Agreed. In the same vein, Martyn Loyd-Jones suggested that men who are called to the ministry ought to be generally brilliant, highly competent people that would be exceptional in any vocation, but have a burning desire to preach the Word and shepherd a local flock. As opposed to someone that was mediocre in their regular occupation and then decided to go into ministry as something to do because they hit a career plateau due to lack of ability. The cream rises to the top, but the goal should not be notoriety.
Abner Chou is actually very brilliant I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use him in the future of Grace Community Church. He’s basically been tapped by MacArthur to be his replacement
Voddie is amil, Jeff Durbim is postmil. Even though bother are brothers in Christ, they are incompatible with each other in eschatology, which influences our Biblical worldview completely. I myself am amil and obviously would choose Voddie but there are plenty of theologically solid folks out there for pre-post-a-mil viewpoints.
I agree, and while his theology may raise my eyebrows….. what an OT scholar he was. When he gave his testimony he would say he knew from a young age what he was called to do, and I think he did it. I enjoy listening to him.
Sadly, he was an adversary to The Doctrines of Grace and was against the discoveries of the early Reformers concerning the Sovereignty of the Godhood and rightly dividing the word of Truth. Otherwise, very interesting person.
I've asked this myself many times. I believe the Lord will keep bringing men who will preach His word and be good representatives of the Gospel. Thank you pastor Matt for sharing this.
If I can make a correction about the Ligonier comments. Yes Ferguson and Lawson are seen as the “figure heads” of Ligonier after Sproul, but there are younger men who are leading in Ligonier. Look up Stephen Nichols and Burke Parsons. Both men under 55 I believe. They just don’t get the recognition that the others do. But, great video Matt. Really enjoyed it.
There is an astonishing young man--an Aussie named Martyn Iles (?) who is Ken Ham's appointed replacement who fulfills these requirements. I recommend you listen to him
I’d say there are many right now, we’re blessed. This is the time for leaders to step up. Moscow, Apologia, Voddie Baucham, this is a good time for Reformed leadership.
Apologia preaches a False Gospel of "believing the Truth"... a very popular idea amongst modern Baptists that accept and do not reject as heresy the 1859 Abstract of Principles as heretical in point #10. The 1689 LBC does not make "believing the Truth" as Saving Faith but says FROM Saving Faith one will come to believe all things written in Scriptures. This distinction is SALVIFIC and to place ones faith in the "Truth" of Jesus vs the Blood of Jesus shed for sinners is a completely different Gospel. Go listen to Jeff's sermon on the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone... he says THE thing he wants is for people to "know and love and defend this doctrine (The Truth)"... NOT that they cling to Jesus' Blood amd never stop pleading the blood of Jesus, and persevere in this Saving Faith to the end so that they are, are being and WILL BE saved by this faith alone... That this was NOT his primary / ONLY point is profoundly disturbing. That people do not take issue with this is profoundly disturbing.
@@savingfaithalone What nonsense are you spouting and misrepresenting? False Gospel? So Reformed Baptists are not saved, SMH? Ugh! Truth & Blood, huh? Sounds like divisive reviling to me.
@@IamGreatsword Very problematic. Look at John Piper speaking at Shepherd's Conference-the same Piper who affirmed Rick Warren. Said you should take the jab, not own guns and protect your family, appeared with Francis Chan and Beth Moore and practiced lectio divina, etc etc etc . But he gets a pass because of calvinism. Huh.
I read Dan 2:20-22 this morning. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things... I believe that He will sustain His church. Let us pray for Godly leaders with a hunger for the Word of God.
Thought-provoking video. I'm looking at Paul Washer and Voddie Baucham as promising distant candidates. They are bold and unflinching when it comes to biblical truths. Carl E. Trueman also comes to mind, as well, when it comes to theological/academic prowess. Just thinking out loud😉
Need a PCA church in Granbury TX. Please Lord, bless our community with a Presbyterian Church faithful to Your Word, uplifting in prayer, and obedient to your two sacraments.
I don’t think we need big personalities/ media celebrities. I think the next big movement in the church is going to be local and global. GOD will always raise up leaders where and when HE sees fit. Local churches sending missionaries and planting churches globally. I believe church growth is going to explode. Regardless whatever comes to be it will be GOD’s will.
You and the man at my local PCA church were the first reformed pastors I listened to after I came to faith. May the Lord continue to bless your ministries. You are a courageous spearhead, brother! Oh! And I certainly pray that it’s God’s will to leave Paul Washer with us for many years to come. Curious about how you feel about his preaching.
Well Matt, I've been watching your YTubes for awhile. I would say that you, and brothers like you, are good candidates to take the Church into the 21st century.
I, for one, don't think a 20 or 30 something year old has enough life experience to take up the mantel of a pastor like John Macarthur. I'm my opinion the respect that Pastors like Macarthur, Swindoll, and Sproul, etc, have is because their lives have been a testament to their faithfulness in God, His word, and His will. At 20 something, you're still growing and learning. Thankfully, we have Paul Washer, who is 62, Voodie Baucham, who is 55 , Phillip De Courcy, who is 62, to name a few. Just one man's opinion. Your brother in Christ. 🙏
Yeah they are called “elders” for a reason, sure people can be wise beyond their years, but imagine someone who was wise beyond their years when they were young and has had decades of life experience
@@IamGreatsword Pastor Swindoll is a great Bible expositor and Calvinistic at some levels, depending on how Calvinism is defined. Yes, he's a premillennial dispensationationalist, but so is Pastor MacArthur. I think Pastor Swindoll is largely unpopular with Reformed folks because of his association with DTS. Macarthur has nothing but positive things to say about Swindoll. You can find the latter in a RUclips video of Q&A with Macarthur.
I may not be Reformed, but I think you are a well-spoken, intelligent preacher and I hope for the Church's sake that it's you. I know when it comes to books on leadership I have read several by John Maxwell, I would encourage you to read some of his stuff. I hope you have a good week, God bless!
Matt: I have two thoughts. 1. I would love for you to address what we (the church body) can do to help prepare the way for men like this. Who are our older leaders mentoring? Who is training them? 2. I believe the "epicenter" of much of Christianity in the world today has shifted from a Western/American-centric position. There are incredible gospel things happening in many parts of the world. Could it be that one/several of our new evangelical/reformed leaders would come from there? What are your thoughts about that?
One of these men that fits the qualifications that you mention is pastoring the FBC Sedalia MO, Dr Jeremiah Greever. I've been praying this for him for several years and he is growing in favor with God and Man. I'm in absolute agreement with your assessment of our needs going forward.
We should not be thinking like the world does. There’s a danger in looking for eloquent, celebrity type “leaders”. I don’t think the apostle Paul would be recognised today, even by evangelicals or reformed groups. He said himself he wasn’t eloquent or impressive. Knowing Christ, humility, servanthood… these are most important.
I love the teacher/preachers you mentioned. I’ve some what matured in my walk. What dictates me flowing is the speakers net worth. If you are in the millions with multiple lake houses please don’t ask for my donations. I was giving to ministry’s that the leader was worth quite a bit. Not anymore. Take that net worth and reinvest in the ministry. Thats the biggest challenge with the next leader to step up
This video touched my heart as I have been asking this question often. I fear that the age of great, Godly leaders might be over. Why? 1) I believe the U.S. is truly under Romans 1 judgement. 2) There are less and less seminaries willing to teach the sufficiency of God's Word for all matters of faith and practice. 3) Congregations have become so addicted to having their ears tickled that they will not endure sound doctrine. I hope I am wrong.
This is why such people are extraordinarily rare, but God is gracious. It seems to me that more often than not, the gift mix is distributed amongst a body of leaders (Presbytery or Assembly). It might be worth checking out Alexander Finlayson's book, Unity and Diversity, the foundation of the Free Church of Scotland (2010).
Mid-video my shortish list (20's-40's) would include Abner Chou, Andrew Curry, Costi Hinn, Jonny Ardavanis, Jeff Durbin Owen Strahan, Mike Ricardi, James Coates.
You lay out strong points. I have a few in mind, who are emerging on this platform. I hope the promise of their calling bears fruit here and in their local churches. Sproul will be hard to replace, but we can say that about the other faithful leaders who were beacons for the gospel in the past. MacArthur is a competent pastor of his congregation. I am not sure if he was ever ready to step onto the stage of a wider, internet audience. Timothy Keller was a huge draw to young professionals and college and grad students. He ushered in a wave of Christians who engaged the world, but it began to lean toward embracing the world and culture too deeply. I am sure there will be compendiums of his writings that people will enjoy in the future, but I think any positive influence he had will wane. He was almost the opposite of MacArthur in his style, too eager to provide comfort. Conservative Presbyterians and non-Presbyterian Reformed leaders often insulate themselves in church administration and doctrine. I see conservative "Reformed" Baptists move forward in outrage at the godless social and political movements, and their push-back seems to be more prominent. Whatever we do, let's not make the positions of leadership a family business. I see far too many sons of prominent pastors go into ministry, whose positions and statements are aberrant. Perhaps, the education in the faith they received at an early age at home was akin to make-believe and imaginary friends. Some of them grow up to be horror shows who still manage to gather followers due to their name.
I had not really thought of this. I've been a Christian "only" 38 (!!!) years, and those men were around from the time I got saved. I've never known Christian life without them. Even if I didn't listen to their programs all the time, they were always there. Maybe the next wave won't be nationally / worldwide known leaders? Maybe the godly leaders will be the pastors of individual churches? I mean, they already do exist. They're just not usually publicly known. I don't know. I guess I'll have to think about this more. It's... sad.
True, but we don’t all want a high church Presbyterian either. There’s a lot of baptists who feel just a passionate about the sovereignty of God and the reverence that He deserves in worship.
If it's good enough that a disciple becomes as His teacher, then theoretically, all their disciples should (1) vindicate their teacher as being correct, (2) do the works of their teacher & (3) flesh out the teachings. But in order for all three to take place their necessitates a transference of spirit (eg. the spirit of Elijah).
@@alexkelley385 Can you explain what you mean by subjectivism and what was wrong with His book? I loved Gentle and Lowly and nothing in it really concerned me.
No Matthew, one should not try to dictate God in this way. "The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:7
Sadly, Matthew is wrong. The Lord sees not as man sees. What the church needs is faithful local pastors who know and fear God and are concerned about the souls of men, and believe in the preaching of the gospel, not big media personalities. The Lord used moses, who was not a brilliant communicator. His disciples were unlearned, obscure men and yet the Lord chose and used them. May the Lord have mercy. We have exalted men like John MacArthur and RC Sproul, and despised the faithful local pastors all around the world who are faithfully shepherding the Lord's people. When the Lord returns, everything will be brought to light.
Matthew, my dad who is a SBC Pastor told me this when I entered into Pastoral Ministry: “Mike stay from these three things 1. Sin 2. Women 3. Money” His advice never steered me wrong❤
I think about this question all the time. Steve Lawson will be around a little longer, but he's older too. Voddie comes to mind with a few others, but I don't know if I'll see another MacArthur in my lifetime. He is special.
Pastor Jack Hibbs is about 65, but God Willing, he’ll be around for 15+ years.Love His Biblical Messages!!! Pastor Gavin Beers was very influential my quest to seek a closer relationship with our Creator and Savior. Some may call him a legalist, his delivery of the true word of the Bible is Amazing. His Conviction to “Falling on his Face Worship, is No Doubt Beautiful in the Eyes of the Lord.
Jack Hibbs is a good storyteller and loves speculating on the end times not really an intellectual giant. I went to his church as a kid he had a new end times speculation every year. He has called covenant theology heresy multiple times in the last few months without an apology.
@@jdkayak7868I don’t go along with Hobbs but I can see that covenant theology is difficult. I have held to CT for a while but I’m really struggling with the idea of the covenant of redemption, why does God need to covenant with Himself. Also the the covenant of grace doesn’t come from Christ but from Abraham, well through faith in Christ, but was instituted at the covenant given to Abraham. This leads to a faulty understanding of who Israel and who the church are.
Lamenting the day that the church is deprived of these leaders. As a young father in his 20’s, I worry about the departure from sound teaching and the implications for the future church of my children. With issues like female pastors, LGBT affirmation, deconstructionism, prosperity preaching, hyper Pentecostalism and easy believism, the body of Christ needs faithful, bold, Bible-believing leaders. Durbin is solid. His ministry’s impact on the hot topic of abortion can’t be understated. His passion for apologetics is inspiring. At Apologia church they are fighting the good fight. Winger isn’t officially a pastor but he is being used greatly by the Lord in the online sphere of influence. Pastor Voddie is a gifted orator who preaches sound theology, and no doubt he is a resounding voice and inspiration to our African American brothers and sisters. I think God is raising up individuals like these who reflect the image of Christ to not only lead the church but serve as even greater witnesses to this pluralistic, self centric, self secluding, wicked generation in the west.
Well, you for one! So many claim to love R.C. Sprouls teachings, then become Baptist! Covenant theology is important! Michael Kruger(Rts Charlotte)is another nominee! Of course, Voddie Baucham has already been mentioned and is about as close to Presbyterian as you can get!
Actually he does this by Apostolic succession. He sent the apostles, they appointed leaders and in turn they also did so. You have to have the laying on of hands by someone who also had hands laid on them all the way back to the Apostles. That's how it actually works. They cannot be replaced because their pastorhood was invalid.
Since you had mentioned worshiptainment, I’m wondering what your thoughts were on Keith Green? He rose out of the music industry but was and is massively influential on many Christians.
@@Adaisy45 Wow! He died just a few years before I got saved. But then I didn't discover him until a few years after that. It was the perfect time for me, as I was struggling in my still-new faith. I can't wait to worship Jesus with him forever! I can't imagine how many new sings he's written. And they'll be better than anything he did here on earth. Can you imagine?
@@Yesica1993 I saw him at a Summer Festival in Michigan where we live and he died less than a month later. I was right in the front and he was playing the piano and singing beautifully. I’m so glad you found his music! And most of all glad you found Christ Jesus! Amen!
11:01 "... zealous for the lost. They're going to have to love the lost and try ardently to reach them with the gospel, not necessarily using the shame and blame game tactics of the world on the lost, but rather to try to reclaim the lost for the glory of Christ by actually loving them with a powerful witness and testimony that compels people, draws people to Christianity rather than repulsing them from it." I agree that we don't use the "shame & blame tactics of the world." But I think we are past the era where we can just show love to people and be "winsome" and that will compel them. People are more hard and hateful of the things of God than I have ever seen them. They need to be told to repent. We are already under judgment and it will only get worse if this country keeps going this way.
People can also no longer reason. They cannot follow a logical train of thought, much less write or think that way. I know that firsthand because I do transcription for work. It's really noticeable when you're typing out speech. It's very disturbing. I don't know how to communicate in any other way.
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. First John chapter 2 verse 27 (No one replaces the Spirit of the Beloved Son, the Holy Spirit, my teacher.)
I'm not trying to earn brownie points, but I honestly think you could be one of those men. You're young, orthodox, zealous, a clear and concise communicator. You're an encourager rather than a scolder like the boys over at G3. I'm going to pray that God might sovereignly open up doors for your ministry to expand and reach believer and non-believer across the globe. Just one side note: Remember, Ligonier was in fact a para-church organization ;-).
Perhaps it is good that we no longer have leaders, as it currently is. Perhaps it will finally become like the priesthood of the believers should, rather than a business structured church system
A few people come to mind to me: Jeff Durbin, Joel Webbon, Joshua Haymes, Andrew Isker, Jacob Tanner, Josh Howard, Joe Rigney, Redeemed Zoomer, of course you, among others who have been gaining popularity recently.
Redeemed Zoomer is very problematic when it comes to rightly dividing the word of truth for instance, six-day, wwflood, etc. theistic evolution the worst of them, mark and avoid him, good advice.
i hope redeemed zoomer as much as i love his channel doesn't have a shaping voice in the new generation but with his ministry i fear it is very likely but it's God's plan not mine
@@SilentEcho4178 well, he says that he loves baptists but he just makes fun of them because they accept criticism the best well whatever, i feel like there are better ways to be brother in Christ but he is in a texas college which means he meets 90percent of baptists ( from Christians) so if he meant it, he probably wouldn't have gone to study there. My issue is that he teaches salvific baptism to such a big audience which are often new Christians which is very bad
BTW, I think Sinclair Ferguson despite his popularity is very underrated. He is absolutely gorgeous, orthodox and a man of a very profound thought. Very sad that Scotland doesn't produce anymore men of this range.
I think if we ignore the Postmill wing of evangelicalism as many are in the habit of doing, it seems pretty hopeless. But if we can get past all of the rhetoric around Christian Nationalism, there are men who fit your description very well who are laser focused on fighting toward a brighter future in Christs kingdom.
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are"
The Lord chooses the weak, and those who are called foolish by the world, and those who are base. If you disagree with that, you do not believe His word. The instructions in Timothy are that pastors train men in their churches whom the Lord has saved, some of whom will enter the ministry. We have blinded our eyes to big media personalities and what appeals to our senses, forgetting that God is no respecter of persons, like man is, and that the Lord uses the weak, so that the power will not be in man but in God. The disciples were unlearned and yet the Lord chose them, saved them, and made them his shepherds.
Please heavenly Father, please raise up such a man. We so need a voice in the wilderness. For the sake of my grandchildren and the world they will have to live in, please, I beg you, provide someone who will speak Your truth and give them something to cling to.
I believe we are close to the rapture..we obviously don’t know the day but as we look as biblical prophecies, things are being revealed. The best is to stay or join a gospel based church
Yes and part of a legitimate pastor is laying on of hands by someone who can trace it back to the Apostles. Only the Orthodox or Catholics have that. And thats my unbiased opinion mind you. The reality is none of these guys are pastors so they cannot be succeeded. They were all self appointed.
Although it's not a necessity I'm also wondering if the next church leaders won't be Western... I'm thinking of someone like Conrad Mbewe. The demographics of the church are changing and the future leaders need to reflect that.
I hope whoever picks up the batton doesn't fall into the "fantasy football must have this this and this..." The word will continue. I am new faith so I apologise, but my limited understanding but doesn’t God make use of the flawed?
Jared Longshore and Joel Webbon are fairly young. I don't think we need a single rock star but as in previous ages a range of voices such as Knox, Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Whitfield and more each with their own strengths and communication skills.
Maybe it’s going to be more of a “populist” movement, where there will be more good above average people rather than brilliant, who understand what’s going on and can reach their local community more personally. Even though the best of Christian leaders have passed or are passing, their work is archived and easily accessible to the next generation and still impact us. Probably a more relational Christianity is the way forward now. I would still pray for God to raise up spiritual leaders, though!
That’s what I was thinking. Maybe a couple key figures to push church unity, along with a higher degree of education and passion for God, bringing a new Puritan generation.
This is essentially what they are trying to do in Moscow. Doug Wilson gave a talk I think through Right Response Ministries where he said once their church gets to a certain size, they plant a new church and try to raise up and support new leaders. I believe it’s one of the principles the CREC was founded upon.
The big names we know made their names with books, cassette tapes and VHS tapes. After the Internet, websites, RUclips channels and podcasts gave lesser-known pastors and scholars access to a greater audience. Now, with AI, deepfakes and more, Hollywood stars can appear in movies as their younger selves when they are old, and alive when they are dead. So the next big leap would be to bring back historical figures, even old preachers, into a realistic, digital form, for either the screen or VR. And virtual conferences on a Meta-like platform may become the new way for the Church to meet, much like it did through Zoom and live streaming during COVID. But I suspect that the next top Bible teachers will be a humanized and advanced form of ChatGPT, fully customizable in appearance, voice, and language.
You need to specify "Reformed", cuz that's all you're referring to. There are many good non-reformed teachers, they're just not celebrities like these guys. You also need to specify that it's based on what you think a good leader is
I was thinking that the men who have been great among us and are now gone didn’t think they were great or strived for that title. Like Calvin, who wanted his grave unmarked so not to be revered, that’s the godly attitude of faithful men. True Christian humility, magnifying Jesus. RC Sproul and James Montgomery Boice were two like that. I just discovered Pastor Hensworth Jonas, he checked off lots of boxes. God bless 🙏
Hot take… we don’t need large public figures, we just need faithful local pastors.
Agreed. In the same vein, Martyn Loyd-Jones suggested that men who are called to the ministry ought to be generally brilliant, highly competent people that would be exceptional in any vocation, but have a burning desire to preach the Word and shepherd a local flock. As opposed to someone that was mediocre in their regular occupation and then decided to go into ministry as something to do because they hit a career plateau due to lack of ability. The cream rises to the top, but the goal should not be notoriety.
Amen. A pastor who is willing to humbly serve the local church is what we need, not men vying to be celebrity pastor super stars.
You know we can have both, right?
@@austinrothjr Sure can… my claim still stands. We don’t need large public figures.
Amen!
Abner Chou is actually very brilliant I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use him in the future of Grace Community Church. He’s basically been tapped by MacArthur to be his replacement
I love Abner too and he came to my mind. Nathan Busenitz or Mike Riccardi too
Bro Matthew - You are in my top tier for America's upcoming Christian leaders. Please don't sell yourself short.
@@SilentEcho4178 I agree!
I agree! @bravesfan714 @Yesica1993
Completely agreed!
Agreed
Agreed!
Voddie Baucham & Jeff Durbin are two powerful voices for God in our generation
VB is in very bad health. Pray for him
Seconded.
Voddie is amil, Jeff Durbim is postmil. Even though bother are brothers in Christ, they are incompatible with each other in eschatology, which influences our Biblical worldview completely. I myself am amil and obviously would choose Voddie but there are plenty of theologically solid folks out there for pre-post-a-mil viewpoints.
@@ronlanter6906 I'm pan-mil ... It'll all pan out eventually
@@SteveKhoe Some people feel ignorance is bliss 🤷♂
I would say Mike Winger! He does comprehensive studies and is very aware of culture and being biblically savy.
Mike Winger is a true gift!
I just saw a Catholic video on my feed that claimed, "Mike Winger has a decrepit soul." He must be doing something right.
Winger is anti-Calvinist, and thus not even reformed.
Extremely grateful for this, Matt. My wife and I will be praying with you.
I thank God for the memory of Dr Michael Heiser. I’ve learned so much in the few years I was exposed to his teachings.
I agree, and while his theology may raise my eyebrows….. what an OT scholar he was. When he gave his testimony he would say he knew from a young age what he was called to do, and I think he did it. I enjoy listening to him.
Sadly, he was an adversary to The Doctrines of Grace and was against the discoveries of the early Reformers concerning the Sovereignty of the Godhood and rightly dividing the word of Truth. Otherwise, very interesting person.
@IamGreatsword very sad indeed. ...so much in the OT on God's sovereign grace.
I've asked this myself many times. I believe the Lord will keep bringing men who will preach His word and be good representatives of the Gospel. Thank you pastor Matt for sharing this.
Starting to go to Geneva College this fall and planning (Lord Willing) to go to RPTS in a few years. I look forward to potentially learning under you.
“Changing at a strange pace” is the perfect description. Thank you.
A deep video. I am praying with you Pastor Matthew. Thank you for this video.
If I can make a correction about the Ligonier comments. Yes Ferguson and Lawson are seen as the “figure heads” of Ligonier after Sproul, but there are younger men who are leading in Ligonier. Look up Stephen Nichols and Burke Parsons. Both men under 55 I believe. They just don’t get the recognition that the others do. But, great video Matt. Really enjoyed it.
New sub! Thank you for the video content and the side school recommendation!
Mike Ricaardi seems poised to take the reigns after MacArthur passes away
He is pretty good. I could see that.
He is fantastic.
I agree. Mike Riccardi!
This blessed me. To the glory of God alone!!
There is an astonishing young man--an Aussie named Martyn Iles (?) who is Ken Ham's appointed replacement who fulfills these requirements. I recommend you listen to him
Joe Rigney is a young, smart and articulate pastor and reformed Christian spokesman.
Rigney is very impressive. Unfortunately, Baptists are mostly inherently distrustful of former Baptists.
Thank you Pastor Matt! You have earned the honorary title of mensch
The leaders you're discussing are already hard at work at the basic tasks of life. We just haven't seen them yet
Great, timely topic. A huge concern.
I’d say there are many right now, we’re blessed. This is the time for leaders to step up. Moscow, Apologia, Voddie Baucham, this is a good time for Reformed leadership.
Yet Baucham is apparently speaking at some conference with Glenn Beck. hmmm
Apologia preaches a False Gospel of "believing the Truth"... a very popular idea amongst modern Baptists that accept and do not reject as heresy the 1859 Abstract of Principles as heretical in point #10. The 1689 LBC does not make "believing the Truth" as Saving Faith but says FROM Saving Faith one will come to believe all things written in Scriptures. This distinction is SALVIFIC and to place ones faith in the "Truth" of Jesus vs the Blood of Jesus shed for sinners is a completely different Gospel.
Go listen to Jeff's sermon on the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone... he says THE thing he wants is for people to "know and love and defend this doctrine (The Truth)"... NOT that they cling to Jesus' Blood amd never stop pleading the blood of Jesus, and persevere in this Saving Faith to the end so that they are, are being and WILL BE saved by this faith alone...
That this was NOT his primary / ONLY point is profoundly disturbing. That people do not take issue with this is profoundly disturbing.
@@davepage2466 Bad consorting and associating is definitely problematic.
@@savingfaithalone What nonsense are you spouting and misrepresenting? False Gospel? So Reformed Baptists are not saved, SMH? Ugh! Truth & Blood, huh? Sounds like divisive reviling to me.
@@IamGreatsword Very problematic. Look at John Piper speaking at Shepherd's Conference-the same Piper who affirmed Rick Warren. Said you should take the jab, not own guns and protect your family, appeared with Francis Chan and Beth Moore and practiced lectio divina, etc etc etc . But he gets a pass because of calvinism. Huh.
I read Dan 2:20-22 this morning.
He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things...
I believe that He will sustain His church. Let us pray for Godly leaders with a hunger for the Word of God.
Thank you matt.
Thought-provoking video. I'm looking at Paul Washer and Voddie Baucham as promising distant candidates. They are bold and unflinching when it comes to biblical truths. Carl E. Trueman also comes to mind, as well, when it comes to theological/academic prowess. Just thinking out loud😉
Need a PCA church in Granbury TX. Please Lord, bless our community with a Presbyterian Church faithful to Your Word, uplifting in prayer, and obedient to your two sacraments.
I don’t think we need big personalities/ media celebrities. I think the next big movement in the church is going to be local and global. GOD will always raise up leaders where and when HE sees fit. Local churches sending missionaries and planting churches globally. I believe church growth is going to explode. Regardless whatever comes to be it will be GOD’s will.
You and the man at my local PCA church were the first reformed pastors I listened to after I came to faith. May the Lord continue to bless your ministries. You are a courageous spearhead, brother!
Oh! And I certainly pray that it’s God’s will to leave Paul Washer with us for many years to come. Curious about how you feel about his preaching.
Well Matt, I've been watching your YTubes for awhile. I would say that you, and brothers like you, are good candidates to take the Church into the 21st century.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8 LSB
There's a lot of notable pastors with excellent teaching skills in local congregations including my own.
We may see the next generation of faithful leaders come out of the new centers of Christianity such as sub-saharan Africa. Great video as always Matt.
I, for one, don't think a 20 or 30 something year old has enough life experience to take up the mantel of a pastor like John Macarthur. I'm my opinion the respect that Pastors like Macarthur, Swindoll, and Sproul, etc, have is because their lives have been a testament to their faithfulness in God, His word, and His will. At 20 something, you're still growing and learning. Thankfully, we have Paul Washer, who is 62, Voodie Baucham, who is 55 , Phillip De Courcy, who is 62, to name a few. Just one man's opinion. Your brother in Christ. 🙏
Yeah they are called “elders” for a reason, sure people can be wise beyond their years, but imagine someone who was wise beyond their years when they were young and has had decades of life experience
And yet, when John Macarthur began his ministry at Grace Community Church, he was 29.
@@JerynToney you are correct, but his influence did not come overnight, it took several years before the nation / world knew who he was.
Swindoll? Isn't he an arminiast?
@@IamGreatsword Pastor Swindoll is a great Bible expositor and Calvinistic at some levels, depending on how Calvinism is defined. Yes, he's a premillennial dispensationationalist, but so is Pastor MacArthur. I think Pastor Swindoll is largely unpopular with Reformed folks because of his association with DTS. Macarthur has nothing but positive things to say about Swindoll. You can find the latter in a RUclips video of Q&A with Macarthur.
I may not be Reformed, but I think you are a well-spoken, intelligent preacher and I hope for the Church's sake that it's you. I know when it comes to books on leadership I have read several by John Maxwell, I would encourage you to read some of his stuff. I hope you have a good week, God bless!
Matt: I have two thoughts. 1. I would love for you to address what we (the church body) can do to help prepare the way for men like this. Who are our older leaders mentoring? Who is training them? 2. I believe the "epicenter" of much of Christianity in the world today has shifted from a Western/American-centric position. There are incredible gospel things happening in many parts of the world. Could it be that one/several of our new evangelical/reformed leaders would come from there? What are your thoughts about that?
I would love to see you interview Gavin Ortlund if you have the chance. It would be awesome to hear you talk over reformed theology with him.
One of these men that fits the qualifications that you mention is pastoring the FBC Sedalia MO, Dr Jeremiah Greever. I've been praying this for him for several years and he is growing in favor with God and Man. I'm in absolute agreement with your assessment of our needs going forward.
Kevin DeYoung, Voddie Baucham
Phillip Anthony Mitchell is def someone to keep our eyes on. Mighty man of God, pastor of 2819 church in ATL
Brian Sauve, Toby Sumpter, Matthew Everhard, Joel Webbon, Jeff Durbin. First five that come to mind
We should not be thinking like the world does. There’s a danger in looking for eloquent, celebrity type “leaders”. I don’t think the apostle Paul would be recognised today, even by evangelicals or reformed groups. He said himself he wasn’t eloquent or impressive. Knowing Christ, humility, servanthood… these are most important.
I wouldn’t worry about it too much. God is sovereign and we ought pray for the grace of contentment with His will as it is done.
I love the teacher/preachers you mentioned. I’ve some what matured in my walk. What dictates me flowing is the speakers net worth. If you are in the millions with multiple lake houses please don’t ask for my donations. I was giving to ministry’s that the leader was worth quite a bit. Not anymore. Take that net worth and reinvest in the ministry. Thats the biggest challenge with the next leader to step up
John MacArthur is a multi-millionaire and owns several homes
Elijah had his Elisha. God never leaves us empty.
This video touched my heart as I have been asking this question often. I fear that the age of great, Godly leaders might be over. Why? 1) I believe the U.S. is truly under Romans 1 judgement. 2) There are less and less seminaries willing to teach the sufficiency of God's Word for all matters of faith and practice. 3) Congregations have become so addicted to having their ears tickled that they will not endure sound doctrine. I hope I am wrong.
This is why such people are extraordinarily rare, but God is gracious. It seems to me that more often than not, the gift mix is distributed amongst a body of leaders (Presbytery or Assembly). It might be worth checking out Alexander Finlayson's book, Unity and Diversity, the foundation of the Free Church of Scotland (2010).
Mid-video my shortish list (20's-40's) would include Abner Chou, Andrew Curry, Costi Hinn, Jonny Ardavanis, Jeff Durbin Owen Strahan, Mike Ricardi, James Coates.
You lay out strong points. I have a few in mind, who are emerging on this platform. I hope the promise of their calling bears fruit here and in their local churches. Sproul will be hard to replace, but we can say that about the other faithful leaders who were beacons for the gospel in the past. MacArthur is a competent pastor of his congregation. I am not sure if he was ever ready to step onto the stage of a wider, internet audience. Timothy Keller was a huge draw to young professionals and college and grad students. He ushered in a wave of Christians who engaged the world, but it began to lean toward embracing the world and culture too deeply. I am sure there will be compendiums of his writings that people will enjoy in the future, but I think any positive influence he had will wane. He was almost the opposite of MacArthur in his style, too eager to provide comfort.
Conservative Presbyterians and non-Presbyterian Reformed leaders often insulate themselves in church administration and doctrine. I see conservative "Reformed" Baptists move forward in outrage at the godless social and political movements, and their push-back seems to be more prominent.
Whatever we do, let's not make the positions of leadership a family business. I see far too many sons of prominent pastors go into ministry, whose positions and statements are aberrant. Perhaps, the education in the faith they received at an early age at home was akin to make-believe and imaginary friends. Some of them grow up to be horror shows who still manage to gather followers due to their name.
What about Scott Aniol, Owen Strachan, Nathan Busenitz, Virgil Walker, Mike Riccardi?
Josh Buice has to be in this list too ;)
We are going to need many brilliant leaders not just a few.
Esther 4:14, Reverend Everhard!
I'm pretty sure you just described Jesus. May the Lord be pleased to raise up men in our age who faithfully reflect his son.
I had not really thought of this. I've been a Christian "only" 38 (!!!) years, and those men were around from the time I got saved. I've never known Christian life without them. Even if I didn't listen to their programs all the time, they were always there. Maybe the next wave won't be nationally / worldwide known leaders? Maybe the godly leaders will be the pastors of individual churches? I mean, they already do exist. They're just not usually publicly known. I don't know. I guess I'll have to think about this more. It's... sad.
Thanks for pointing that out, I remember he is a “partial flood “ guy but the Biblical Adam stance is a surprise
God will make provisions he always does
Maybe on your publicity tour of your Jonathan Edwards’s study Bible we’ll find out God always provides and trust His yes , is yes
Hopefully a high church Presbyterian I think people are tired of the rock band concerts
True, but we don’t all want a high church Presbyterian either. There’s a lot of baptists who feel just a passionate about the sovereignty of God and the reverence that He deserves in worship.
Douglas Wilson is also one of them.
If it's good enough that a disciple becomes as His teacher, then theoretically, all their disciples should (1) vindicate their teacher as being correct, (2) do the works of their teacher & (3) flesh out the teachings. But in order for all three to take place their necessitates a transference of spirit (eg. the spirit of Elijah).
Dr. Gavin and Dane Ortlund are some of my personal favorites😁
You are right though it will be interesting to see who will rise up these next 20 years.
Good shout. Along with Mike Wiinger and Jeff Durbin
Dane is a bit off in subjectivism… there are guys like him but their bibliology is a bit questionable. His “Gentle” book was a bit concerning.
@@alexkelley385 Can you explain what you mean by subjectivism and what was wrong with His book? I loved Gentle and Lowly and nothing in it really concerned me.
Dr Richard Caldwell
generally you ask a question like this, you have at least a couple people in mind, because they're here now...
No Matthew, one should not try to dictate God in this way.
"The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:7
Sadly, Matthew is wrong. The Lord sees not as man sees. What the church needs is faithful local pastors who know and fear God and are concerned about the souls of men, and believe in the preaching of the gospel, not big media personalities.
The Lord used moses, who was not a brilliant communicator. His disciples were unlearned, obscure men and yet the Lord chose and used them.
May the Lord have mercy. We have exalted men like John MacArthur and RC Sproul, and despised the faithful local pastors all around the world who are faithfully shepherding the Lord's people.
When the Lord returns, everything will be brought to light.
Matthew, my dad who is a SBC Pastor told me this when I entered into Pastoral Ministry:
“Mike stay from these three things
1. Sin
2. Women
3. Money”
His advice never steered me wrong❤
This is sound advice for ALL men, not just church leaders.
I think about this question all the time. Steve Lawson will be around a little longer, but he's older too. Voddie comes to mind with a few others, but I don't know if I'll see another MacArthur in my lifetime. He is special.
Pastor Jack Hibbs is about 65, but God Willing, he’ll be around for 15+ years.Love His Biblical Messages!!! Pastor Gavin Beers was very influential my quest to seek a closer relationship with our Creator and Savior. Some may call him a legalist, his delivery of the true word of the Bible is Amazing. His Conviction to “Falling on his Face Worship, is No Doubt Beautiful in the Eyes of the Lord.
Jack Hibbs is a good storyteller and loves speculating on the end times not really an intellectual giant. I went to his church as a kid he had a new end times speculation every year. He has called covenant theology heresy multiple times in the last few months without an apology.
@@jdkayak7868I don’t go along with Hobbs but I can see that covenant theology is difficult. I have held to CT for a while but I’m really struggling with the idea of the covenant of redemption, why does God need to covenant with Himself. Also the the covenant of grace doesn’t come from Christ but from Abraham, well through faith in Christ, but was instituted at the covenant given to Abraham. This leads to a faulty understanding of who Israel and who the church are.
Lamenting the day that the church is deprived of these leaders. As a young father in his 20’s, I worry about the departure from sound teaching and the implications for the future church of my children.
With issues like female pastors, LGBT affirmation, deconstructionism, prosperity preaching, hyper Pentecostalism and easy believism, the body of Christ needs faithful, bold, Bible-believing leaders.
Durbin is solid. His ministry’s impact on the hot topic of abortion can’t be understated. His passion for apologetics is inspiring. At Apologia church they are fighting the good fight. Winger isn’t officially a pastor but he is being used greatly by the Lord in the online sphere of influence. Pastor Voddie is a gifted orator who preaches sound theology, and no doubt he is a resounding voice and inspiration to our African American brothers and sisters. I think God is raising up individuals like these who reflect the image of Christ to not only lead the church but serve as even greater witnesses to this pluralistic, self centric, self secluding, wicked generation in the west.
Matthew Barrett. MBTS, great theologian that loves and writes for the Church
Barrett? He's wading around in the Tiber with his Aquinas admiration. He's already had at least one student convert to Romanism.
Jonny Ardavanis is the person came up to my mind.
Well, you for one! So many claim to love R.C. Sprouls teachings, then become Baptist! Covenant theology is important! Michael Kruger(Rts Charlotte)is another nominee! Of course, Voddie Baucham has already been mentioned and is about as close to Presbyterian as you can get!
I would add “humility” to your list. Isaiah 66:3
THE Lord will pick who He deems necessary and the qualifications. Thanks anyway though, I have wondered the same thing lately.
Actually he does this by Apostolic succession. He sent the apostles, they appointed leaders and in turn they also did so. You have to have the laying on of hands by someone who also had hands laid on them all the way back to the Apostles. That's how it actually works.
They cannot be replaced because their pastorhood was invalid.
Since you had mentioned worshiptainment, I’m wondering what your thoughts were on Keith Green? He rose out of the music industry but was and is massively influential on many Christians.
Aw, I loved his music so much! In a way, it's good he wasn't around long enough to be corrupted.
@@Yesica1993💯
I saw him just before he passed away. I’ll never forget that Summer. 😢
@@Adaisy45 Wow! He died just a few years before I got saved. But then I didn't discover him until a few years after that. It was the perfect time for me, as I was struggling in my still-new faith. I can't wait to worship Jesus with him forever! I can't imagine how many new sings he's written. And they'll be better than anything he did here on earth. Can you imagine?
@@Yesica1993 I saw him at a Summer Festival in Michigan where we live and he died less than a month later. I was right in the front and he was playing the piano and singing beautifully. I’m so glad you found his music! And most of all glad you found Christ Jesus! Amen!
11:01
"... zealous for the lost. They're going to have to love the lost and try ardently to reach them with the gospel, not necessarily using the shame and blame game tactics of the world on the lost, but rather to try to reclaim the lost for the glory of Christ by actually loving them with a powerful witness and testimony that compels people, draws people to Christianity rather than repulsing them from it."
I agree that we don't use the "shame & blame tactics of the world." But I think we are past the era where we can just show love to people and be "winsome" and that will compel them. People are more hard and hateful of the things of God than I have ever seen them. They need to be told to repent. We are already under judgment and it will only get worse if this country keeps going this way.
People can also no longer reason. They cannot follow a logical train of thought, much less write or think that way. I know that firsthand because I do transcription for work. It's really noticeable when you're typing out speech. It's very disturbing. I don't know how to communicate in any other way.
Steven Lawson ofcourse, Paul Washer and Martin Reeves
But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you;
but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you,
you will abide in Him. First John chapter 2 verse 27 (No one replaces the Spirit of the Beloved Son, the Holy Spirit, my teacher.)
I'm not trying to earn brownie points, but I honestly think you could be one of those men. You're young, orthodox, zealous, a clear and concise communicator. You're an encourager rather than a scolder like the boys over at G3. I'm going to pray that God might sovereignly open up doors for your ministry to expand and reach believer and non-believer across the globe. Just one side note: Remember, Ligonier was in fact a para-church organization ;-).
Perhaps it is good that we no longer have leaders, as it currently is. Perhaps it will finally become like the priesthood of the believers should, rather than a business structured church system
Neil Stewart…Columbia, SC…successor to Derek Thomas at First Pres. Dr Stewart is a genius..a former medical doctor.
Neil Stuart is dynamic
A few people come to mind to me:
Jeff Durbin, Joel Webbon, Joshua Haymes, Andrew Isker, Jacob Tanner, Josh Howard, Joe Rigney, Redeemed Zoomer, of course you, among others who have been gaining popularity recently.
Redeemed Zoomer is very problematic when it comes to rightly dividing the word of truth for instance, six-day, wwflood, etc. theistic evolution the worst of them, mark and avoid him, good advice.
i hope redeemed zoomer as much as i love his channel doesn't have a shaping voice in the new generation but with his ministry i fear it is very likely but it's God's plan not mine
Redeemed zoomed has a lot of zeal and knowledge but is very Nieve and very emotionally lead
@@SilentEcho4178 well, he says that he loves baptists but he just makes fun of them because they accept criticism the best well whatever, i feel like there are better ways to be brother in Christ but he is in a texas college which means he meets 90percent of baptists ( from Christians) so if he meant it, he probably wouldn't have gone to study there.
My issue is that he teaches salvific baptism to such a big audience which are often new Christians which is very bad
Redeemed Zoomer thinks the PCUSA is the best Presbyterian denomination. 😂😂😂
BTW, I think Sinclair Ferguson despite his popularity is very underrated. He is absolutely gorgeous, orthodox and a man of a very profound thought. Very sad that Scotland doesn't produce anymore men of this range.
I think if we ignore the Postmill wing of evangelicalism as many are in the habit of doing, it seems pretty hopeless. But if we can get past all of the rhetoric around Christian Nationalism, there are men who fit your description very well who are laser focused on fighting toward a brighter future in Christs kingdom.
"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are"
I don’t mean this in a sarcastic way, but do you want the next leader to be foolish?
The Lord chooses the weak, and those who are called foolish by the world, and those who are base. If you disagree with that, you do not believe His word.
The instructions in Timothy are that pastors train men in their churches whom the Lord has saved, some of whom will enter the ministry. We have blinded our eyes to big media personalities and what appeals to our senses, forgetting that God is no respecter of persons, like man is, and that the Lord uses the weak, so that the power will not be in man but in God. The disciples were unlearned and yet the Lord chose them, saved them, and made them his shepherds.
Please heavenly Father, please raise up such a man. We so need a voice in the wilderness. For the sake of my grandchildren and the world they will have to live in, please, I beg you, provide someone who will speak Your truth and give them something to cling to.
Don't worry he has, watch Father Mike Schmitz on RUclips.
I'd say Brian Sauve, et al in Ogden, UT; Toby Sumpter, et al in Moscow, ID; Jeff Durbin, et al in AZ; Voddie Bauchaum, and I pray more!
Good video I do agree. Not from my generation (millennials) they aren't ready to lead like this.
I think Johnny Ardavantis, Costi Hinn, Owen Strachan, Vodie Baucham, Burk Parsons and Jeff Durbin will be the top candidates as of right now.
Owen Strachan ?
Nah, he may have a lot of books but his Theology is a jumbled mess
Owen is the woke guy who doesn't realize how woke he still is.
@@toolegittoquit_001 give me an example
@@anthonyfava9367 give me an example
Costi Hinn is such a gift!
I believe we are close to the rapture..we obviously don’t know the day but as we look as biblical prophecies, things are being revealed. The best is to stay or join a gospel based church
Rapture isn't in the bible unless by rapture you mean final return.
@@jkproluigi7473 I've come to that conclusion as well. But try to tell many Christians this, and they nearly have a stroke.
More importantly, most can't even spell Dispensationalism, much less know the significance implications of this man-made theology
Yall took my comment down.
America has never had a reformation, without it I'm afraid we move towards neopaganism. Let us pray 🙏
Pastor Matthew your describing the qualifications of an elder or deacon.
Yes and part of a legitimate pastor is laying on of hands by someone who can trace it back to the Apostles. Only the Orthodox or Catholics have that. And thats my unbiased opinion mind you. The reality is none of these guys are pastors so they cannot be succeeded. They were all self appointed.
Although it's not a necessity I'm also wondering if the next church leaders won't be Western... I'm thinking of someone like Conrad Mbewe. The demographics of the church are changing and the future leaders need to reflect that.
I hope whoever picks up the batton doesn't fall into the "fantasy football must have this this and this..." The word will continue. I am new faith so I apologise, but my limited understanding but doesn’t God make use of the flawed?
Doug Wilson, James White, Jeff Durbin
Both Doug and James are in their latter years so their impact is time - limited
Yes...
Jared Longshore and Joel Webbon are fairly young. I don't think we need a single rock star but as in previous ages a range of voices such as Knox, Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Whitfield and more each with their own strengths and communication skills.
Maybe it’s going to be more of a “populist” movement, where there will be more good above average people rather than brilliant, who understand what’s going on and can reach their local community more personally. Even though the best of Christian leaders have passed or are passing, their work is archived and easily accessible to the next generation and still impact us. Probably a more relational Christianity is the way forward now. I would still pray for God to raise up spiritual leaders, though!
That’s what I was thinking. Maybe a couple key figures to push church unity, along with a higher degree of education and passion for God, bringing a new Puritan generation.
This is essentially what they are trying to do in Moscow. Doug Wilson gave a talk I think through Right Response Ministries where he said once their church gets to a certain size, they plant a new church and try to raise up and support new leaders. I believe it’s one of the principles the CREC was founded upon.
Matt Ever...whatever his name is?
How about you?
Gavin Ortlund and Tom Brewer.
Well hopefully Abraham Piper doesn't replace John Piper. As for Piper-YIKES.
The big names we know made their names with books, cassette tapes and VHS tapes. After the Internet, websites, RUclips channels and podcasts gave lesser-known pastors and scholars access to a greater audience. Now, with AI, deepfakes and more, Hollywood stars can appear in movies as their younger selves when they are old, and alive when they are dead. So the next big leap would be to bring back historical figures, even old preachers, into a realistic, digital form, for either the screen or VR. And virtual conferences on a Meta-like platform may become the new way for the Church to meet, much like it did through Zoom and live streaming during COVID. But I suspect that the next top Bible teachers will be a humanized and advanced form of ChatGPT, fully customizable in appearance, voice, and language.
You need to specify "Reformed", cuz that's all you're referring to. There are many good non-reformed teachers, they're just not celebrities like these guys. You also need to specify that it's based on what you think a good leader is
I was thinking that the men who have been great among us and are now gone didn’t think they were great or strived for that title. Like Calvin, who wanted his grave unmarked so not to be revered, that’s the godly attitude of faithful men. True Christian humility, magnifying Jesus. RC Sproul and James Montgomery Boice were two like that. I just discovered Pastor Hensworth Jonas, he checked off lots of boxes. God bless 🙏