Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700–1760) Historians have called Count Zinzendorf “the rich young ruler who said yes.” Born into great wealth and a position of power, he was a member in the court of one of the great thrones of Europe. Even so, he regarded pastors of small congregations as more...

Jon Amos Comenius (1592-1671) Jon Amos Comenius has been listed as one of the five people to most impact the modern world. Some would argue that he should be at the top of that list. Considered the “Father of Modern Education,” Comenius was the first to effectively advocate for educating all...

John Hus John Hus was a priest, pastor, professor, and philosopher, but his greatest impact was as a teacher and author devoted to biblical truth. Born in a town in southern Bohemia in the late 1300s, he preceded Martin Luther by one hundred years, and many historians consider him the first true...

Derek Prince (1915-2003) Born in Bangalore, India to British parents, Derek Prince became a Fellow at King’s College, Cambridge at twenty-four. He seemed destined to become a noted scholar, but the outbreak of World War II changed his trajectory when he entered the British Army. While serving under...

John G. Lake (1870–1935) John Graham Lake could be compared to Jacob, the biblical character and schemer. He was ordained in the Methodist Church after claiming to have graduated from a seminary that did not exist. Even so, his passionate desire to serve the Lord would, like Jacob, be changed to...

Maria Woodworth-Etter (1844–1924) The short list of extraordinary Christians should include Maria Woodworth-Etter. Her radical obedience to Christ challenged some of the most powerful religious prejudices and traditions of her day. She did this not by preaching against them, but by demonstrating...

My purpose in sharing these brief biographies of great Christian lives is to encourage you to go deeper in study of the lives of those who especially inspired you. Their stories can influence us in a way that is like being one of their disciples. The stories of those who walked with God still have...

Smith Wigglesworth 1859 – 1947 British evangelist Smith Wigglesworth had one of the most extraordinary ministries of the 20 th century. He continues to be a great inspiration to evangelists and believers around the world who believe the Lord still heals and delivers. Born into poverty in Yorkshire...

George Whitefield 1714-1770 For a time, George Whitefield was one of the most widely recognized names in the world. He was certainly the best-known religious leader of his time and is credited with the spread of the First Great Awakening. This Awakening not only brought profound changes to...

Jonathan Edwards 1703 - 1758 Jonathan Edwards is considered one of the greatest intellects America ever produced, yet he is perhaps best known for a single sermon he preached entitled "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Is this one of the great ironies of history, or could it be both fitting...