OK, This Makes Me Sad!

The Church Report's 50 Most Influential Christians. I've never paid much attention to this list before...for some reason it caught me this year.

via Addison Road...where Michael Lee points out that Billy Graham is only #3.

#1 T.D. Jakes beat Billy Graham? Huh? (OK, sure, but # 1 ???) (#6 last year)

#2 Joel Osteen beat Billy Graham? Double Huh? (Do we REALLY need a church that big? Goes with your head, Joel) (#5 last year)

I guess I should note that Pres. Bush (#1) and Mel Gibson (#2) beat Billy Graham (#3) last year. The man gets no RESPECT. Billy Graham should be the most influential Christian for ALL TIME. My $.02.

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That said...there are all the "expected" people on the list, but there are some entries I particularly like, dislike, or wouldn't expect. Their previous ranking is noted in parentheses.

#8 President George W. Bush - (#1 last year)

#11 Luis Palau - Portland's man! (Not listed last year)

#23 Jay Sekulow from the ACLJ - This guy is helping us Christians know our rights! (#49 last year)

#25 Rob Bell of Mars Hill and NOOMA - If you haven't checked out NOOMA, you should. (Not listed last year)

#30 Benny Hinn ??? - No comment... (#19 last year)

#32 Len Sweet - He's the man! (Not listed last year)

#40 Sean Hannity - OK, I can see this...didn't expect it tho. (Not listed last year)

#42 Brian McLaren - Need I say more? (Not listed last year)

# 43 Erwin McManus - The Barbarian (#33 last year)

#44 Pope Benedict XVI - Only #44?? (Not listed last year for obvious reasons. Pope John Paul II not listed last year)

#45 Beth Moore - YAY! She taught me everything I know about the Bible! (well not everything...but lots of it.) (Not listed last year)

#50 Dr. Phil ???? Umm, okaaay... in echoing Michael Lee...huh?(#50 last year)

Of Note: Last year Pat Roberston was #17...this year he's noticeably absent. Hmm...is he listening?

You can see more of our "pomerganic" people are being recognized for making a difference! Yay!

Edit: Sometimes I think before I speak. We all do. I just want to say in hindsight if any of my ruminations about this list offended you, I am truly sorry. I was simply poking fun...maybe where I shouldn't have. All these people are working for Gods kindgom...I don't deny that, even if I don't agree with their particular approach. I thank God for people who are willing to give so much of themselves...and I know God can use them.