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20 Famous Preachers Who Are Also Talented Writers

Beyond delivering powerful sermons from the pulpit, some of history’s most renowned preachers have also shared their wisdom and spiritual insights through the written word.

Their profound teachings, communicated via books, letters, and other literary compositions, have continued to spread inspiring Bible stories and propagate their message long after their voices fell silent. These preacher-authors, who are spiritual trailblazers in their own right, shared their convictions with the wider public through their writings.

Through these penned reflections, they have stirred hearts, expanded intellectual horizons, shaped theological discourse, and fostered a deeper connection to one’s faith. While their spoken sermons may have resonated with hundreds during their lifetimes, their eloquent written expressions reached millions across generations.

Here are 20 famous preachers from various eras and faiths whose talent for the written word allowed their wisdom to transcend time and place. 

1. Joel Osteen

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Joel Scott Osteen is a Texan-based American pastor, televangelist, entrepreneur, and author.

He is widely recognized for his weekly televised sermons and a series of highly successful books. Osteen is a prominent figure within the realm of prosperity theology, a stance that has garnered both support and criticism.

His inaugural book, “Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential,” was published in October 2004 and achieved the coveted top spot on The New York Times Best Seller list.

In October 2007, he released his second book, “Become a Better You: 7 Keys to Improving Your Life Every Day,” which also secured the number one position on the same Best Seller list and had an initial print run of three million copies. 

Osteen has emphasized that this book places a particular emphasis on nurturing relationships and avoiding stagnation in our life’s journey. Alongside these two publications, Osteen has authored over 18 additional books.

2. John Piper

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John Stephen Piper is an American theologian specializing in the New Testament. He is a Baptist Calvinist scholar, and minister, and holds the position of chancellor at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Prior to this role, Piper devoted six years (1974–1980) to teaching biblical studies at Bethel University. Subsequently, he assumed the responsibilities of pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church, an affiliation of Converge, where he served for an extensive 33-year period (1980–2013).

In addition, Piper is the creator and principal instructor at desiringGod.org, a website influenced by his book “Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist” (1986).

He has authored a range of well-received works, including recipients of the ECPA Christian Book Award like “Spectacular Sins,” “What Jesus Demands from the World,” “Pierced by the Word,” and “God’s Passion for His Glory.” Furthermore, he has written bestsellers like “Don’t Waste Your Life” and “The Passion of Jesus Christ.”

3. Mark Dever

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Mark E. Dever is a theologian renowned for his role as the senior pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. He is also the president of 9Marks, an organization he co-established to foster the establishment of biblically sound churches in America.

Dever’s extensive experience includes teaching in the Divinity faculty at the University of Cambridge, as well as serving as an associate pastor at Eden Baptist Church in Cambridge for a period of two years.

Some of his notable literary works encompass titles like “Polity: A Collection of Historic Baptist Documents-Biblical Arguments on How to Conduct Church Life” (2001), “A Display of God’s Glory” (2001), “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church” (2004), “The Deliberate Church – Building Your Ministry on the Gospel” (2005), “The Message of the New Testament: Promises Kept” (2005), “The Message of the Old Testament: Promises Made” (2006), and “By Whose Authority? Elders in Baptist Life” (2006).

4. David Platt

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David Platt, an evangelical Baptist pastor of American descent, held the role of senior pastor at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2006 to 2014.

During this period, he gained recognition as the youngest megachurch pastor in the United States. Following his tenure at Brook Hills, from 2014 to 2017, Platt assumed the position of president at the International Mission Board.

In 2017, he transitioned to the role of pastor-teacher at McLean Bible Church. One of his most notable achievements is the authorship of the 2010 New York Times Best Seller “Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream.”

Additionally, he has produced several other impactful works, including “Because We Are Called to counter culture: In a World of poverty, same-sex marriage, racism, sex slavery, immigration, persecution, abortion, orphans, and pornography” (2015), “Something needs to change: A call to make your life count in a world of urgent need” (2019), “Follow Him: A 35-Day Call to Live for Christ No Matter the Cost” (2020), “Before you vote: Seven questions every Christian should ask” (September 4, 2020), and “Don’t Hold Back: Leaving Behind the American Gospel to Follow Jesus Fully” (2023).

5. Russell Moore

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Russell D. Moore, an American theologian, ethicist, and preacher, took on the role of director for the Public Theology Project at Christianity in June 2021.

Subsequently, on August 4, 2022, it was announced that he would be assuming the position of Editor-in-Chief for the magazine.

Previously, Moore held the position of president at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, which serves as the public policy branch of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

He also had significant roles at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, including serving as dean of the School of Theology, senior vice president for academic administration, and as a professor specializing in theology and ethics.

Notably, in 2015, his book “Onward: Engaging the Culture Without Losing the Gospel” was honoured with the “Beautiful Orthodoxy Book of the Year” award by Christianity Today.

6. Wayne Grudem

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Wayne A. Grudem, initially a scholar of the New Testament in the Bible who later transitioned into theology, holds positions as a seminary professor and accomplished author. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood and took on the role of general editor for the ESV Study Bible. 

Notably, he is the author of several books, most notably “Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine,” which advocates for various theological positions, including Calvinistic soteriology, the verbal plenary inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible, believer’s baptism, a plural-elder form of church governance, an Old Earth creationist perspective, and a complementarian stance on gender relationships.

Grudem’s “Systematic Theology” has had a substantial influence and has seen widespread circulation, with hundreds of thousands of copies sold. He maintained non-cessationist beliefs and, at one point, expressed qualified support for the Vineyard Movement.

In recent times, Grudem’s publications have shifted focus towards applying the ethical teachings of the Bible to broader societal realms such as government and economics.

7. Tim Keller

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Timothy James Keller, an American Calvinist clergyman, preacher, theologian, and Christian defender, played pivotal roles in various significant endeavours.

He co-founded and served as chairman of Redeemer City to City, an organization dedicated to training pastors for global service. Additionally, Keller served as the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.

He also authored several highly acclaimed books, including The New York Times bestsellers “The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith” (2008), “Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God” (2014), and “The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” (2008).

A precursor to the latter work is “Making Sense of GOD: An Invitation to the Skeptical” (2016).

8. Max Lucado

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Max Lucado is a minister based in San Antonio, Texas, affiliated with Oak Hills Church. He is widely known for his extensive literary contributions, having authored nearly 100 books, which collectively boast a circulation of 145 million copies hence becoming one of the most famous Christian authors.

Lucado’s literary accomplishments encompass winning the Charles “Kip” Jordon Gold Medallion Christian Book of the Year award on three separate occasions for notable works like “Just Like Jesus,” “In the Grip of Grace,” and “When God Whispers Your Name.”

Furthermore, his books have demonstrated consistent popularity, earning placements on various esteemed bestseller lists, including the New York Times Best Seller List. Lucado received the honorary title of “America’s Pastor” from Christianity Today and was acknowledged as “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest in 2005. 

His influence extends beyond the written word, as he has made appearances on several distinguished platforms like The Fox News Channel, NBC Nightly News, Larry King Live, LLBN, and USA Today. Lucado has also been invited as a prominent speaker at the National Prayer Breakfast.

9. Ravi Zacharias

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Frederick Antony Ravi Kumar Zacharias, originally from India and later a Canadian-American, was a prominent Christian evangelical minister and apologist.

He established Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) and devoted over four decades to the field of Christian apologetics.

With a prolific career, he authored upwards of thirty books and hosted radio programs such as Let My People Think and Just Thinking. Zacharias held ordination as a minister within the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), a Keswickian Christian denomination.

10. N.T. Wright

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Nicholas Thomas Wright, also known as N. T. Wright or Tom Wright, is a prominent English scholar who specializes in the New Testament and Pauline theology. Additionally, he holds a position as an Anglican bishop.

He served as the bishop of Durham from 2003 to 2010 and later took on the role of research professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at St Mary’s College within the University of St Andrews in Scotland until 2019.

Subsequently, he became a senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, which is associated with the University of Oxford.

Wright’s writings predominantly delve into the dynamic between theology and Christian living. With an extensive body of work comprising over seventy books, he is highly regarded within academic and theological spheres.

His “Christian Origins and the Question of God” series, in particular, has earned significant acclaim. Among these, the third volume, “The Resurrection of the Son of God,” is widely recognized by numerous clergy and theologians as a pivotal Christian work addressing the resurrection of Jesus.

11. J.I. Packer

James Innell Packer, originally from England but later becoming a Canadian citizen, was a significant figure in the low-church Anglican and Calvinist traditions.

He held a prominent position as one of the most influential evangelicals in North America, chiefly recognized for his bestselling work “Knowing God,” which was published in 1973. Additionally, he played a crucial role as an editor for the English Standard Version of the Bible.

Packer was notable for endorsing the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and for his involvement in organizations like the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. 

He also contributed to the collaborative effort “Evangelicals and Catholics Together” in 1994.

His final academic role was as the board of governors’ Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he served from 1996 until his retirement in 2016 due to deteriorating eyesight.

12. Paul Tripp

Paul David Tripp, holding a Doctor of Ministry degree from Westminster Theological Seminary, is a pastor, acclaimed author, and a sought-after speaker at international conferences.

Among his many written works, the best-selling book “New Morning Mercies” stands out. Through his nonprofit organization, Tripp aims to bridge the impact of Jesus Christ’s transformative power with everyday life.

He resides in Philadelphia with his wife, Luella, and together they have four adult children. Tripp, also the president of Paul Tripp Ministries, serves as the executive director of the Center for Pastoral Life and Care in Fort Worth, Texas, and has been an instructor at esteemed institutions globally.

He is the author of numerous books addressing various aspects of Christian life and pastoral ministry, including titles like “Whiter Than Snow,” “Dangerous Calling,” and “Sex and Money.”

13. Thabiti Anyabwile

Thabiti M. Anyabwile is currently a pastor at Anacostia River Church in Washington, DC, and has authored several books.

He plays a role as a council member for the Gospel Coalition, takes on a lead writing position at 9Marks Ministries, and frequently contributes to blogs at The Front Porch and Pure Church.

14. Voddie Baucham Jr.

Voddie Tharon Baucham, Jr. is an American pastor, author, and educator. He presently serves as the Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia.

Previously, he held the position of pastor at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, Texas, which was affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. In 2015, he made the transition to Zambia. Baucham also takes on a role as a board member of Founders Ministries.

In his 2021 book, “Fault Lines: The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe,” Baucham offers his critiques of the social justice movement. He argues that Critical Theory and its derivatives, including Critical Race Theory-Intersectionality and Critical Social Justice, have their roots in Western Marxism.

Additionally, he contends that the public discourse surrounding social justice spreads misinformation and fundamentally clashes with Christianity, presenting an alternative worldview.

15. D.A. Carson

Donald Arthur Carson is an esteemed evangelical scholar known for his expertise in the Bible. Holding the esteemed position of Distinguished Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, he is also a founding president of the Gospel Coalition.

Carson boasts an extensive body of work, encompassing around sixty books, if not more. Notably, in 2022, he assumed the role of president of the Evangelical Theological Society.

Carson’s contributions to New Testament studies have earned him recognition, with many hailing him for his pivotal role in contemporary evangelical scholarship. He’s often commended as one of the few remaining versatile scholars in this field, drawing comparisons to Renaissance figures.

Carson’s writings span a wide range of topics, including the New Testament itself, hermeneutics, biblical theology, the Greek New Testament, and the interplay between the Old and New Testaments, among others.

16. Owen Strachan

Owen Strachan currently serves as the provost and holds the position of research professor of theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary. He is also a senior fellow affiliated with the Center for Biblical Worldview at the Family Research Council.

Strachan earned his doctorate in theological studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, a master’s degree from Southern Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, one of the best colleges in the USA. In addition to his academic pursuits, Strachan is an accomplished author with notable works including “Christianity and Wokeness,” “Reenchanting Humanity,” and “Always in God’s Hands.” He is a devoted husband and proud father of three children.

17. Paul Miller

Paul Miller serves as the head of seeJesus, a worldwide disciplining venture, and is an accomplished author known for his widely-read books and interactive Bible studies such as “A Praying Life” and “J-Curve”.

Guided by Paul’s leadership, seeJesus Ministry is committed to equipping the church to comprehend and embody the essence of Christ’s life, demise, and resurrection through resources and educational programs focused on discipleship.

Together, they strive to rekindle in the church the fundamental passions of Christianity: a deep love for Jesus, an aspiration to follow his example, and a genuine, engaged relationship with the Father.

18. Jonathan Leeman

Jonathan Leeman is an elder at Cheverly Baptist Church located on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. He serves as the editorial director for 9Marks and is the author of “How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics for a Divided Age,” which was published by Thomas Nelson.

He also works as the editorial director for 9Marks. Jonathan has authored multiple books covering different facets of the church and is in charge of managing the 9Marks Journal and book series.

Dedicated to serving the church, he has a PhD in ecclesiology from the University of Wales  and a master’s degree in divinity from Southern Seminary.

19. Bill Hybels

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William Hybels is a prominent American religious leader and author. He is the original and former senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois,  Chicago known for its high attendance rates, with approximately 24,000 attendees on average as of late 2018.

Hybels is the founder of the Willow Creek Association and is credited with establishing the Global Leadership Summit.

Additionally, he has authored several Christian books, particularly focusing on the topic of Christian leadership. Some of his well-known works include “Authenticity: Being Honest with God and Others” (co-authored with Kevin Harney), “Axiom: Powerful Leadership Proverbs,” “Becoming a Contagious Christian” (co-authored with Mark Mittelberg), and “Character: Reclaiming Six Endangered Qualities” (co-authored with Kevin Harney).

20. Francis Chan

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Francis Chan is a prominent American Protestant figure from California recognized for his contributions as an author, educator, and preacher.

He formerly served as the teaching pastor at Cornerstone Community Church, an Evangelical congregation located in Simi Valley, California, which he established in 1994.

Additionally, Chan played a pivotal role in the founding of Eternity Bible College in 2004 and served as its early chancellor until 2010.

Chan has actively participated as a board member in various Christian and social justice organizations, including the Children’s Hunger Fund and Gospel for Asia.

He has authored and co-authored numerous books, among them the highly successful “Crazy Love,” which achieved New York Times bestselling status. Furthermore, Chan has taken on the role of ambassador for Care for Children.

Through their eloquent writings, these preacher-authors built a lasting legacy that continues to shape theology, inspire faith, and spark positive change. Though their vocal messages were limited to their lifetimes, their impact still echoes through their works centuries later. Some have proceeded to become singers as a means to spread the Gospel to the extent of becoming the best Gospel singers.

Together, their spiritual guidance lights the way; their poetic words stir our souls. Their wisdom reaches across ages, denominations, and divides to touch our common humanity.

For their books will persist as testaments to the power of the pen, and the gift of transforming lives through heartfelt prose that stirs both mind and spirit.