Bible Teachers I Can Recommend

Over the years, a lot of people have asked me to list preachers and teachers of Christianity that I trust. In light of the increasing number of false teachers gaining prominence in our culture, it seems wise to go ahead and make the list. Many find it difficult to know who to trust, and I hope to be helpful. Here is a list of Bible teachers I can recommend.

The List

• Alistair Begg – Truth for Life
• Bob Christopher – Basic Gospel
• Bob Davis – Basic Gospel
• Charles Stanley – In Touch Ministries
• Chuck Swindoll – Insight for Living
• Colin Smith – Open the Bible
• Dallas Willard
• Ed Taylor – Calvary Aurora
• Gary Hedrick – CJF Ministries, Messianic Perspectives
• Hank Hanegraaff – Christian Research Institute
• J. Vernon McGee – Through the Bible
• James Dobson – Family Talk
• Jeff Schwartzentraub – Brave Church
• Jim Daly – Focus on the Family
• John MacArthur – Grace to You
• John Piper – Desiring God
• Joni Eareckson Tada – Joni and Friends
• Michael Youssef – Leading the Way
• Mike Winger – Bible Thinker
• Robert Jeffress – Pathway to Victory
• Steve Brown – Key Life Ministries
• Timothy Keller – Gospel in Life
• Tony Evans – The Urban Alternative
• Voddie Baucham

There’s an empty list item above. That’s because the list can never be finished. In fact, I’ve only added a handful so far. The truth is that any of these teachers, if you listen long enough, will tell you what you need to know to begin following Jesus closely, and to continue to grow as His disciple.

Before you respond:

Of course, I need a disclaimer. Or three. Or more.

Who is ON the list?

People I’ve listened to. People I’ve grown to trust over a number of years. That’s the start of the list. As suggestions come in, I will add others. Feel free to ask questions, and make suggestions, using the form at the bottom of the article. I will add each person’s ministry, and a link, as I am able.

Who is NOT on the list?

First – obviously – the list will not include anyone on the List of False Teachers.

Next – seemingly as obvious – people I’ve never heard of, along with people who haven’t yet come to mind.

Finally – to save you some time – I only list people I’m familiar with. I haven’t heard every Bible teacher. Please don’t ask why so-and-so isn’t on the list… the reasons are right here. Thanks!

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all Christian ministers who faithfully teach the Bible. Thankfully, there are simply too many to list. This list is intentionally designed to help people discern whether a prominent person is a faithful communicator of God’s Word. I have nothing against listing local ministers, as they deserve a pat on the back… but this list isn’t a pat on the back. It’s my personal understanding of who I believe you can trust to lead you as you grow in your relationship with God.

How to handle disagreements

Do you disagree with one of these people? Do you disagree with me about whether they should be recommended? Great! No, really… I mean that.

How should Christians handle disagreements? Obviously, our first stop is Scripture. If I say that Jesus never rose from the dead, and Paul wrote that He did, go with Paul. The only criteria by which a true or false teacher should be judged is whether they faithfully share with others the gospel as it was originally handed down. That means that what is taught matches what we read in the New Testament. If your disagreement doesn’t come from Scripture, you’re simply not in a position to critique a Bible teacher.

The next thing to consider is whether the issue at hand is primary or secondary. A primary issue has to do with the nature of God, the humanity and divinity of Jesus, the personality of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, and salvation. There are actually, in my opinion, not very many primary issues. Secondary issues have to do with how we live AS Christians. Examples might be modes of baptism, cutting one’s hair, exercising spiritual gifts, end-times predictions, and so on. There is a never-ending stream of disagreements about secondary issues. This list is not focused on whether I agree with someone on secondary issues, but whether they contradict Scripture on primary issues.

If, after prayerfully considering the best way to voice your disagreement, you decide to weigh in, I will be grateful. I don’t know everything, and I don’t know everybody… let alone everything that anybody teaches. If someone should be removed from the list for persistently teaching errors, I will remove them. Personal attacks are never welcome. Use Scripture, logic, and common sense.

Your help in growing this list is very much appreciated. I will, of course, try to look into every suggestion.

THAT is my hope.

Your Thoughtful Responses are Welcome

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