Billy and Franklin Graham, Joel Osteen Top List of Most Influential Christians
- Veronica Olson Neffinger Content Editor
- Updated Nov 21, 2017
Newsmax has released their list of the 100 most influential Christians, and Billy and Franklin Graham, along with Joel Osteen, top that list.
Those who made the list come from various denominations within Christianity, and certainly wouldn’t always agree with each other, but at least one thing they share is their profound impact on their faith communities and beyond.
Topping the list as the most influential Christian is the Rev. Billy Graham, who recently celebrated his ninety-ninth birthday. Following Billy Graham is his son, the Rev. Franklin Graham who heads the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, as well as the ministry Samaritan’s Purse.
Next on the list is Lakewood Church pastor Joel Osteen. Although Osteen has been criticized for his propensity to preach a prosperity gospel, he has thousands of supporters, and 45,000 people attend Lakewood’s weekly services.
Fourth on the list is former Arkansas governor and pastor Mike Huckabee. Huckabee has been influential in both the Church and in politics. He ran for president twice, most recently in 2016.
Other names on the list include Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church, Jerry Falwell Jr., the Chancellor of Liberty University, Vice President Mike Pence, former Alaska governor and vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, and many other pastors, speakers, authors, and politicians.
To read the full list, click here.
Photo courtesy: Getty Images
Publication date: November 21, 2017
