian Resources, Franklin, TN — Laura helps shape and write customized curriculum content for churches who are using LifeWay’s smallgroup.com platform.
Please continue to pray for these individuals and their ministries. If you’d like to nominate a young influencer for consideration, let me know on Twitter: @Jonathan_Howe or in the comments section below. For previous young influencer lists, click here.
Consider Dr. DJ Horton as a young influencer. He became pastor of Anderson Mill Road Baptist Church at the age of 26 and is completing 13 yrs. He had served as president of The South Carolina Baptist State Convention, serves as a trustee of NOBTS and has taught preachers in Africa. His church had grown from 500 to 1800 while developing a strong Acts 1:8 ministry sending mission teams monthly all around the world. He speaks at the FCA annual camp for college and pro coaches in NC.
Johnye
Sounds good. I’ll add him to the list.
For Zion’s sake I will not hold My peace,and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,and her salvation as a lamp that burns. ASAIAH 62:1 The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,and all kings yous glory.You shall be called by a new name,which the mouth of the Lord will mame.ASAIAH 62:2 Welcome in tanzania all pastors have my new name.
Please consider Jason Crandall for your Young Influencer list. He is one of our Southern Baptist of Texas Convention Church Planters. CityView Church in Pearland is a very young and growing church plant that has already planted other churches in the greater Houston area. In fact, Jason has made such a splash in Houston, that I’ve also just hired him to train, resource, and review our church planters in the greater Houston area. Also, Jason is about to publish his first book – Proliferate “A Church Planting Strategy for Everyday Churches”. Thank you for considering Jason for your list. – Shane Pruitt, Director of Missions, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention – Twitter: @shane_pruitt78