Theological Contrasts in Modern Evangelicalism
-
Theological Contrasts in Modern Evangelicalism (Contents)
1: Beth Moore – Charismatic Devotion and the Public Voice of Evangelical Women 2: Rick Warren – Purpose, Pragmatism, and the Seeker-Sensitive Revolution 3: T.D. Jakes – Prosperity, Modalism, and the Language of Empowerment 4: Francis Chan – Simplicity, House Church, and the Spirit-Led Life 5: Andy Stanley – Cultural…
-
1: Beth Moore – Charismatic Devotion and the Public Voice of Evangelical Women
1. Introduction Beth Moore stands as one of the most prominent and influential evangelical women of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. As a Bible teacher, author, and public speaker, Moore’s ministry reached millions of Christians across denominational lines, especially through her work with LifeWay Christian Resources and the…
-
2: Rick Warren – Purpose, Pragmatism, and the Seeker-Sensitive Revolution
1. Introduction Rick Warren is one of the most recognisable names in contemporary evangelicalism, known for bridging pastoral ministry, church growth strategy, and global mission through an accessible and pragmatic theology. As the founding pastor of Saddleback Church and author of The Purpose Driven Life (2002), Warren’s influence shaped the…
-
3: T.D. Jakes – Prosperity, Modalism, and the Language of Empowerment
1. Introduction Thomas Dexter Jakes, commonly known as T.D. Jakes, is one of the most influential preachers in global Christianity, particularly within African-American Pentecostal and charismatic contexts. As the founder and bishop of The Potter’s House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, and a prolific author, speaker, and media entrepreneur, Jakes’s ministry…
-
4: Francis Chan – Simplicity, House Church, and the Spirit-Led Life
1. Introduction Francis Chan is one of the most recognisable evangelical voices of the twenty-first century who, at the height of pastoral success, chose to walk away from megachurch leadership in pursuit of a simpler, Spirit-dependent, and mission-focused form of Christianity. Chan’s theology reflects a blend of Reformed soteriology, charismatic…
-
5: Andy Stanley – Cultural Relevance, Deconstruction, and the Future of Church Communication
1. Introduction Andy Stanley has emerged as one of the most influential—and controversial—figures in modern American evangelicalism, particularly in the spheres of church leadership, communication strategy, and cultural engagement. As the founding pastor of North Point Community Church in Georgia and a frequent speaker on leadership, Stanley advocates for a…
-
6: Bill Johnson – Signs, Wonders, and the Supernatural Ministry of Bethel Church
1. Introduction Bill Johnson is a defining figure in contemporary charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity, especially known for pioneering a theology of supernatural ministry, healing, and revival culture. As the senior leader of Bethel Church in Redding, California, Johnson has significantly influenced the global charismatic landscape through Bethel Music, the Bethel…
-
7: Mike Bickle – Prayer, Prophecy, and the Eschatology of Intimacy
1. Introduction Mike Bickle is a prominent figure in contemporary charismatic Christianity, particularly known for pioneering a global prayer movement grounded in prophetic worship, eschatological urgency, and bridal devotion to Christ. As founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC) in Kansas City, Missouri, Bickle has championed 24/7 worship and…
-
8: Steven Furtick – Emotional Energy, Motivational Rhetoric, and Charismatic Popularity
1. Introduction Steven Furtick is a leading figure in the contemporary charismatic–evangelical landscape, known for his high-energy preaching, motivational tone, and widespread digital reach. As the founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church in North Carolina, Furtick has pioneered a style of ministry that combines pop-cultural relevance, emotional intensity, and…
-
9: Zane Hodges – Free Grace Theology and the Debate over Lordship Salvation
1. Introduction Zane C. Hodges was a New Testament scholar and leading proponent of Free Grace Theology, a doctrinal system that sharply distinguished salvation from discipleship and rejected the idea that true faith must necessarily produce good works. In contrast to Lordship Salvation—promoted by figures like John MacArthur—Hodges insisted that…
-
10: Charles Ryrie – Dispensational Theology, Free Grace, and Biblical Simplicity
1. Introduction Charles Caldwell Ryrie was one of the most influential evangelical theologians of the twentieth century, particularly known for his contributions to Dispensationalism, Free Grace Theology, and the popularisation of systematic theology through accessible writing. Ryrie sought to make theological clarity available to laypeople without sacrificing scholarly rigour, and…
-
11: Tim Keller – Cultural Apologetics, Urban Ministry, and Gospel-Centred Justice
1. Introduction Timothy J. Keller (1950–2023) was one of the most influential evangelical thinkers, pastors, and writers of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Known for his intellectual depth, pastoral gentleness, and cultural sensitivity, Keller pioneered a model of urban ministry that engaged sceptics and professionals in postmodern contexts.…
-
12: Russell Moore – Public Theology, Ethics, and the Prophetic Voice of Evangelicalism
1. Introduction Russell Moore has emerged as one of the most intellectually rigorous and ethically grounded voices in modern evangelicalism, particularly in the realms of public theology, political witness, and moral conscience. Known for his tenure as president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) of the Southern Baptist…
-
13: John MacArthur – Expository Preaching, Doctrinal Certainty, and Evangelical Separatism
1. Introduction John MacArthur is one of the most recognisable and polarising evangelical leaders of the past half-century, known for his unwavering commitment to verse-by-verse expository preaching, Reformed soteriology, and separation from theological compromise. As pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, president of The Master’s Seminary, and…