Evangelical sermons always move people to incredible emotions and actions. The power of the pastor’s voice, the truth of his message, and the impact it has on the audience long after the sermon has ended are the measure of a truly great evangelical speaker. Today, we’re going to look at five such speakers that you won’t want to miss. These speakers bring passion, faith, and hard truths to their sermons.
Millions of Americans follow these five great men, with millions of views on TV, YouTube, and other video platforms, millions of listeners on radio and other audio programs, and many of them have published one or more books to take their messages to something more tangible.
Here’s our list of the five pastors making a splash in evangelical speaking.
1. Samuel Rodriguez Jr
Samuel Rodriguez Jr sermons will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and prideful in your faith. With a voice and style all his own, Rodriguez has made a splash in much more than just evangelical speaking. He’s also a civil rights activist, being born to a hispanic family, has published several books, and lends his voice to the cause of unity and love across the human family.
His fun, upbeat sermons give new life to the tradition of evangelical speaking, and he’s been able to appeal to a much younger audience with his style. Everyone is welcome, everyone is loved, and everyone is one the same playing field.
Rodriguez delivers truth in his words, directly from the handbook of God himself. You won’t find any phony lines here. He’ll have you out of your chair, swelling with emotion for the Lord and your faith. Check out his sermons at Pray.com to learn why Rodriguez has become so influential in the evangelical space.
2. Rick Warren
Pastor Rick (as Mr. Warren is referred to), is one of the most influential and recognized evangelical speakers of the last two decades. He’s published several books, spoken all over the country and the world, and his words have been heard and read by millions of people. With around eight million likes on his Facebook page alone and about two million Twitter followers, the pastor has certainly made a splash in both young and older worshippers’ lives. He appeals to everyone with his easy-going yet fervent speaking style. You can truly feel his faith when he speaks.
As the leader of Saddleback Church, one of the largest congregations in the nation, Warren is a national leader in the faith. Using contemporary music and approaches, his aim is to reach out to everyone—to bring in new followers and inspire already committed followers.
Warren has authored several books, including “The Purpose Driven Life”, “The Daniel Plan”, and many more. If you’re looking for a pastor that combines his own style with the traditional values of evangelical faith and an unyielding belief in what he preaches, Warren is it.
3. T.D. Jakes
There are few voices in the evangelical speaking space, or let alone in any space quite as recognizable as T.D. Jakes’. The powerful, moving, booming voice commands attention, and when Jakes speaks his sermons, you’ll feel a stirring somewhere deep inside your soul. It’s impossible to listen to the man speak without nodding your head and agreeing with his message. He’s charismatic, full of energy, and brimming with faith in his beliefs.
Jakes is also an author and filmmaker, and his broadcasts have often been featured on the Trinity Broadcasting Network—the largest Christian television network in the nation. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in both the evangelical world and the African-American community.
If you’re looking for a sermon to get you out of your chair and move your very soul, T.D. Jakes delivers every time.
4. Steven Furtick
Steven Furtick may be one of the youngest pastors on this list, but don’t let that fool you—he’s a force to be reckoned with. Furtick is the leader of the Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC, and commands the attention of thousands of viewers and listeners on a weekly basis. His contemporary approach is relatable and understandable, and his official YouTube channel has gained over one million subscribers.
With a powerful voice and energy, Furtick will get you up and moving and crying to the heavens for God’s glory. His messages are rooted in evangelicalism, but the contemporary approach ads a more relevant touch to the sermons for the younger audiences.
5. Joel Olsteen
What would a list of contemporary evangelicals be without Joel Olsteen? Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve likely heard, seen, or been told about the 57-year-old pastor from Houston, Texas. He’s published several books, is the leader of one of the largest churches in the nation (Lakewood Church), and his messages have reached millions of people over the last decade. You can find his books on Amazon, in bookstores, or at his website, and his sermons are streamed directly on the website.
Olsteen has an approach that is truly his own. The voice, style, and attitude he brings to evangelicalism has attracted millions of people and continues to make waves in the community itself. He appeals to everyone—young and old, rich and poor, etc. Sharply-dressed, well-spoken, and truly inspired by the word of God, Joel Olsteen is one of the leading figures in contemporary evangelicalism.