Speakers That I LOVE

Nov 8, 2005

I am a student of communicators—I buy CD’s, DVD’s, I go to conferences—I soak it up. I constantly try to learn from others, to see how they connect with their audience, to listen to what they are reading and studying…and then go buy whatever it is they recommend.

From time to time people will ask me who I listen to—who influences me as a communicator. So, today I want to share my 10 favorite communicators that I have heard IN PERSON! (The reason I am saying “in person” is because to me, I not only listen to what they say, but how they interact with the audience.)

(Oh yeah—this is a list—not a ranking!)

#1 - Rob Bell

The first time I saw this dude I was like, “oh my, what do we have here?” And then he began by saying, “I would like to invite you to turn to the book of Leviticus.” Uh-huh, right—don’t we ALL love that book. Yet for the next 45 minutes he captivated my attention. I would say he is quite possibly one of the smartest me on the planet—and if you haven’t read his new book, Velvet Elvis—you need to!!!

#2 - Clayton King

No, this is not because he is one of my best friends and my accountability partner…but because I have NEVER heard him speak and not walked away challenged and inspired. He’s been speaking since he was 15 years old—and the way he can engage an audience is amazing!

#3 - Ed Young

He’s the pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX…and is quite possibly one of the most creative guys on the planet. I love the way he is willing to take risks…he even did a series a few years ago on spiritual warfare and brought a tank on the stage—a REAL tank!!! Now that’s not normal…but people still talk about that series!

#4 - Erwin McManus

This dude amazes me…there are people who are just “freaks” for Jesus—and he’s one of them. The way he calls Christians to give up comfort and safety and pursue Jesus with everything they’ve got—man…when I listen to him I want to go and charge hell with a water pistol!

#5 - Bill Hybels

This dude loves the church…and loves lost people as well. The first time I ever saw him speak I was very skeptical because I had heard a ton of negative stuff about him…and then he began speaking about people far from Christ and just could not stop weeping. That kind of passion moves me!

#6 - Andy Stanley

WOW! In my opinion…and this is just my opinion…Andy is the best week to week communicator in America. He amazes me how he can take an idea—plant it in your mind at the beginning of the message…and then continually bring it up through Biblical and modern day illustrations. I love listening to this dude!

#7 - John Maxwell

He can speak to any crowd—any crowd! He thrives both in the business and religious community…and his passion is moving and convicting.

#8 - Louie Giglio

I recently saw Louie speak on how big God is—oh my! I was captivated by the way he used pictures of the galaxy and then brought Jesus in at the end and…let’s just say it was one of the most moving messages I have ever heard.

There are others I like as well—Donald Miller, Tim Sanders) AND others that I would put on the list—but I have never seen them in person (TD Jakes, Ron Carpenter, Mark Driscoll).

That’s it—that’s the list—if you get a chance to go hear any of these dudes—GO! Trust me, you will not regret it!