John Piper
John Piper (born January 11, 1946) is the founder and lead teacher of Desiring God, chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, and former senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church (1980-2013), where he served for nearly 33 years. The son of a traveling evangelist, Piper studied English at Wheaton College, earned his BD from Fuller Theological Seminary, and completed a doctorate from the University of Munich, establishing himself as one of the most influential Reformed pastor-theologians of our generation.
Piper's theological vision, grounded in the concept of "Christian hedonism" (the pursuit of joy in God as the highest good), permeates his more than fifty books including the eponymous Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life, and Providence. Through Desiring God Ministries (founded 1994), his prolific writing, preaching, and digital ministry, Piper has shaped evangelical theology and practice around the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples through Jesus Christ.
Recent Articles by John Piper
Frequently Asked Questions about John Piper
Is John Piper a Calvinist?
Yes. Piper is one of the best-known Reformed (Calvinist) Baptist theologians of his generation and a central figure in the 'New Calvinism' resurgence. He affirms the doctrines of grace, including unconditional election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
What denomination is John Piper?
Piper is a Baptist. He pastored Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis from 1980 to 2013; the church belongs to Converge (formerly the Baptist General Conference). His ministry through Desiring God is interdenominational.
What is Christian hedonism?
Christian hedonism is Piper's signature teaching that the pursuit of joy in God is not optional but essential to the Christian life. Its best-known summary is 'God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him,' developed in his 1986 book Desiring God.
What does John Piper do now?
Since leaving the pastorate in 2013, Piper has served full time as founder and lead teacher of desiringGod.org and as chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis. He continues to write, preach at conferences, and answer questions on the Ask Pastor John podcast.
What books has John Piper written?
Piper has authored more than 50 books, including Desiring God, Don't Waste Your Life, Let the Nations Be Glad!, and the 700-page Providence. Nearly all of his sermons, articles, and books are available free at desiringGod.org.